I propose a question to the more technically minded individuals:
Can we substitute the newer "Planar" technology oxygen sensors into an ABA OBDII situation? Everything I've read seems to point that this would be feasable and would sligltly improve performance/reliability/emissoins. Planar oxygen sensors 1st started appearing on the 98 Beetle and most 2.0L engines that followed. The Bosch descriptions of these sensors state that they are an evolution to the older thimble style sensor, not a completely different animal like a "wideband" is. Here's their descriptions for both:
Heated Thimble: These sensors were introduced by Bosch in 1982 and function in the same manner as the unheated thimble, however inside the thimble is a special heating element that brings the sensor up to operating temperature in about 30-60 seconds. The additional wires to power the heater- typically a total of 3-4 wires (dependent on grounding scenario) can identify these sensors.
![Image]()
Planar: This sensor was introduced by Bosch in 1997 and also uses the zirconia ceramic sensing technology, but placed in a more compact thin flat shape (hence the name) instead of a thimble or conical shape. This allows the sensor to be smaller and lighter. They also require less electrical power as the heater is integrated into the smaller sensing element. By model year 2004, planar oxygen sensors are expected to account for over 30% of all new oxygen sensor applications and by 2007 for over 50% of new oxygen sensors. These sensors also have only four wires.
![Image]()
If there is any obvious difference, it would be that the heater circuit will draw less current. In this case, it shouldn't be an issue. In the revrese case though (putting an older sensor into a planar equipped car), the heater would draw more current and may blow out the heater circuit.
They also list specifics on the wiring:
Q. I have a Bosch original equipment 4-wire sensor. What do the wire colors mean?
A. All Bosch 4-wire sensors have a black wire for the signal, a gray wire for ground and 2 white wires for the heater.
So what does everyone think? Has anyone actually attempted this? Is there a reference site I could visit just to be certain that the signal voltages will be the same? Given both sensors for free would you be tempted to try the newer technology?
Can we substitute the newer "Planar" technology oxygen sensors into an ABA OBDII situation? Everything I've read seems to point that this would be feasable and would sligltly improve performance/reliability/emissoins. Planar oxygen sensors 1st started appearing on the 98 Beetle and most 2.0L engines that followed. The Bosch descriptions of these sensors state that they are an evolution to the older thimble style sensor, not a completely different animal like a "wideband" is. Here's their descriptions for both:
Heated Thimble: These sensors were introduced by Bosch in 1982 and function in the same manner as the unheated thimble, however inside the thimble is a special heating element that brings the sensor up to operating temperature in about 30-60 seconds. The additional wires to power the heater- typically a total of 3-4 wires (dependent on grounding scenario) can identify these sensors.
Planar: This sensor was introduced by Bosch in 1997 and also uses the zirconia ceramic sensing technology, but placed in a more compact thin flat shape (hence the name) instead of a thimble or conical shape. This allows the sensor to be smaller and lighter. They also require less electrical power as the heater is integrated into the smaller sensing element. By model year 2004, planar oxygen sensors are expected to account for over 30% of all new oxygen sensor applications and by 2007 for over 50% of new oxygen sensors. These sensors also have only four wires.
If there is any obvious difference, it would be that the heater circuit will draw less current. In this case, it shouldn't be an issue. In the revrese case though (putting an older sensor into a planar equipped car), the heater would draw more current and may blow out the heater circuit.
They also list specifics on the wiring:
Q. I have a Bosch original equipment 4-wire sensor. What do the wire colors mean?
A. All Bosch 4-wire sensors have a black wire for the signal, a gray wire for ground and 2 white wires for the heater.
So what does everyone think? Has anyone actually attempted this? Is there a reference site I could visit just to be certain that the signal voltages will be the same? Given both sensors for free would you be tempted to try the newer technology?
