Up O2 Sensor Replacement Costs and Repair Options

Last month had similar O2 sensor issues with a Polo 2012. The engine light came on and fuel efficiency dropped noticeably. The air-fuel ratio was off, causing higher fuel consumption. A faulty automotive sensor connection was the root cause. The wiring harness connecting the O2 sensor had worn through, creating intermittent contact issues. This is actually a common wear point due to engine vibration and heat. The repair required replacing both the damaged wiring and the O2 sensor unit itself. Left unfixed, this issue can lead to catalytic converter damage, which is much more expensive to repair. Regular car maintenance could have caught this earlier before the wiring deteriorated. For the Up, the repair process should be similar since it shares many components. Would recommend a reputable independent shop that specializes in VW repairs. They typically have the right diagnostic tools and expertise for these specific sensor issues. The job takes about 2-3 hours when done properly, including testing the new sensor function and clearing error codes.

Really appreciate your detailed response regarding the O2 sensor issue. My exhaust sensor problem turned out quite similar to what you described. The wiring was also damaged, and the mechanic mentioned the same concern about potential catalytic converter problems if left unfixed. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you paid for the complete repair? Also, has your fuel consumption returned to normal and have you experienced any other exhaust system issues since the fix? My independent shop quoted a bit high so trying to gauge if its reasonable.

Thanks for asking about the costs. After getting the diagnosis right, the repair was straightforward and cost 95€ for fixing the cable connection to the oxygen sensor. Much better than expecting a complete sensor replacement. Since the fix, the engine has been running perfectly, the check engine light cleared and fuel consumption went back to normal. The air-fuel ratio is now properly regulated thanks to the working sensor. No other exhaust system problems have occurred in the months since. The independent shop did good work diagnosing it as just a connection issue rather than pushing for unnecessary sensor replacement. Car maintenance costs can add up, but catching wiring issues early usually saves money in the long run. Your quote might be different if they suspect you need the actual sensor replaced rather than just the wiring fix I needed. Worth asking them to specifically check the connections first, since that can be the simpler fix.

I followed your advice and went to an independent mechanic who specializes in VW repairs. Glad I did because they found the exact same wiring issue you mentioned. The repair took about 2 hours and cost 280€ total, including parts and labor. The check engine light disappeared right after fixing the oxygen sensor connection. Best part is my fuel efficiency is back to normal levels. The mechanic did a thorough job explaining everything and even showed me the worn wiring that caused the problem. What a relief to have this sorted without needing to replace the entire sensor or deal with dealer prices. No issues since the repair and the car runs perfectly now. The air-fuel ratio being correct makes such a noticeable difference in how the engine performs. Really appreciate your advice about choosing a specialist shop. Their diagnostic approach definitely saved me money compared to what the dealer was suggesting.