O2 sensors are a wear items on cars. How many miles do you have? If you have anywhere from 60k-80k then its about time to replace it. I would buy an OEM unit rather than trying to rig a aftermarket part in place. The odds of burning out another one are slim.
Check out www.parts4vws.com. They have pretty good prices and can get OEM stuff.
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Joe P.
2002 VW GTI 337
1969 VW Type III Squareback
www.vdubnut.com