Replacing Rear Heated O2 Sensor

I did more research and found that I replaced the wrong sensor (someone told
me the code meant the front one, doh!) so I had the rear heated o2 sensor
ordered and will pick it up today. I've read that its a pain to get off, but
that's fine. I'm not exactly sure where it is since I haven't been able to
get under there and look, but I do know its around the cat converter (after
it, no?)

I've also read that you need a special tool or socket or something to get it
off. Is this even true? The pictures I've seen of the sensor don't seem like
you'd need more than a wrench. I'm hoping I'm not wrong :P

Yes they make special sockets just for O2 Sensors. But not all require
the socket if it is in a place you can get to it with a wrench or
other tool. I would soak down the threads at least a few hours, if not
overnight to help loosen the sensor.

James

I've got pictures of where the ******* thing is located. I banged around on
it with a wrench before giving up and deciding to get better tools. Its
currently soaking if you will, but its quite welded in there through rust
and exhaust.
Later on I'll post pictures to all who care!
Yet!
"James1549" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Yes they make special sockets just for O2 Sensors. But not all require
> the socket if it is in a place you can get to it with a wrench or
> other tool. I would soak down the threads at least a few hours, if not
> overnight to help loosen the sensor.
>
> James
>

I recently replaced the downstream HO2 sensor on my '01 lw300 with 98K on
it. Expecting quite a struggle, the sensor came out with only an adjustable
wrench (albeit a 12" one) and quite easily at that. I've had to use a torch
on other vehicles to soften the rust in order to remove the sensors. This
was a pleasant surprise. I have the special wrench but given the angles and
access space, a good 'ol adjustable spanner worked just fine.
After removing the sensor, you are supposed to chase out the threads on the
pipe with a tap. I've never had the right threaded tap so just made do.

"HyperCube33 (Life2Death)" > wrote in message
...
> I've got pictures of where the ******* thing is located. I banged around
> on it with a wrench before giving up and deciding to get better tools. Its
> currently soaking if you will, but its quite welded in there through rust
> and exhaust.
> Later on I'll post pictures to all who care!
> Yet!
> "James1549" > wrote in message
> ups.com...
>> Yes they make special sockets just for O2 Sensors. But not all require
>> the socket if it is in a place you can get to it with a wrench or
>> other tool. I would soak down the threads at least a few hours, if not
>> overnight to help loosen the sensor.
>>
>> James
>>
>
>

Well, not the case in mine. There is a shield blocking any room that an
adjustable wrench would have. I've been there, tried that. I must also note
that the reason I suspected the sensor went was because the connection is
right under where my car blew all of its tranny fluid. Oddly enough, today
the Service Engine Soon light went off, and my car stopped choking on gas.
I'm not sure what to do at this point, if I should go ahead and toss the
sensor in since I have it and will have the car jacked up, or return it and
get my $75 back. Blah!

Regardless, I was planning to post a how-to on Saturn.com, with pictures, of
the whole procedure, and any others that I do. I also would love to put
together a wiki or something with color photos on how to do many repair
procedures - with the help from you guys. I know what I've learned so far
has benefited me, and this is on my first car, and I am grateful that it was
a Saturn, I now love my car even though it seems like its falling apart!
(and may be, it looks to me like it was in some kind of drivers side
accident before I got it, used.)

Much thanks,
Brian Thorp

"Oppie" > wrote in message
.. .
>I recently replaced the downstream HO2 sensor on my '01 lw300 with 98K on
>it. Expecting quite a struggle, the sensor came out with only an adjustable
>wrench (albeit a 12" one) and quite easily at that. I've had to use a torch
>on other vehicles to soften the rust in order to remove the sensors. This
>was a pleasant surprise. I have the special wrench but given the angles and
>access space, a good 'ol adjustable spanner worked just fine.
> After removing the sensor, you are supposed to chase out the threads on
> the pipe with a tap. I've never had the right threaded tap so just made
> do.
>
> "HyperCube33 (Life2Death)" > wrote in message
> ...
>> I've got pictures of where the ******* thing is located. I banged around
>> on it with a wrench before giving up and deciding to get better tools.
>> Its currently soaking if you will, but its quite welded in there through
>> rust and exhaust.
>> Later on I'll post pictures to all who care!
>> Yet!
>> "James1549" > wrote in message
>> ups.com...
>>> Yes they make special sockets just for O2 Sensors. But not all require
>>> the socket if it is in a place you can get to it with a wrench or
>>> other tool. I would soak down the threads at least a few hours, if not
>>> overnight to help loosen the sensor.
>>>
>>> James
>>>
>>
>>
>
>