How do I actually UNPLUG the o2 sensor?

[MinistrOfJustiz]

Upon searching these forums I found out all I thought I needed to know to replace my bad O2 sensor on the driver's side of my 1996 V6 4.0

And, since I have no idea what kind of maintenance the previous owner did, I picked up a second to replace the other upstream sensor. Got under there with the PB Blaster and the o2 sensor socket, and I'll be darned if I can snake my fat fingers back along that wire to actually unplug the sensor on the driver's side!

I won't be offended if there is a simple trick that I just don't know, somebody please just tell me how I unplug the old things so I can get my fuel economy back!

 

[Carguy3J]

Upon searching these forums I found out all I thought I needed to know to replace my bad O2 sensor on the driver's side of my 1996 V6 4.0

And, since I have no idea what kind of maintenance the previous owner did, I picked up a second to replace the other upstream sensor. Got under there with the PB Blaster and the o2 sensor socket, and I'll be darned if I can snake my fat fingers back along that wire to actually unplug the sensor on the driver's side!

I won't be offended if there is a simple trick that I just don't know, somebody please just tell me how I unplug the old things so I can get my fuel economy back!

If I recall correctly, to get to the plug on the driver side O2:

1.) Smash your hand repeatedly w/ a hammer until you've broken every bone. (Note, you also need to "prep" your wrist and forearm for the removal procedure)

2.) Now that your hand is nice and "flexible", reach down behind the motor, from the top. The plug should be at about the bottom of the block/ near the bellhousing, kinda of in the middle or slightly towards the driver side.

3.) Have fun trying to disconnect the plug while only being able to get one hand barely on it.

4.) Get to the emergency room, 'cause that hand must really be hurting by now.

Note: You will probably need to climb on top of the engine, in order to be able to reach far enough behind it, unless you have freakishly long arms.

 

[saewoody]

I just pulled my engine last week. It was an 97 SOHC, but the location for the connector is probably similar. Anyway, it was the last disconnect I had to make. I did it through the wheelwell. I already had the entire inner plastic fender removed. If you can't quite reach it, you may be able to get a screwdriver on it to pop the clip. That is what I ended up doing. It only takes several minutes to remove the inner fender; that included gathering the tools. Good luck.

 

[MinistrOfJustiz]

With only a few bones in my hand broken, I was able to snake through the wheel well and get the sensors unplugged.

Unfortunately, all the B'Laster and elbow grease I could apply didn't loosen the darned things. One of them started to round, so I decided I should quit before I made it worse.

Looks like I'll have to take my sensors to a muffler shop and ask them to do the dirty work for me. I hate to be defeated!

 

[Turdle]

Do this to get to the sensors and plugs

 

[abrezinsky]

Just replaced the drivers side on my 97 explorer this weekend and I rounded the thing completely off on my first attempt. Getting it out was pretty easy...

I went ahead and got a MAPP torch kit from home depot for about $50, heated up the bung for a while until it was pretty hot and then snapped a pair of vice grips on the rounded off nut portion. Tapped the end of the vice grips with a 3lb hammer and it came right out. This was after a week of blasting it with pblaster and trying with a 7/8 wrench, o2 sensor tool, vice grips and a 12" pipe wrench. Nothing would get it out. Don't underestimate how helpful a little heat can loosen extremely stuck parts.

 

[desertsky]

I was really lucky and the pass side O2 wasn't real tight. I DID have to remove the inner fender plastic to get to the connector, though! I didn't have to break any bones but I DO have freakishly long arms!

Just one day I would like to get an auto designer out in the field and watch him/her do this kind of maintenance!