Lambda/Oxygen Sensors? (car)

[Ingah]

Looking at buying a replacement Lambda/Oxygen sensor for the girlfriend's car as apparently the existing one is broken.

Have found a cheap one for a MK4 1.3 Ford Fiesta OHV. But her car is only a 1.25 MK4 Ford Fiesta. It's obviously not a huge difference, but it could be significant if the part is designed only to go in a 1.3.

So, is it going to fit - is this a fairly standardised part used across the range, or something that's usually specific to the car with very little if any cross-compatibility?
____________________
-- Ingah

[Pete.]

Yes they are pretty standardised. If it has the same plug and number of wires there's a good chance it will work. It's not gospel, but the odds are good.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Robby]

One word of warning. They are a fairly generic part, but there have been lots of warnings and reports in car mechanics magazine of pattern ones failing, or not working from the start. Generally found out after replacing lots of other components, assuming the new lambda sensor should work.

Have you asked the Ford main dealer, or are you just expecting them to be expensive? You may be surprised.

There may be a difference in those two sensors anyway. You can buy wide-band lambda sensors, which are generally used in tuned/messed with cars. OE one operate in a narrower band, based on what the engine is expected to do. The 1.25 zetec is a far more refined and cleaner engine than the old 1.3 pushrod, which may be a reason for a different sensor.

They are one the very few things where I would go genuine, even if it means spending £50 more.

[0ddball]

As Robby says. Some cars are fine with the cheap pattern ones and some only like genuine ones.

I was once advised by a very competent auto electrician that 2 things you should never go cheap on are oxygen sensors and ignition components.

[andyscooter]

found out today from ngk rep that 90% of sensors are made by ngk

and will cover up a dodgy cat for about an extra thousend miles

and then break again so get sent back as warrenty when its the cat thats broke not the sensor

so an ngk one will be ok but has to be for the car
____________________
gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[Faldo]

Genuine ones do have different part numbers for the 1.3 and 1.25 so they probably are slightly different.

There is a universal Bosch sensor that is designed to fit both the 1.3 and 1.25, however in my considerable experience universal lambda sensors just aren't worth the hassle, best to go OE. Shouldn't be difficult /expensive to get hold of used one TBH.