wideband sensor and AFR gauge confusion

Discussion in 'Engine/Drivetrain' started by Chip Morton, Jan 1, 2012.

  1. Chip Morton

    Chip Morton Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2010
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Hey gang,
    I found one of these Bosch wideband O2 sensors in my dad's garage.
    http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BCH-17014/
    New in the box. (his garage looks more like Sanford and Son's garage)

    So my question is- is it as simple as just getting a wideband AFR gauge and connecting a few wires? I see some kits come with a controller box of some sort. Is that required? I don't want to do any data aquisition or anything. I just want to get an idea of what my AFR is and do a little tuning.

    Thanks!
     
    Chip Morton, Jan 1, 2012
    #1
  3. dillinja666

    dillinja666 Toyotaholic

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2010
    Messages:
    2,115
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    san diego
    Truck:
    I gots no truck, for now
    no thats a normal oxygen sensor, used for the computer
     
    dillinja666, Jan 1, 2012
    #2
  4. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2007
    Messages:
    2,414
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Cocoa, FL
    Truck:
    94 xtra cab
    If that's the right part number, then no, it's not a wideband. Sorry.:(
     
    Litneon, Jan 1, 2012
    #3
  5. Chip Morton

    Chip Morton Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2010
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    The info page shows it to be wideband, I believe?
     
    Chip Morton, Jan 2, 2012
    #4
  6. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2007
    Messages:
    2,414
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Cocoa, FL
    Truck:
    94 xtra cab
    I stand corrected. I missed that entirely, looking at the OEM replacement description.

    From what I can tell, it fits 2000-2004ish VW and Audi applications and will work with most wideband controllers.

    Sorry I missed that.:eek:
     
    Litneon, Jan 2, 2012
    #5
  7. Chip Morton

    Chip Morton Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2010
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Thanks, Lit. So I'm guessing that the OEM application means more the plug will fit those models but the function and basic wires are still there? It occurs to me that since I really only want to tune it as I have the truck set up right now, and am not going to be tuning it constantly, I could try skipping the gauge and just drive around a day or three with it connected to my voltmeter. Might try that.
     
    Chip Morton, Jan 2, 2012
    #6
  8. IronNam

    IronNam Grand Toyotaholic

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2008
    Messages:
    6,960
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Kansas -> NorCal
    Truck:
    94 XCab
    weld wideband bung into exhaust, run gauge wiring, connect wideband wires to wideband gauge, viola
     
    IronNam, Jan 3, 2012
    #7
  9. kamesama980

    kamesama980 Addict

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2010
    Messages:
    511
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Columbus, IN
    Truck:
    91 Base
    from what I know of them, you need the controller. Widebands aren't really that different from a narrow band physically or electronically, it's the controller and how how it's used. It puts out a voltage and reads the change in voltage from the sensor. The voltage is specific to the type of sensor and each sensor must be calibrated with a trimming resister (in the controller or plug) before it'll be accurate. With the controller, you can use a voltmeter. without the controller, it'll basically be a narrow band.
     
    kamesama980, Jan 13, 2012
    #8
  10. Vicoor

    Vicoor Newbie

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2012
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Manassas, VA
    Truck:
    93 2wd xcab
    Like was previously mentioned, You would need a controller to get that to work.

    Looks like that is a bosch LSU 4.2 type sensor which is used for most of the popular wideband controllers.

    Some of the controllers are built in to a gauge. some have a digital or analog, or both outputs to feed a gauge, or ECU. Some controllers can send a signal to a gauge, and emulate a narrowband signal to send to a stock ECU like you have.

    Thing is, if you buy a controller, it'll likely come with a sensor.

    there is quite a bit of info online if you look.
     
    Vicoor, Jan 13, 2012
    #9

Share This Page