Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (October 2014, week 5)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Thu, 30 Oct 2014 09:34:44 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Single wire Oxygen sensor: Substitution report..
Comments: To: "Vanagons and VW Buses (Bays) with VW inline gas engines"
          <vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines@googlegroups.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I run digifant engine management for my inline VW ABA Jetta motored vanagon...same as the stock Vanagons but with the inline motor providing the go..A few weeks ago I had some problems with my engine management system and traced it to a dysfunctional Oxygen sensor. I'm almost positive the problems were a result of bad wiring between the O2 sensor and the ECU, but I have no actual confirmation of that.

Anyhow, I was unhappy with the cost of replacing the Bosch 3-wire heated Oxygen sensor in my rig...the best I could find was about $70 for another Bosch heated sensor, and that one didn't even have the proper plug for my wiring harness...So I did some research, called around a bit and asked...and the general response was that I could replace that 3 wire heated oxygen sensor with the single wire Bosch sensor and save myself about $50 without any real downside to engine performance. But......No one would actually come right out and tell me that. Lotta "Oh, that should be OKs"...and "I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work fine"s....There was also some nebulous opinion as to how to properly connect the sensor...Should the shielded wire loom carry a grounding connection or not...etc...

Anyhow I bought a single wire Bosch from Van Cafe and installed it. The results are quite satisfactory. The only downside has been that after sustained highway driving if you shut off the motor for a short while the idle speed is a little low...low enough to stall sometimes...for just a couple of seconds, until the O2 sensor gathers enough heat to resume proper function, I guess.

I have regained my fuel economy...back up to 24.xx mpg after 3000 miles with the new sensor. the O2 sensor i again modulating the fuel mix properly....When running with the O2 sensor disconnected from the ECU, I was seeing around 4-6mpg less gas mileage but the motor felt quite happy and strong..

So, in my case, I successfully saved some money on that part and gained back my good gas mileage. Here's a handy app to help you track your fuel...there's one for the smart phones, too.... http://www.fuelly.com/dashboard


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.