Auto Parts: O2 sensor, mercury lincoln, ebay ca

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

i need an O2 sensor for my 2000 ford taurus LX.  i contacted the seller and he confirmed that the below item fits my car.  it's UNIVERSAL.  do you think this is as good as a brand name O2 sensor, such as bosch etc..?

here's the link to it...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130029640803&ssPag

thanks,

sk

ANSWER: Hi SK,

I apologize, but that is a question that should be directed to the seller of the item along with return instructions in the event that it does NOT function as expected.

It has been my experience that these 'universal' sensors do not operate the same as the OEM. Without even looking my advice would be to steer-clear. The ECM in your vehicle operates the O2 sensor with a specific amount of voltage and in order for it to make changes to the mixture, specific values have to be returned to the computer in a specific amount of time. Aftermarket items typically do not follow the same guidelines and this could cause drivability issues.

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: how about this one?  it says oem...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-FORD-MERCURY-LINCOLN-MAZDA-JAGUAR-O2-OXYGEN-SENSOR_W0QQit

Answer
Hi SK,

Again, that is a question you'd want to direct to the actual seller of the item along with their return policy.

Sorry.

My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php