[Sunny]

Hey all!

Just traced an electrical problem down to the o2 sensor of my soon to be first car! It's a Vitara JLX from 1997 with a J20A engine. SV420 if I'm correct?

I've been looking around for a replacement sensor, but as I've got little experience with cars I'm finding it difficult to make an informed decision regarding which make/model sensor to buy.
Online there are many ranging anywhere from $10 to $300, and I can't seem to find an OEM option.

If anyone has any recommendations I'd be very grateful.

Many thanks in advance!
Sunny

[fordem]

18213-77E00 would be the OEM part number

Attachment:

RA-O2.jpg

A search of RockAuto based on the OE number returns the parts listed above...

[Sunny]

Thanks Fordem, what a useful website!

One thing that puzzles me is that Rockauto only lists the '97 Sidekick with the 1.6 and 1.8L engines, not the 2.0L. is this a regional thing, with Rockauto being catered primarily to the American market?
The DENSO and WALKER O2 sensors look the same as what I've got here, but the the BOSCH sensor listed has a completely different connector. How could this happen?

Would you advise to go for the DENSO or WALKER sensor specifically? The $30 shipping to Australia outweighs the price difference between the two sensors. Online people are saying they're made in the exact same factory, with DENSO being the upper market brand, though the WALKER part is listed as the 'OEM based' replacement on Rockauto?

Cheers,
Sunny

[fordem]

RockAuto is "North American" oriented, so the vehicles listed are essentially for the USA, Canada & Mexico markets - there was a never a 2.0 Sidekick, which is why you don't see it listed.

I've no experience with any of the products what you can do is look for those part numbers "closer to home"

[zookeep]

Have you considered looking for a used OEM sensor from a local wrecker? Might be cheaper and you know it'll fit. Just make sure it's in good condition.

[Sunny]

Yeah that makes sense Fordem! Either way, most parts are interchangeable between the 1.8L and 2.0L so I'm very happy. Thanks again! This'll save me a good chunk of change factoring in the few other parts I need to replace when comparing RockAuto to Ebay pricing.

And referring to visiting a local wrecker, I'd rather not take the gamble and just pay a little more for a brand new sensor. Will keep the wreckers in mind though if I ever run into needing something I can't find online.

As a second question: Is anyone able to confirm that the J20A is an interference engine? I'm seeing a some contradicting info online. I'd have to do some digging to confirm, but recall it being well over 100k km since the timing chain has been replaced so that might be in need of some attention soon too and don't want to leave it till it's too late. Car is currently on 300k km.

Cheers,
Sunny

[fordem]

Sunny wrote:

As a second question: Is anyone able to confirm that the J20A is an interference engine? I'm seeing a some contradicting info online. I'd have to do some digging to confirm, but recall it being well over 100k km since the timing chain has been replaced so that might be in need of some attention soon too and don't want to leave it till it's too late. Car is currently on 300k km.

As far as I'm concerned, it is - I don't know of anyone who has a chain failure, but I wouldn't take that chance.

[losfer]

its not the chain itself that fails... its the tensioners, and you will generally hear it rattling long before a chain failure. if its not noisy id leave it alone. sometimes its best not to do preventative maintenance .

as for the o2 sensor, i would definately only buy a denso.

[Sunny]

Thanks all for the help!
Have purchased the Denso unit along with some other bits and bobs a little while ago, should be arriving soon!
And thanks again for your tip for RockAuto, absolute part heaven there.

I have since noticed that the drive belt is also due for a replacement, and while the diagrams I've been using from the Partsouq website have been very useful, it only shows the appropriate belt for the non-aircon version, which mine does have :/

Reading previous forum posts, others have used 5PK1650 belts on SQ420 with the same J20A engine (can't find a mention of SV420), however many webshops with part databases specify to use a 5PK1645 belt instead when selecting my model. Tried a few sites with the 2005 SQ420 as mentioned in the other thread and then the websites still advise to use a 5PK1645 belt, so I am safe to ignore that and order a 5PK1650 belt instead?

Cheers,
Sunny

[fordem]

The difference between a 1645 & a 1650 is 5mm length - the tensioner will take care of that

[Sunny]

Thanks for the quick reply Fordem!
Yeah, while the size difference should be irrelevant due to the tensioner like you mention, a part of me just wanted to just get the 'correct' size regardless. Ordered the 1650 size.
Thanks,
Sunny

[fordem]

According to Suzuki, an a/c equipped SV420G takes a P/n #95141-60G90 belt, aka 5PK1650.