02 sensor removal, '97 4l OHC

[bs49886]

'97 explorer xlt, 4x4, 4.0 sohc 182k miles

I have a few codes pointing toward a bad 02 sensor, bank 1 sensor 1. Im looking where the wiring runs for it, it it goes all the way up the backside of the block where there's a connector mounted on the block. How the hell do you get off to unplug it? I was thinking of reaching from underneath but its to long a reach.

Also, Im assuming the ones on there are the originals. I was just going to replace both of the upstream sensors while I was at it. The plug appears to be mounted similarly on the passenger side as the drivers side. Only it seems like getting the 02 sensor out of the bung seems to be more of a problem. It doesnt seem as if theres enough room for a o2 sensor socket or even a wrench to unscrew it.

Anyone have any tricks to getting getting the plugs, or the pass side sensor off? The connectors are not under the access pannel.

Thanks for any help

 

[bs49886]

anyone?

 

[manaen]

you can reach it from the top of the engine, there is just enough space to fit your hand (well i can get mine in there) and unplug the connector. You will need to almost crawl on top of the engine to reach it. Before you go through all that did you test the sensor? there are many conditions that will throw O2 codes.

 

[bs49886]

Well i have codes
p0133 o2 sensor slow response
p1131 lean condition
po172 system to rich

Pointed me towards a bad sensor. They are pretty old.
I tried unplugging it from the top but im not to familiar with how the plugs comes off & I couldn't really position my hand right

 

[manaen]

I think when I did mine I used a long screw driver to pry the plastic clips loose from the engine block. Here are some pictures of the clips and the plugs, I just happen to have a spare engine sitting around with the clips on it.

The plugs below are the O2 end, you need to press down on the catch to release it from the female end(wiring harness side).


You may need to remove the plugs from the engine clips (shown in the picture below) the socket (female end) slides onto these clips from the bottom up. Then they have a little nub that clips into the hole at the bottom of the clip. So to remove them you need to push down while prying the clip away from the socket, which releases the little plastic nub from the hole in the clip.

this is very hard to describe, just look at the pictures you will figure it out.

 

[manaen]

here is the socket end that attaches to the engine block
I almost forgot I have an extra wire harness too :

 

[bs49886]

I see, i see,
I thought there was a a pin or something on the back of the connector with a grommet or something that went into a small hole in the block.

What about the passenger side sensor itself? any tricks to getting that out? I dont have a wrench that will fit in there to get on the sensor.

Thanks for your help

 

[99xploder]

jack up the car and remove tire, Pull the little skirting off and there it is, use a 7/8 open end wrench. It not to hard. I just got done replacing mine. Hope this helps you out.