O2 sensor (oxygen / lambda) upstream replacement

Due to a reported cracked exhaust manifold and some rough running, I suspected that my O2 sensor could have degraded.

I did some diagnostics on my 1993 Eurovan using VCDS. I checked the Engine measuring block, and on parameter #3 there was around 0.01 volts at normal operating temp on several continued readings. I believe this indicates that the O2 sensor was faulty. So I bought a replacement from Amazon for $30, though this one has a generic wire. Thus, I had to cut the old harness/connector and connect to this new O2 sensor. Not too difficult, just three wires. Getting the old O2 sensor out was a bit of a chore that required an adjustable wrench and a small sledge hammer to get the loosening started.

Here is the old and new O2 sensors next to each other. I took a test drive after the install, and I believe that there is a bit more stability in the idle/running. I’ll be checking the Engine #3 measuring block again soon with VCDS to see if the voltage is in the 0.09 to 0.1 volt range that I’ve been told is normal.

I still seem to have a high RPM idle, and it also seems to be off a bit on timing or spark… or something else that causes a bit of an irregular idle/running. I will continue the research.