robmaxfli

Hello,

I've got an 04 Civic DX that needs the upstream Air/Fuel sensor.

The big question is : has anyone found a cheaper aftermarket sensor that actually works? If so, which one is it?

thanks

mac25

Use Denso's online part selector, it should be cheaper than the dealorship; but will be the exact same sensor.


01-03 use a narrow band sensor which operates from 0.1 volts to 0.9 (basically 0-1v). Its vary simple, old technology.

04-05 use wideband sensors. Beleive me they are much more complicated (I tried to create my own wideband gauge). They operate on a variable 0-5v signal, which is constantly communicating with the ecu, to change the voltage to the heater circuit, so the O2 sensor has a nearly perfect even heat. If there is no variation in heat they will get stuck.

If you try an aftermarket cheap sensor 9/10 times you end up buying the OEM one after anyway.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Order online for best price and get a Denso or NTK sensors.

Slumpertcivic

Based on absolutely no proof, I feel that Denso quality checks sensors heading to Honda to higher standards than they sell otherwise.

So many people have reported sporadic results with indirect sales only to have the Honda sold one work every time.

We typically only see the “failures” on the forum so it is skewed, but I can count with one finger how many times a brand new unit from Honda was bad without lifting that finger.

robmaxfli

So if I buy the Denso Part # 234-9005 from RockAuto for $122 I am more likely have a problem than if I was to buy the $233 36531-PLM-306 part from Honda?

Denso states that the Part # 234-9005 works for both 2003 and 2004,5 models. How can this be if the sensor switched to "wideband" in 2004?

There are so many companies that make this sensor - big names like AC Delco, Bosch, Walker , Delphi, . - no one has had success with any of these?

Colin42

It would be a slight chance. The rockauto one is probably fine, I got mine on Amazon from a reputable seller, and I've have no problems

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

2003 was a switchover year so it’s possible some 2003 models have the wide band. There are counterfeit parts out there!! eBay is great for that so if the price is too good to be true it might be a fake. Reputable seller and a price that is in line with other places.

I have always wondered if what slump is saying is true. Gates makes the timing belt for the car but is it really the same quality as a “Honda” gates belt? Same QC standards? Idk the answer and have never had an issue with none Honda branded parts that are the OE manufacturer but I have never put the same amount of miles on it after replacing the old part.

OP how many miles are on the original sensor? You can try a knock off sensor and if you only keep the car for a few years and put 30k more miles on it you will probably be fine but I wouldn’t count on 100k.