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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Great overall value. I highly recommend these Denso sensors from CarParts.com for a durable replacement.
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