Car Sensors for Engine, Exhaust and ABS Systems at Easy Life Markets
Easy Life Markets sells car sensors for the engine, the exhaust and the braking system, including oxygen (lambda) sensors, NOx sensors, ABS wheel speed sensors, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and vehicle speed sensors. Each one reports a single measurement to a control unit, so the replacement must match your part number, position on the vehicle and plug.
The quickest way to buy is to read the fault code, find the sensor it points to, and match the number printed on the old part. This page explains what each type does, how to tell which one you need and how to fit it. Our range sits in the car electrical parts section of the main auto parts store. The current price and availability are shown on each product page.
What Car Sensors Do
A modern vehicle relies on dozens of sensors. They measure things like engine speed, camshaft position, oxygen in the exhaust, wheel speed, temperature and pressure. The engine computer, ABS module and other control units read these signals many times a second and adjust fuel, ignition timing, braking and gear changes to suit.
When a sensor fails or sends a wrong reading, the control unit can no longer make good decisions. You may get a warning light, poor fuel economy, rough running, a disabled ABS or traction control system, or an engine that will not start at all. That is why replacing a faulty sensor often fixes a problem that looked much bigger.
Most car sensors are small, sealed parts held in by one bolt or a thread, with a plug at the end of a short lead. That makes many of them a reasonable job for a home mechanic, as long as you buy the right part.
Main Types of Car Sensors We Sell
Oxygen (Lambda) Sensors
An oxygen sensor screws into the exhaust and measures how much oxygen is left after combustion. The engine computer uses this to keep the air and fuel mixture correct. Sensors before the catalytic converter (upstream or front) control the mixture. Sensors after it (downstream or rear) mainly check that the converter is working. The oxygen sensor article on Wikipedia explains the different sensor designs.
Our range includes the 03L906262P five-wire lambda sensor listed for many Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda models, the Wrangler oxygen sensor set of four for the 3.6L, 3.8L and 4.0L Jeep Wrangler, a front oxygen sensor for the 2014 Toyota Sienna and Venza and a SsangYong front oxygen sensor.
NOx Sensors
Many modern diesels use NOx sensors to measure nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, before and after the aftertreatment system. They usually have a probe in the exhaust, a cable and a separate control module. We sell the 68210084AA NOx sensor with control module.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors
Each wheel has a sensor that reads a toothed ring or magnetic encoder as the wheel turns. The ABS module compares the speeds to detect a wheel locking under braking. The same signals often feed traction control, stability control and the speedometer. Our ABS sensors include the BMW E46 rear ABS sensor 34526752683, the BMW E83 X3 front ABS sensor, the 34526791225 rear ABS sensor for BMW, the Mercedes W220 front ABS sensor, the Mercedes W221 rear ABS sensor, the Civic front left ABS sensor 57455S5D013 and the 7P0927807 ABS sensor pair for Q7, Cayenne and Touareg. You will find them all in our ABS components section too.
Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors
The crankshaft position sensor tells the engine computer how fast the engine is turning and where the pistons are. The camshaft position sensor tells it which stroke each cylinder is on. Together they control injection and ignition timing. A failed crankshaft sensor often stops the engine from starting at all.
We sell the 12560228 crankshaft position sensor for Buick and Chevrolet, the BMW camshaft position sensor replacing 13627525014, and two Ford camshaft sensors: 1F1Z-6B288-AA and F7TZ-12K073-B.
Valve Lift and Vehicle Speed Sensors
Some engines use special position sensors for variable valve systems. The BMW eccentric shaft sensor 11377506503 reports the position of the Valvetronic eccentric shaft. Vehicle speed sensors read the gearbox output so the car knows its road speed. We stock the 78410-S04-901 manual transmission speed sensor for the Honda Civic and Civic del Sol.
