NOx Sensor issue - 2016 Q5 TDI

cruzan325

New member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Location
Oregon
TDI
2016Audi Q5
So I learned today that my wife's Q5 TDI needs a new downstream Nox sensor p/n 8R0907807P - this like a $900+ part as includes the mounting plate/connectors. Was told Audi does not sell just the sensor. There are some other outlets that sell the OEM for $500 ish (Audiusaparts.com). Has anyone tried to clean the sensor with success? Also I see cheaper ones on Amazon - All China sourced. Any feedback appreciated. TIA
 

Mozambiquer

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Mar 21, 2015
Location
Versailles Missouri
TDI
2004 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2012 Audi Q7 V6 TDI, 1998 VW Jetta TDI. 1982 VW Rabbit pickup, 2001 VW Jetta TDI, 2005 VW Passat wagon TDI X3, 2001 VW golf TDI, 1980 VW rabbit pickup,
So I learned today that my wife's Q5 TDI needs a new downstream Nox sensor p/n 8R0907807P - this like a $900+ part as includes the mounting plate/connectors. Was told Audi does not sell just the sensor. There are some other outlets that sell the OEM for $500 ish (Audiusaparts.com). Has anyone tried to clean the sensor with success? Also I see cheaper ones on Amazon - All China sourced. Any feedback appreciated. TIA
Use only OEM for the nox sensor. FCP euro shows it for $650, but make sure your car isn't still under the diesel gate warranty.
 

GBaugh

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2023
Location
Shelby, MT
TDI
VW 2.0L
As a professional diesel tech with Deere and Cat, I've never heard of anyone cleaning a NOx sensor. I certainly understand your need for a better solution but I don't think cleaning is going to be effective. For one, the downstream NOx is mounted at the tailpipe outlet where there is zero particulate matter to plug it up. It's going to be mounted in a location with a pretty remarkably clean air flow. It's not like an oxygen sensor that is exposed to soot. Second, there is a heater inside the NOx sensor that is used to get that internal temp up to the 2000 deg F level that it needs to operate. That makes it sensitive to cleaning chemicals and depending on the failure mode of your sensor, cleaning isn't going to do anything for ya if the internal heating element is damaged. If it were me, I would avoid buying Chinese, avoid buying from dealership. FCP OEM branded might be a good bet.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
There are some Mercedes-Benz NOx sensors that can be had for half the price, and the only difference is a longer wire, which you can just tie in a loop. The car won't care. Even some GM ones will work. It's ridiculous how much some parts get marked up by some manufacturers.

You just have to look at the connector on the car side to see... sometimes you just have to grind off a locating tab or something.
 
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