Key Information
- Product: Denso Oxygen Sensor – Sold individually
- Price: From $31.99 (Note that price may change from the time the review is published.)
- Vehicle: 2006 Ford Explorer XLS 6 Cyl 4.0L; 4th Generation (2006 – 2010)
- Reviewer: Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Why You May Need A Denso Oxygen Sensor
My existing O2 Sensors both have a ragged, lazy rich pattern. Using the scan tool, all inputs are as they should be, fuel trims are acceptable, and there are no DTCs. However, the O2 sensor switching pattern, while adequate to maintain proper fuel trim, looks to me to be ragged and somewhat rich.
Product Review
Denso Replacement Oxygen Sensor
The Denso oxygen sensor, despite slight design differences from the OEM, worked well after some installation challenges, producing a more accurate pattern on the scan tool than the old sensor on a 2006 Ford Explorer 4.0L.
Why You Should Trust This Review
Initial Observations
The unit was slightly different but worked fine. The leads were longer than the OEM’s. The sensor bulb cage was also a different design. However, no issues arose with either of these.
The Fit
The Denso oxygen sensors came with anti-seize packets (some already have it on the threads when the sensor is unpackaged). The longer leads aren’t so much a problem – shorter leads would be. The included anti-seize compound is the copper-based type, and is better than graphite.
Installation
On the 2006 Explorer 4.0L, the sensor connectors are somewhat challenging and one of the sensors was resistant enough to loosening that an air hammer had to be used. Reconnecting the new sensors was also somewhat challenging due to the connector locations.
Performance and Overall Quality
The pattern the new sensors produced was more satisfactory than the original sensors, which had nearly 100,000 miles. And O2 sensors do wear out sometimes and get skewed or sluggish. Since the pattern was the same on both OEM sensors, it may have been due to the different bulb cage design, but the new sensors (I believe) are producing a more accurate pattern.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Denso is a well known brand that can be trusted.
Cons
- The sensors weren’t exactly like the OEM and the leads were longer and needed to be wire-tied to prevent chafing, etc.
The Verdict
Great overall value. I highly recommend these Denso sensors from CarParts.com for a durable replacement.
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