Changing O2 sensors

[WestCoastSVX]

I've done several different searches and can't seem to find a decent step by step on this. I know a lot of people have done this and it is pretty quick and easy, but any tips, tricks, procedures, etc to share?

Thanks!

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by MacGyver

I've done several different searches and can't seem to find a decent step by step on this. I know a lot of people have done this and it is pretty quick and easy, but any tips, tricks, procedures, etc to share?

Thanks!

On the front O2 sensors, it's a three wire.
The easiest way to remove the electrical connectors, is to take a standard blade screwdriver, reach up and put it under the locking "flap", and while pulling lightly on the cable to the O2 sensor, reach in and twist the screwdriver slightly to release the electrical connection.
The O2 sensors themselves are easily unscrewed with the correct size wrench, 7/8", or 13/16" hexagonal box wrench.(whichever fits)
I personally do NOT recomend the "splice ours to yours" O2 sensor, but a Bosch factory equalivent if fine.
Once you do it, you will see how easy it is, it's no big deal.

[Earthworm]

Just to be sure, spray the sensors with penetrating fluid of choice and give it time to do its job before attempting to remove the sensors.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Earthworm

Just to be sure, spray the sensors with penetrating fluid of choice and give it time to do its job before attempting to remove the sensors.

I second this. I didnt have any stuff to spray on it, and I couldnt budge the 3rd one (only one i tried). I need to get some of that stuff and try again soon.

[Bizarre]

Don't forget to apply the metallic powder anti-sieze lubricant to the threads of the sensor. I think the exhaust system is the ground and there needs to be conductivity. I also wire brushed the threads inside on the exhaust mounts.

[WestCoastSVX]

Thanks for the advice so far.

But it took me 20 minutes just to get one connector off! How do you guys do it, from the top, or from under the car? The connector locations seem to be jammed in there right between with hardly any clearance on either side to get a hand in there, much less and hand and screwdriver at the same time.

After I somehow got one connector off, I then attempted to remove the sensor with a ratchet and special O2 socket, but it wouldn't budge (should have paid attention to that advice). I pulled so hard that the entire exhaust was moving a bit but still not the socket. Guess I'll have to try the penetrating oil.

Then took me another 20 minutes to get the old connector back on, they only go on one way and there is no way to see or feel what you are doing up in that tight space. I'm not sure how I even got it to click, but eventually it did and the car runs so....

Any more advice in this area? Thanks!

[svxfiles]

I disconnect mine from under the car. That way I only have to pull on the wire, a little bit, while inserting and twisting the screwdriver.
To connect them, you have to line them up first, it can only go on one way, and squeeze them together.
It does get easier as you do them.

[drivemusicnow]

While i used penetrating oil when doing mine... by far the EASIEST way is to spray some penetrating oil on, then run the car and get everything up to temp... then get it up on a lift, or high up on jackstands... comes out with a moderate amount of force.

also, the splicers are fine (what i put on my car right now) as long as you splice the correct wires together. that way you don't have to mess with the clips that for some reason, i suck at undoing.

[svxxx26]

Originally Posted by Bwana

I second this. I didnt have any stuff to spray on it, and I couldnt budge the 3rd one (only one i tried). I need to get some of that stuff and try again soon.

THIRD one???

OK I'm an idiot...WHERE is the third one? I replaced two of mine (the front two I guess) some time ago, but never thought there were three. Anybody?

[Electrophil]

Originally Posted by svxxx26

THIRD one???

OK I'm an idiot...WHERE is the third one? I replaced two of mine (the front two I guess) some time ago, but never thought there were three. Anybody?

I'm with you on this one. Scratching my head... I need some edgumakation on this!!

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by svxxx26

THIRD one???

OK I'm an idiot...WHERE is the third one? I replaced two of mine (the front two I guess) some time ago, but never thought there were three. Anybody?

Sorry for the confusion guys. The 96-97 OBDII cars have a 3rd O2 sensor after the Y-pipe. From what I've read, this 3rd one is used to monitor the efficiency of the cat's, but has no effect on any engine parameters.

Again, sorry about that, didnt even think of it.

I mean...they all have it, you should go back and look harder!!

[svxfiles]

My 92 has a third O2 sensor.












I installed it to feed my air/fuel ratio gauge.

[drivemusicnow]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

My 92 has a third O2 sensor.



I installed it to feed my air/fuel ratio gauge.

When i get my wideband for my eclipse, i just might have to hook it up on my svx... just for kicks and giggles.. nothing i can actually tune on it, but it would be interesting just to know

[svxxx26]

[QUOTE=svxfiles]My 92 has a third O2 sensor.


Good thing I scrolled down....

[NeedForSpeed]

Ricky and I changed the sensors on Friday afternoon, so we could drive to the California meet. We raised the car on stands, slid in on a creeper. Disconnected the wires from below with a long screwdriver as SVXfiles instucted, and reconnected on top with help underneath.

Also, I bought a O2 socket and a 7/8 tubing wrench in case needed, they weren't needed, will return them. After disconnecting the wires, I used a long 7/8 box as SVXfiles predicted. The left sensor came out easy enough. The right sensor made a turn or so then started to grab. So, I tightened it up, and used some penetrating stuff.

Oh, I had to loosen the right exhaust shield to get the box wrench on the right sensor.

After a little work, both sensors were out, the new one in, the wires clipped and ready to test. Used Walker sensors by the way, good for 110 mph bursts down I-5 to the California meet. The Walkers are wired correctly.

Then, I disconnected the battery for 30 minutes. Reconnected, the Check engine light was still on. A short drive but the car didn't run well. Disconnected the battery overnight. Hooked it up the next morning, no light, sounded good, drove several hundred miles of fun with no CE light.

Fun, fun, fun! Thanks guys. Anyone with a jack, stands, box wrench and screw-driver can do the job.

Originally Posted by svxfiles

I disconnect mine from under the car. That way I only have to pull on the wire, a little bit, while inserting and twisting the screwdriver.
To connect them, you have to line them up first, it can only go on one way, and squeeze them together.
It does get easier as you do them.