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I have worked several years as a A Class mechanic for a large power company, but unfortunately my field was on machines that only a power co. would have and several one of a kind or very limited production machines.
So I can get lost 🤷♂️ on basic motor vehicles sometimes 😄.
I have a 01 Silverado w/ 5.3 std cab & purchase new. Been a great truck and last week I checked my T-codes and found 1, 02 sensor bad. I went to get parts and here’s where my troubles started. As I looked into getting some sensors (4), up & down stream and I prefer to keep my GM, GM with AC Delco. I have been able to find a pair of up stream but when looking for the down stream several come up but doesn’t say if it’s a down or up, no description either way 🤷♂️. The more I’ve read about 02 sensors, the more confusing I get 😄. Some sites say that there’s one for a right and one for the left side 🤷♂️and one site says it’s universal and can be put anywhere 🤷♂️.
Can one of you guys help me get the proper GM sensors for Old Red?
Sure was easier with points and plugs 😂.
And if you not figured it out yet, I’m a newbie on this forum, my 1st forum in fact, so I hope I’m doing it right 🤷♂️,
THANKS GUYS & Gals and y’all take care 👍
Last edited by Blockaidrunner; Sep 11, 2022 at 2:18 PM.
Welcome from Florida. Did you look on Rockauto.com? They have Delco and Delphi which are both used on GM vehicles. They have some that are for either the upstream and downstream,.
Plus one on the going to rockauto.com. You do not need to worry about whether the upstream O2 sensor is on the driver's side or the passenger side. Now in the case of a 2022 Silverado with the 5.3L it matters - likely because of the length of the wire leads.
ACDelco and Delphi O2 sensors are fine, and a large number of people on various other GM related forums have advised to stay away from the aftermarket Bosch O2 sensors because they can be quite troublesome. Virtually everyone of the GM forums I frequent all agree that Denso O2 sensors are good to use as well.
The only thing I would advise is to pay attention to make sure you choose the non-universal sensors so you do not have to worry about cutting wires and then splicing new and old wires together.
Hello Sir, thank you for your reply and now thanks to you I feel better about getting the right sensors for Old Red. I’ve also have to change the knock sensors. Would I be safe going for the brand you mentioned for the day o2? Thanks
You are quite welcome. For Oxygen sensors, I always use Denso and many of the pros I have chatted with also use Denso on their customer's vehicles.
As far as knock sensors go, when I had to replace them on our 99 Silverado with the 5.3L engine, I went with Delphi sensors and the ACDelco/GM Genuine wiring harness. The other thing you want to do for the protection of the knock sensors is to run a bead of high temp RTV around the area about 1/4" away from the sensor covers leaving about an inch of opening towards the back of the engine. Image two backwards C s and you'll have the right idea.
While you have the intake manifold off take a look at the oil pressure sensor which will be on top if the engine right behind the intake manifold to make sure it is not seeping oil out of it's top seal.
Now, as a general rule of thumb - I stay away from Autozone Duralast and Advance Auto Parts Carquest sensors and engine management parts because they are no longer manufactured/supplied by one of the major, long time aftermarket parts manufacturers that has always been a source of OEM equivalent or better parts. NAPA Echlin is OK.
Thanks Chem- man for your help again. I already had plans to switch out the oil pressure switch because with all the stuff on a engine today, it looks like it would be tough to get to, plus with around 150k miles on it, it probably best.
people don’t understand how I turned wrenches for 50 years and have to run to the books for information. I’m very proficient with my hands but the equipment I worked on didn’t come in to computer controls when cars & trucks did. I worked on equipment for a power company on the coast. Made to travel on water or walk through swamp land 😄. I can hold my on, just take a little longer 😄. And thank to people like that doesn’t mind sharing information is a Big help. I actually enjoy trouble shooting newer cars, love the challenges. Thanks again
I know exactly where you are coming from - my father-in-law and 2 brother-in-laws all worked in electric power generating facilities. Also, while I am semi-proficient on GM engines, if I had to work on a Ford or Chrysler engine, I would need some serious assistance!
Good Luck and don't hesitate to ask for assistance!
I removed a up stream 02 sensor for replacement with another GM sensor but the color code is different as well as all around looks. I have seen where this happens due to different vendors manufacturing making the product but can not recall GM ever doing it. I do not feel good going forward without knowing this is the proper sensor for 2001 Silverado with a 5.3.
Thanks for anyone’s input,
Blockaidrunner
I looked the O2 sensors up for your 2001 Silverado with the 5.3L engine and the upstream sensor is listed as either GM Part Number 19178961 or ACDelco AFS138. The downstream sensor is listed as either GM Part Number 19355306 or ACDelco AFS106.
GM over the last year or two has changed the labeling and box colors for their parts as part of their "master plan" to group their replacement parts into 3 tiers. Their best tier, which are OEM parts are in the Blue colored boxes. These are supposed to be the same parts that would be/used to be/are to be used on the factory production lines, and are therefore their premium line of auto parts.
The parts that come in the Gold colored boxes are their Professional line of auto parts which are described as being very good auto parts that are fully functional and fit for purpose and are aimed to be competitive with quality aftermarket parts from other brands.
Parts that come in Silver colored boxes are their "Value" line of auto parts (used to be their Advantage line) and are aimed at the thrifty consumer looking for a good value auto part (now in my words - 1/4 to 1/2 a step above ebay and Amazon white boxed chinesium auto parts that are priced so low one really has to wonder if they are real or fake auto parts).
Not sure who is making this round of Oxygen sensors, but they do come with a 2 year 24000 mile warranty and are supposed to meet GM's OE specifications, so I would not worry about using them. These would be the same parts that a dealership's service department would install if you had them replace your Oxygen sensors.
Need a little help with 01 Silverado (Old Red)
