URD Headers / O2 simulators and tuning knowledge

I've been waiting for the v6 2012+ URD = length headers to be available
and had some questions on understanding which O2 sensors do what?
Current setup:
AFE intake
URD Mal-cal (not installed)

Ideal setup:
AFE Intake
URD headers (with O2 sims)
URD Y-pipe
URD Mal-cal
Innovate AFR gauge

I have read dozens of threads on the Maf-cal so I will NOT get into that.

It was my understanding that the primary function of O2 sensors was to monitor health of the Cats.The secondary function was to relay narrow band afr readings back to the ECM to adjust fuel trim.
However when aftermarket headers are installed and O2 simulators are used how does the ECM get AFR readings to adjust STFT and LTFT?

 

Bump for the knowledge potential.

 

Bump for Sheldon, he wants to know. Maybe me someday too.

 

There is 2 banks of sensors. The one for monitoring the health of cats and the other one used by the Fuel Injection loop. It's 2 different kind of sensors with different function. The O2 simulator is there to correct the signal cause you've removed one or 2 banks of cats by swapping the headers and/or the Y-pipe.

 

Primary adjustment of fuel trims is based off of the WRAF sensors and MAF sensor. O2 are meant to read catalyzation of the O2 emissions through the cats, and aid in calibration of the WRAF sensors.

No cats = check engine light. URD O2 sim requires the O2 sensors to STAY IN the exhaust.

Even with the O2 sim, if your header to y-pipe gaskets are bad, and you have an exhaust leak, you can still throw a CEL. Make sure you have you collector gaskets.

There was another brand, which completely replaced the sensors. I really liked that brand.

 

So what I'm hearing is if I get headers I'm also going to have to buy O2 simulators? Is that correct?

 

As far as i understand from my research, that seems to be the case.

 

If they are removing the front cats, then yes.

 

Thread Resurrection - I searched the forum for the URD O2 Sensor.

I just installed the URD Spec-U Equal Length Long Tubes for a 2015. Had my exhaust guy install the O2 Simulator for me. We had an ABS & Trac Control light after starting the truck back up. After restarting 4-5 times it went away.

Two days later I've got the Check Engine light. My UltraGauge shows error code P013A which is an O2 sensor issue. I've reset the code and we'll see what happens.

I'm just wondering why I'd be getting the code with the simulator in place. Pretty certain there's no exhaust leak as mentioned above.

 

As simple the install is for the O2 sim, it can be easily overlooked that it is side dependant. So it must be installed properly. I believe that one side a longer harness lead than the other. Longer lead must go on one side. However, I do not remember which. Instructions, or URD tech support will be abke to clarify.

 

I talked to Gadget @ URD this morning. I'm now showing two error codes: P013A and P013C (both are O2 Sensor Slow Response Rich to Lean) but for different sensor banks. So basically both the left and right sides. Gadget told me the issue is "these newer trucks". He flat out told me the O2 Simulator simply may not work on my 2015 Tacoma and there may be nothing I can do about it.

So glad they advertise the product...

Anyhow, he believes what causes the issue is a delayed response in the signals from the O2 Sensor up front and the rear one. Therefore the ECM isn't seeing the expected response - primarily when closing the throttle and shutting down injectors when you let off the gas pedal. He wants me to... basically deal with it for a week and see if it just stops happening... and if not he may be able to trade O2 Sims with me and send me one programmed with a "less aggressive" code to see if that helps.

So... after spending $1,480 total (installed Resonator today) now I might just have to deal with a check engine light forever. (Not to mention no Traction Control)

 

There are the J-bung adapters. Some people have had good fortune with those. A cheap alternative.

 

Agree on Gadget/URD, he conveniently leaves out important information that a consumer needs to know and doesn't take responsibility for anything and makes up BS to cover his ass. I hope more people realize this and stop sticking up for him.

 

My latest email from him he has asked me to send my O2 Simulator back so he can send me another one, which he very clearly said he can't guarantee will work.

I really, really wish he had told me all that when I called (twice) before placing my order. I told him I had a 2015. If URD knew their O2 sim didn't work on newer trucks I, quite honestly, would not have ordered long tube headers. Losing traction control (which happens with the check engine light turns on) is not cool for a daily driver in a winter state like Montana. I put a LOT of money into this project with the promise of not having to deal with a check engine light being on permanently. It's pretty disappointing.

They need to update their website so it clearly states what years the O2 simulator will and will not work for.

 

I am sorry for your frustrations and can understand where you are coming from.

But you gotta understand that when you atart messing with the OEM emissions system and you expirience problems you can only blame yourself. I mean hell, there are vhicles what have emissions problems on their own without being messd with. Its a complex system that activly monitors many many varibles that are never the same for any two vehicles. I think blaming URD is not the appropriate path as they make a good product that works for most people. Sure there are ocasional problems, like what you are having, but he can not account for the condition of your vehicle or its emission system, the tune of your vehicle, the location, elevation and climate you operate in and the quality/mixture of fuel you burn. All these things and more will effect how your entire system works and how effective the O2 simulator is or isnt.

If this is your first setback then consider it a learning expirience, not a witch hunt. The fact that URD even has a different adjustment on the simulator for the later models is very impressive. Most companies wouldn't as the product works most of the time. It means that they have worked with customers like you to find a solution.

Keep looking, sometimes the answer was nothing related to what you shouht it was. Thats how these things go sometimes.

 

To be fair it is frustrating to have "newer model" issues on a platform that dates back to 2005.
Especially when the vender is aware there is potential.
I wish could delete my air injection system on my 2012.
I ended up installing AFE headers to keep my 02 sensors.
Lost a ton of low end so I put the stock y pipe back on to create more backpressure.
My shift points are off so I'm trying to justify the magnuson unit.
Everyone always says don't do headers or y pipe N/A.
I needed to learn it first hand.

 

Yup, i did longs, ypipe, and 3" exhaust...... truck drove like a civic.

I immediately ordered the blower.

 

Oh look someone else with a check engine light on after installing URD long tubes and 0/2 sim. Email after email to retard gadget and he did nothing to help me. I pulled 0/2 sim off and tossed on some vibrant 0/2 sims. Now instead of getting a check engine light everyday I get one maybe once a week. And it's the same code 420. I got the 430 code fixed by putting in a custom spacer. Just need to fine tune the other side.
Oh and gadget if full of shit when he says that you need to run his sim.
The factory wideband sensors are self calibrating on sensor warm up. They don't need to see a artificial signal from URD's sim.

 

This is true. There used to be another sim on the market which completely eliminated the rear sensors. That one was awesome!

 

Ehh?
http://www.magnumtuning.com/en/detail/ez-cel-fix-oxygen-sensor-simulator/toyota/tacoma