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Hi,
The heater built into the sensor is for quicker signal making, since the sensor has to warmup.
The quicker signal makes the fuel management system go closed loop quicker by a half minute or so than one with no heater.
You ask? One is not better than the other just one has a "cheap to make" ceramic encased coil of ni-chrome wire. If it cost more than five bucks I would be surprised.
As far as I know the heater was not required until LH 2.2 or about 1985-86.
Even then there is no need for it except for above and since do not have a check engine light it will not need it for smog.
The heater is not monitored until the LH 2.4 or 3.0, if even then? I'm guessing, if a light/code comes on for that sensor it is probably more for a no signal reason than the heater.
I doubt the ECU program even has a set time limit to see that signal but might need it, after the computer knows the engine is up to operating temperature, from the ECT sensor.
I just save my money and use a single wire universal.
You can get heated sensors for less money if you splice in another brand like from Ford.
They had to provide their customers with a more afFORDable ones as some of their cars went crazy and used up to ten sensors on one vehicle.
Maybe not all were O2 sensors but a bunch before and after the converters per side.
I think(?), it was the Crown Victoria and maybe the Navigator, that are no longer made, used that many.
Maybe many other wiser posters, can correct my statements, as most of what I said is an opinion from my own experiences.
Phil
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