Car Sensors Compared
| Sensor | Where it sits | What it measures | Common signs of failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen (lambda) sensor | Exhaust manifold or pipe, before and after the catalytic converter | Oxygen left in the exhaust gas | Check engine light, high fuel use, failed emissions test |
| NOx sensor | Diesel exhaust, around the aftertreatment system | Nitrogen oxides in the exhaust | Emissions warning, reduced power mode |
| ABS wheel speed sensor | At each wheel hub or knuckle | Wheel rotation speed | ABS and traction lights, speedometer faults |
| Crankshaft position sensor | Near the crank pulley, flywheel or engine block | Engine speed and crank position | No start, stalling, misfires, rev counter dropping |
| Camshaft position sensor | Cylinder head or timing cover | Camshaft position | Hard starting, rough idle, timing fault codes |
| Eccentric shaft sensor | Cylinder head on engines with variable valve lift | Valve lift mechanism position | Rough idle, reduced power, valve lift fault codes |
| Vehicle speed sensor | Gearbox housing | Output shaft speed | Speedometer not working, erratic shifting on some cars |
How to Find the Right Sensor for Your Vehicle
Buying car sensors goes wrong when people buy by name alone. Two cars of the same model can use different sensors depending on engine, year and position. Follow these steps.
- Read the fault code. A basic OBD scanner gives you a code such as P0135 (oxygen sensor heater) or C0035 (wheel speed sensor). The code tells you which circuit has a problem and often which side or bank.
- Find the sensor's exact position. Oxygen sensors are described by bank and sensor number. ABS sensors are front or rear, left or right. Some fit either side and some do not.
- Read the part number on the old sensor. It is usually printed on the body or the plug. Compare it with the numbers on our product page.
- Check the plug and wire count. Oxygen sensors can have one, two, three, four or five wires. The plug shape and colour should match too.
- Check the lead length. A sensor with a short lead may not reach the connector.
- Confirm the engine. Engine size and engine code often decide which camshaft or crankshaft sensor you need.
A code points to a circuit, not always a failed part. A broken wire, corroded plug or vacuum leak can set a sensor code too. Check the wiring and connector before you buy, and see our wiring harnesses section if the loom itself is damaged. If you want us to look at a part number for you, send it through our contact page.
Specifications to Match on Car Sensors
- Part number and cross-references. Most of our listings show the main part number and other numbers the sensor replaces.
- Position. Front or rear, left or right, upstream or downstream, bank 1 or bank 2.
- Number of wires and pins. This is critical on oxygen sensors. A four-wire heated sensor is not the same as a five-wire wideband sensor.
- Thread size or mounting style. Oxygen sensors usually screw in. Position and ABS sensors usually bolt in with one screw and an O-ring.
- Connector shape. The plug must lock onto your harness without modification.
- Lead length. Important for oxygen and ABS sensors, which run a cable to a connector some way off.
- Sensor type. Some position sensors are Hall-effect (three wires) and others are magnetic pickup (two wires). They are not interchangeable.
How to Read Sensor Positions
Position names confuse a lot of buyers, so here is how they work.
Bank and Sensor Numbers on Oxygen Sensors
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder number one. Bank 2 is the other side, and only exists on V engines and flat engines. Inline four and six-cylinder engines usually have only bank 1. Sensor 1 is upstream, before the catalytic converter. Sensor 2 is downstream, after it. So "bank 2 sensor 1" means the front sensor on the side without cylinder one. Your service information or a cylinder diagram for your engine will show which side is which.
Front, Rear, Left and Right on ABS Sensors
Left and right are always taken from the driver's seat, facing forward. Front sensors usually sit in the steering knuckle. Rear sensors sit in the hub carrier or, on some older vehicles, in the axle. Front and rear sensors are often different lengths and shapes, even on the same car.
Intake and Exhaust Camshaft Sensors
Engines with variable valve timing on both camshafts can have two camshaft sensors per bank, one for the intake cam and one for the exhaust cam. They may share a part number or not. Check the fault code, which usually names the intake or exhaust side.
Simple Checks Before You Order
A few quick checks can save you buying a part you do not need.
- Look at live data. Many scanners show sensor readings while the engine runs. A front oxygen sensor that never switches, or a wheel speed reading of zero while driving, points to the sensor or its circuit.
- Swap sides where possible. On some vehicles you can swap two identical sensors and see whether the fault code moves with the part.
- Inspect the tip. Heavy black soot, white deposits or oil on an oxygen sensor tip suggest an engine problem that will damage a new sensor too.
- Check for exhaust leaks. A leak ahead of an oxygen sensor lets in outside air and gives false lean readings.
