3 wire O2 sensor discontinued from Dodge?

[speedfreek500]

I just called the dealer and wanted to buy a 3 wire O2 sensor and was told they were discontinued, i want an oem sensor but i guess NTK will be used :mad:

[bakes]

Convert it to a 4 wire you wiil be glad you did.

[Juggy]

yep and the 4 wire will not phase out for awhile!

[Turbo SOB]

Oddly enough, I have been spending some time trying to find a 4-wire O2 sensor that uses connectors that are common and easy to get. As I'm sure you're aware, the 4-wire connector is an old obsolete design that Chrysler doesn't use anymore, and terminals are difficult to get. Heck, I can't even figure out the manufacturer of these "bullet terminal" style connectors. Chrysler now mostly uses connectors from FCI, TE Connectivity and Yazaki. FCI and TE Connectivity connectors and terminals are fairly easy to get. I have had great success getting Yazaki connectors and terminals as free samples, but I work for an OEM supplier. Buying Yazaki connectors in small quantity is nearly impossible.

I've been trying to find part alternates for all parts that involve these old bullet terminal style connectors, as I've rebuilt a few harnesses and I always run into issues with having to solder old connectors to new wires. My goal is a solder free harness.

Good news is the O2 sensor has a few drop in alternates. The O2 sensors I reviewed are Denso sensors, as they are the same as the NTK sensors, and are easy to find (with pictures) on Rock Auto.

The original is Denso part number 234-4004 - $26.89
http://www.densoaftermarket.com/product_images/o2sn/234-4004.jpg

This is what I've found as a good alternate to the 4-wire, with a Delphi connector whose mating connector parts are readily available on Mouser and whose wire length is nearly identical to the one on the turbo engines and the sensor body itself is indistinguishable:

Denso part number 234-4012 - $26.89
http://www.densoaftermarket.com/product_images/o2sn/234-4012.jpg

The mating connector is a Delphi Metri-Pack 150 series connector, whose part numbers and single piece price are:
Connector body: 12162144 - $1.61
Terminal (need 4): 15366078 - $0.55 (Gold version, a tin version is cheaper and available too)
Terminal Seal (4): 15324973 - $0.06
Terminal Position Assurance: 12047948 - $0.41
Connector Position Assurance (Optional): 12020833 - $0.22
Attachment clip (rosebud style): 12084149 - $0.44
or
Attachment clip (x-mas tree style): 12186353 - $0.35

However.....

If you're a purist, who only puts parts made for Chrysler on your car, you can use the Neon equivalent, and get the TE Connectivity connector parts from Onlinecomponents.com, however, whether or not they are in stock is a crap shoot. Also, I can't seem to find a part number for an attachment clip.

Denso part number 234-4587 - $32.99
http://www.densoaftermarket.com/product_images/o2sn/234-4587.jpg

The mating connector is a TE Connectivity SSC series (Sealed Sensor Connector) connector, whose part numbers and single piece price are:
Connector Body: 184246-1 - $1.69
Terminal (need 4): 184434-1 - $0.13
Terminal Seal (4): 184140-1 - $0.015 (not a typo)

[contraption22]

Why not just use NTK aftermarket sensors?

[Turbo SOB]

NTK and Denso have the same "curve", unlike the Bosch and are a few bucks cheaper.

[Orangetona]

NTK and Denso have the same "curve", unlike the Bosch and are a few bucks cheaper.

Agreed, youll never have a problem with NTK. Ive used (I think) 4 of them and never had an issue.

[speedfreek500]

Thanks for all the info guys, i"am waiting for the dealer to call me back and see what my cost is. He sid retail was $156.00 so i will see what i can get it for.

So Turbo Sob, you are sure the NTK sensors are now made by Denso? And the Denso has the same curve as an oem?

[Turbo SOB]

Sorry, I meant the Denso is a bit cheaper than the NTK. I edited the post to delete that comment, I can find no evedince to support it. I maintain they are the same curve.

[RoadWarrior222]

I heard it told ages ago that OEM were NTK or were "absolutely identical" or something.... anyhoo... worked awesome for me...I know you can't compare a failing O2 to a new one, but gas mileage picked up a tad and motor ran smoother than I ever remembered.

[Orangetona]

I heard it told ages ago that OEM were NTK or were "absolutely identical" or something.... anyhoo... worked awesome for me...I know you can't compare a failing O2 to a new one, but gas mileage picked up a tad and motor ran smoother than I ever remembered.

The 'correct OEM replacement' from Napa is NTK.

We went to this whole massively boring seminar about electrical and this was a big part of it. Basically them saying that we now have direct OEM replacement O2 sensors. They said they were identical as well.

[135sohc]

I bought 2 OEM mopar/chrysler upstream oxygen sensors for our Concorde. Said NTK all over them... made in Japan ect, the whole works. At the time they were cheaper from chrysler than the aftermarket. I would use NTK/Denso anyday without worrying about the performance of it.

[speedfreek500]

Thanks again guys, i got one from Napa for $61.00 my cost.