Trouble replacing upstream O2 sensor

A

adrianp

New member
HELP! I got the driver side downstream replaced. Easy once I got it up on ramps and could get underneath.

I need some serious help on how I can replace the driver side upstream O2 sensor (the one near the engine). It's for a 2004 4Runner V6.

I tried using a harbor freight O2 sensor offset socket (3/8" Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench) , but I can't get an extension on it because it's hitting the pipe. Not to mention that even getting an extension to stay on it is dam near impossible.

I've tried various flex wrenches etc...I was laying on top of the engine. I was able to get my arm in far enough to easily get the clip off with the help of a small screw driver to help. I lost my daylight so had to connect it back on until tomorrow.

If you recommend tools, if possible include a picture and any info on where I can get it.

Thank you,
Adrian
 
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Do some searching ! But ya I had to buy 3 separate wrenchs 22mm to do mine & since your replacing it soak the crap with pbblaster . I laid on top & tried to remove anything I could to give me more room 1/4 turns lots of cussing had it , perseverance . Lucky got skinny arms but cut the shit outta myself on those clamps . You'll get it
 
oljedi11950 said:
Do some searching
Click to expand...
Yea, no shit. How do you think I even got to this point?

I got the O2 offset socket, from Jeff T's reply on http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/163399-o2-sensor.html who also mentioned laying on top of the engine to reach it.

Anyways, what I was asking for was for any tips, outside of what I've already listed from other threads on the forum (at least that I found) for someone that is mechanically inexperienced.

As for removing things in the way, well that's the only thing I haven't done. I'd have to first figure out what it was that I'd be removing and make sure I did it correctly. That's starts hitting my limits of experience :) If I could even get 1/4 turns in I'd be happy as hell.


Found this 5 pages in so I'll see how it helps.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/155484-removing-drivers-side-1st-o2-af-sensor.html
 
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I did sorta tell you my sad story after my search tip . But ya it's a bit^* dude . Like I said it took me 3 different wrenches to get it done & no amount of tips got it done blood sweat & MF for a cpl hrs ! Little quarter turns just to break it loose , they couldn't have put it in a worse spot for DIYs sorry if that pissed you off ?
 
Is this what you have? http://www.amazon.com/OTC-4673-6-Heated-Oxygen-Sensor/dp/B005LTJ01U

I bought one just like that at AutoZone and had no real issues with getting that upstream sensor off. I had more trouble with the GD plug! I think I used a 1/2" adaptor with a 3", 3/8" extension. That was skinny enough to clear the exhaust pipe. Then with a regular 3/8" ratchet I put a deep socket on the handle and plugged a longer extension into that. Voila! Does that make sense?
 
I'm trying to figure out how to take the (upstream)air/fuel sensor out as well but I could not think of ways how to loosen it. I was thinking of removing the exhaust manifold itself. I've read somewhere and one way is lower the engine or transmission part so you could have some room. as usual, they did a lot of cursing. keep us posted!

adrianp said:
HELP! I got the driver side downstream replaced. Easy once I got it up on ramps and could get underneath.

I need some serious help on how I can replace the driver side upstream O2 sensor (the one near the engine). It's for a 2004 4Runner V6.

I tried using a harbor freight O2 sensor offset socket (3/8" Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench) , but I can't get an extension on it because it's hitting the pipe. Not to mention that even getting an extension to stay on it is dam near impossible.

I've tried various flex wrenches etc...I was laying on top of the engine. I was able to get my arm in far enough to easily get the clip off with the help of a small screw driver to help. I lost my daylight so had to connect it back on until tomorrow.

If you recommend tools, if possible include a picture and any info on where I can get it.

Thank you,
Adrian
Click to expand...
 
Jack it up, take off the front drivers side wheel/tire, remove the splash shield and you can easily access it with a box-end wrench from within the wheel well. No specialty tools required...
 
I second the recommendation to remove the passenger wheel, and splash shield. You should be able to see the O2 once you remove the shield, and although its still difficult, this was the best angle I could find.

Good luck!
 
Sorry to bring this up, but the worst case scenario that you can be facing here is that the AF sensor is cross threaded from the factory. This happened to me when I installed my LT headers and the truck was still fairly new when I did it. So it wasn't like age and rust were against me yet at this point. Nothing can be done about it other then gorilla wrench it out and replace with a new sensor ($$). This was also my driver's side sensor; the passenger side was the complete opposite and zipped right off.
 
looks like you have a v8. seems easy for a v8, not a v6.


message said:
Jack it up, take off the front drivers side wheel/tire, remove the splash shield and you can easily access it with a box-end wrench from within the wheel well. No specialty tools required...
Click to expand...
 
So will that odd 02 socket work with extensions or do you have to remove teh wheel and splash guard? I'm about to do this but cant get in there w/a any tools (that I own). I'm speaking of bank1 sensor 1 on a 2004 - which is the passenger side upstream.

bzettler83 said:
I second the recommendation to remove the passenger wheel, and splash shield. You should be able to see the O2 once you remove the shield, and although its still difficult, this was the best angle I could find.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
 
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did you get this replaced yet? did you do it from the top of the engine or from the passenger side wheel?

adrianp said:
HELP! I got the driver side downstream replaced. Easy once I got it up on ramps and could get underneath.

I need some serious help on how I can replace the driver side upstream O2 sensor (the one near the engine). It's for a 2004 4Runner V6.

I tried using a harbor freight O2 sensor offset socket (3/8" Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench) , but I can't get an extension on it because it's hitting the pipe. Not to mention that even getting an extension to stay on it is dam near impossible.

I've tried various flex wrenches etc...I was laying on top of the engine. I was able to get my arm in far enough to easily get the clip off with the help of a small screw driver to help. I lost my daylight so had to connect it back on until tomorrow.

If you recommend tools, if possible include a picture and any info on where I can get it.

Thank you,
Adrian
Click to expand...
 
Having the same issue with my O2 sensor. Got the cable unplugged pretty easy but the flipping O2 sensor wont budge. I hit it with some BP plaster today so im going to wait till tomorrow to try again.
 
Also looking for an update here. I tried the special o2 socket (crows foot) from above, below, and wheel well. Not enough room for leverage and couldn't fit any cheater pipes either. Tried different extensions, breaker bars, and wrenches. Each ends up hitting some other part when connecting to the socket.
 
heiser said:
Also looking for an update here. I tried the special o2 socket (crows foot) from above, below, and wheel well. Not enough room for leverage and couldn't fit any cheater pipes either. Tried different extensions, breaker bars, and wrenches. Each ends up hitting some other part when connecting to the socket.
Click to expand...

I was finally able to remove my O2 sensor on the drivers side last weekend. I used PB Blaster on the nut and I hit it again that night before I went to bed. I also bought a 3/8" 18" ratcheting breaker bar from Harbor Freight for $20.00. It was easy for me to get to the O2 sensor from under the truck when I jacked it up. Try PB Blaster and let it soak over night. Hope this helps.
 
Do you have a v8 or v6?

2003-4x4runner said:
I was finally able to remove my O2 sensor on the drivers side last weekend. I used PB Blaster on the nut and I hit it again that night before I went to bed. I also bought a 3/8" 18" ratcheting breaker bar from Harbor Freight for $20.00. It was easy for me to get to the O2 sensor from under the truck when I jacked it up. Try PB Blaster and let it soak over night. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
 
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