Fitting Tips for Common Sensors
Many sensor jobs take less than an hour. These general tips help them go smoothly. Always follow the instructions for your vehicle.
- Work on a cool engine. Exhaust sensors sit on very hot metal. Let the car cool before you start, but on seized oxygen sensors a slightly warm exhaust can help them free off.
- Disconnect the battery if required. Many workshops do this before replacing engine position sensors.
- Use the right tool. An oxygen sensor socket has a slot for the lead and stops you rounding the hex.
- Use anti-seize correctly. Apply it only to the threads of an oxygen sensor if the new part is not already coated. Keep it off the tip.
- Clean the mounting area. On ABS sensors, clean rust and dirt from the bore and the tone ring before you fit the new sensor.
- Route the lead the same way. Clip it where the old one was clipped, away from exhaust heat and moving suspension.
- Clear codes and test drive. After fitting, clear the stored codes and drive the car normally. Some systems need a drive cycle to finish their self-tests.
Mistakes to Avoid with Car Sensors
- Replacing a sensor without reading the code or checking the wiring first.
- Fitting a sensor to the wrong bank or side.
- Cutting and splicing a universal sensor onto the old plug without matching the wire functions.
- Using silicone sealant near oxygen sensors. Some sealants give off vapour that can damage the sensor.
- Forcing a seized oxygen sensor and damaging the threads in the exhaust.
- Ignoring the tone ring. A cracked or rusty ABS ring will keep setting codes even with new car sensors fitted.
Keeping Sensors Healthy
Sensors wear out with heat and age, but you can help them last. Fix oil burning, coolant leaks and misfires quickly, because these contaminate oxygen sensors. Keep the wiring clipped in place. When you change tyres, brakes or hubs, take care not to pull on ABS sensor leads. Use quality fuel and change filters on time, as a healthy engine is easier on every sensor in the exhaust. Our filters section has a starting point.
Who Our Car Sensors Suit
Our car sensors are listed with part numbers and fitment notes for people who know what they need, and for those still working it out:
- Home mechanics with a fault code and a scanner.
- Owners of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW, Honda, Ford, GM and Jeep vehicles, which make up most of our current range.
- Diesel owners dealing with emissions system warnings.
- Workshops that want to buy by part number.
We add new car sensors as we list more parts. If your sensor is not here yet, check back or ask us.
Related Sections
Sensor faults often go with other electrical or engine work. Browse ignition coils for misfire repairs, exhaust for exhaust gas sensors, alternators for charging faults and engine parts for timing and valve train work. Our tools and equipment section has items for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car sensors fail most often?
Oxygen sensors, ABS wheel speed sensors and crankshaft or camshaft position sensors are among the most commonly replaced. They work in heat, dirt and water, so they wear with time.
Can I drive with a faulty sensor?
It depends on the sensor. A failed downstream oxygen sensor may only set a warning light. A failed crankshaft sensor can stop the engine. A failed ABS sensor disables the ABS. Get any warning checked soon.
Do I need to replace oxygen sensors in pairs?
Not always. Replace the one that has failed. Some owners replace all of them on high-mileage cars, which is why we also sell a set of four for the Wrangler.
Will a sensor listed for left or right fit both sides?
Some ABS sensors are made to fit either side. The product page says when the supplier lists it for left or right. If it names one side only, buy for that side.
How do I know if it is the sensor or the wiring?
Check the plug for corrosion and the lead for damage. A multimeter can test resistance or voltage on many sensors. If the wiring is sound and the code returns, the sensor is the likely cause.
Do I need to reset anything after fitting?
Clear the fault codes with a scanner. Some cars also relearn idle or fuel trims as you drive. A few systems need a specific relearn procedure, which your service information will describe.
What if the sensor I receive does not fit?
Do not fit it. Keep it in its packaging and read our return and refund policy. Our FAQ and shipping policy pages answer other order questions.
Buy Car Sensors from Easy Life Markets
Easy Life Markets lists each sensor with its part numbers, position and the vehicles the supplier names, plus clear photos of the plug and body. Match your old part, check the side and the wire count, and order the sensor you need. For more parts, go back to electrical parts or browse the full auto parts store.