2002 S80 - Where to find cheap lambda sensors in the UK?

[VolvoC]

Hi, I've recently started working on the old girl again this week, and need to replace the Lambda sensors. I have taken the old ones out successfully, however when trying to find a replacement, i'm struggling to find correct model variants and electrical connectors. I am looking for as cheap as possible, as this is only a project car and not a daily driver. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you - Connor

[ASt85]

Project or otherwise if you want it to run correctly you need to try and fit a replacement made by the original manufacturer of the sensors you've removed - they are usually Denso or sometimes Bosch.

For Denso check here :- http://www.denso-am.co.uk/e-catalogue/

for Bosch check here :- https://uk.bosch-automotive.com/en_G...ambda_sensor_2

then get a local motor factor to quote for the correct catalogue number - the OEM from your car will have the code number on it - that will also appear on the replacement you want.

I replaced a Lamda sensor a couple of years ago (https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?p=2099326) which threw problems with a cheap and cheerful supposedly genuine one from ebay but not the genuine Denso ultimately purchased via a totally reliable local motor factor who ordered it in - the genuine one from the factor was half the price of the local Volvo dealer and only a few pound more than the fleabay version. That said you can buy perfectly genuine ones via the internet - just be careful to check they'll take it back and refund if it turns out to be a dud.

If you phone Denso or Bosch they'll give you the name of your local supplier(s) if you can't find out from their respective websites.

[ma70]

Agreed, whether it's used once a year or every day a good quality item is the way forward.

If you're of a mind to keep costs to a minimum until you've proven it can pass an MoT then a possible route might be used genuine from a scrapyard (if you can find any cars with the same sensors, that is. Not many real Volvo make it into a scrap yard! It's possible other makes used the same sensor though so could cross-reference the P/N). Key thing if removing/refitting used ones yourself is, aside from ascertaining correct part numbers, not to allow any oil or other contaminant to get on the probe part. Especially any sprays that may contain silicone, but best to keep it dry of anything if it's to continue working.

Of course, if/when it's decided that the car is worthwhile, I'd recommend fitting new ones but most importantly the upstream one as that's the one that can damage the cat if it fails. the downstream/post-cat sensor will just flag a fault (or possibly even do nothing) if it fails, since it's just monitoring the output of the cat and looking for a lower reading (catalyst using up oxygen) compared to what went past the front sensor.

[ma70]

Oh, and bear in mind if you're replacing the sensors as a legacy of the fuel contamination with silicone a few years back, or contamination due to oil/coolant burning, that the cat could potentially have been damaged also. If you're not 100% the cat is in good health maybe I'd even go as far as to suggest you replace the whole thing, O2 sensors and all, with a good used one.

[VolvoC]

Really appreciate the advice guys, I really do hope the cat hasn't gone...

[volvo_pete]

Micks Garage were cheapest for me (genuine Bosch items, but I bought for BMW). Might be worth a look.

[VolvoC]

Ended up listening to your advice and buying genuine Denso, didn't feel like investing 70% of the price of a Denso in a Chinese part that might not work. Appreciate the help guys. Thanks for helping me get back on the road

[oragex]

I got myself an NGK (same as NTK) off Ebay 4 years ago so still good. Just triple check with reliable sources/forums/etc to get the exact part number for your year and engine as there is some confusion out there.