Wide band O2 sensors

[cleatus12r]

You cannot simply replace your existing narrow band sensors with wide band sensors....the PCM will not be able to run them, nor will the data output from the sensors be anywhere near valid for the PCM to read it.

Narrow band O2 sensors are a galvanic battery that put out between 0 and 1000 millivolts (1 volt) depending on the temperature of the sensor and the delta of oxygen concentration between measured air (in your exhaust) and ambient air. 450 mV is regarded to be a 14.7:1 air/fuel ratio with higher voltages being richer (<14.7:1) and lower voltages being leaner (>14.7:1) .

Wide band O2 sensors use a system that measures an air/fuel ratio by not creating it's own voltage...it requires a reference voltage to work. This reference voltage is typically 5 volts so the output can be 0-5 volts....obviously different than the 0-1 volt of the standard O2 sensor. Leaner mixtures result in a lower voltage whereas richer mixtures create a return of higher voltage. The wide band O2 sensors include a controller, a pump to get oxygen in and out, and usually a gauge.

The standard O2 sensor cannot measure an air/fuel ratio....it can be somewhat calculated, but basically, it is only able to measure a rich or lean condition that very slightly deviates from stoichiometric. A wide band setup actually measures the O2 content and can give an actual reading...very important in aftermarket tuning.

[UNITY]

Thanks Cody, very helpful info!