So my moms car is a 98 Accord Lx. She gets a check engine light claiming that an O2 sensor is bad. The mechanic gets a replacement and says its not working in the car so he gets another and that doesn't work in the car. He claims that she will need a dealer O2 sensor. On my car (a year older) I have a cheap $30 O2 sensor and another $80 sensor on mine and have not had issues with them.

Anyone know anything bout the 98s being picky about that or is there just something else going on?
I was gonna get one myself and put it in. Any suggestions for brands Hondas especially like?

I think somethings not right there. The car should be able to take an aftermarket O2 sensor.
The mechanic is supposedly pretty honest though. But I've heard different mechanics say stuff bout dealer parts that just weren't true.

 

Is your mom's car an ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV)? I think the 98-02 have ULEV on the valve cover, if it is an ULEV accord.

 

just looked it up and it appears only certain ex models are ulev

 

Tell us the code you are getting. It will start with the letter P and have four numbers, like P1234.

 

The code number is needed here..

 

She couldnt tell me the code cuz she said the mechanic was telling her all this. I cant get the code til I see her and scan the car myself. It can only be one of two O2 sensor codes right?
Simple enough- the car is "rejecting" aftermarket o2 sensors. Is that a load of crap?

 

O2 sensors have decreased in price. You can purchase an OEM replacement, Denso O2 sensor from Rockauto for ~$55.

Depending on the code, the problem could be something other than O2 sensor, and can result in problem not being resolved.

I have used aftermarket O2 sensors w/o issues. Most of my problems have been failed heater element in the sensor.

good luck