Titania Lambda sensor in an 850

It's time for me to replace my Lambda sensor, and I'm having difficulty sourcing a replacement. Most suppliers list a Zirconia sensor for my late '94 2.5 10v 850, but the wiring colours of the original sensor fitted appeared to indicate that it was a Titania one. So on both occasions I have replaced it in the past, I ended up having to splice in a universal Titania sensor.

Does anyone know if there was a change in the type of sensor used during production of the 850, and how to go about obtaining the correct one without paying main dealer prices.

Or would it be possible to simply substitute the Titania sensor with the cheaper and more readily available Zirconia sensor.

Dave.

[warthog]

Dave,

a couple of observations. On the type of sensor used, if you have a chat with your local Bosch dealer, they should be able to provide you with the correct OEM fitment with the correct plug for your MY and at considerably lower prices than Volvo.

From your post, you imply that this is the third sensor that you have fitted. Even assuming that no others have been fitted this is only an average life of 3 years. Is this not an excessive use of the sensors? Do you know why you're getting through so many? I would have expected a life expectancy of 70k ish, or is this being overly optimistic? My T5 for example got to 100,000 miles before the original sensor failed. Before that, the Renault Espace (Shock horror!) that I had from new, had a new sensor at around 75,000 miles.

[cootuk]

My 1996 2.5l 10v also uses a heated titania sensor. I emailed a few companies that deal in aftermarket generic ones with my model and engine type, but none had a generic version in the Bosch or NGK catalogues.
In the end I bit the bullet and paid the £170 at a local garage...Nordic do it a bit cheaper, and Eurocarparts do it a lot cheaper but I'm not sure if it is really the right part - seems too cheap.
I see they are usually rated for a lifespan of 100,000 miles now.

Brian,

>From your post, you imply that this is the third sensor that
>you have fitted. Even assuming that no others have been fitted
>this is only an average life of 3 years. Is this not an
>excessive use of the sensors?

Bought the car four years ago with 70k, first sensor was replaced a few months later, then another at about 150k, and now the third at just short of 240k, so I feel I'm getting a reasonable life from the sensors.

When you're doing a high mileage, you start grouping Lambda sensors, cambelts, and front wishbones in with the service items that just need replacing every couple of years ;-)

Dave.

[warthog]

Dave,

You're certainly not letting the grass grow under the 850's wheels are you! :-)