o2 sensor/s

[Bizmark]

How many o2 sensors does a VR V6 with advance headers use? I've spotted one on the left hand side header, shortly after the pipes merge into one. The car was bought with the headers so i'm not sure if there is one on the right hand side, and there wasn't one spotted from an under bonnet inspection.

And would the number of wires on the sensor matter, as its an aftermarket header setup? I'm thinking of replacing the sensors as fuel econ could be better and the exhaust fumes are quite strong, which i think is an indicator of the car running rich.

[The1]

i believe vr just runs 1 sensor and they are 4 wire heated because it's a fair way away from the motor.

[Bizmark]

i believe vr just runs 1 sensor and they are 4 wire heated because it's a fair way away from the motor.

Yeah that sounds right for a VR with standard headers, it'd run a single 4 wire o2 sensor, which is located a little bit ahead of the cat converter. However my car runs aftermarket (advance) headers, and i've spotted an o2 sensor on the left hand side header, which is very close to the engine. Can't see whats on the right hand side as the brake master cylinder is in the way.

I guess with my o2 sensor being close to the engine, i should be running a 2 wire sensor? or stay with the 4 wire that VR's originally use?

[The1]

4 wire is fine, vs's run 4 wire straight out of the headers on the bend near the firewall, the heater will help warm it up from cold quicker

[Z2TT]

When one o2 sensor stops outputting a signal.... does the ECM flash on the CEL? Or do both Sensors need to fail in order for ECM to flash code?

Thanks.

[The1]

if it's like a vs with dual sensors it will usually spit a code saying variation between left and right banks, obviously one side sits rich or lean all the time which isnt' right.

[HSVenforcer]

When one o2 sensor stops outputting a signal.... does the ECM flash on the CEL? Or do both Sensors need to fail in order for ECM to flash code?

Thanks.

In vs there are 2 separate codes, one for each sensor.


edit: did realise pasted web addresses dont work in here. VR ECM Codes..... Code 13 - Oxygen Sensor (O2) - No Signal Code 44 - Oxygen Sensor Lean (O2) V6

Code 45 - Oxygen Sensor Rich (O2)

[Z2TT]

Ahh so 13 Can mean either sensor is bad? or is there the separate code, 13 for one sensor and whats the number for the other?

[Bizmark]

Ok would it be safe to assume that if the factory header setup worked with one 02 sensor, any aftermarket header setup for the same car would also be designed to work with one 02 sensor?

And where would be a good place to source a new 02 sensor, a quality one with a reasonable price?

[HSVenforcer]

Ahh so 13 Can mean either sensor is bad? or is there the separate code, 13 for one sensor and whats the number for the other?

as far as i know vr has only one sensor.Sso code 13 is no signal or the sensor output is out of range of what the ECU is expecting. In vs the codes are used for right hand sensor and the left uses codes - 63 is L/H no signal. 64 is L/H Lean and 65 L/H rich

there is a list in the forums somewhere of commo ecu codes. worth a read

[HSVenforcer]

Ok would it be safe to assume that if the factory header setup worked with one 02 sensor, any aftermarket header setup for the same car would also be designed to work with one 02 sensor?

And where would be a good place to source a new 02 sensor, a quality one with a reasonable price?

Yer a replacement would have one sensor. More than that and you wouldnt have anywhere to plug them in. Not sure with commos but my mate had a lot of trouble with his territory due to where the sensors were placed in the new header. Doubt its to much of an issue with VR but i am sure one of the boffins in here will soon correct me if i am wrong. As far as i could work out it was to do with distance from the engine (the further away the colder the exhaust).

Any decent parts place will have them or can order them in. When i had my VS i used NTK sensors. But Bosch also make them. From memory i think AC delco made the OEM parts. Some petrol heads i have bumped into over the years swear by NTK or Bosch. Shop around because i found the prices to fluctuate quite a lot. Installation is fairly easy as long as you know how to use a spanner.