I'm getting multiple bank 1 sensor 1 failures so I ordered a pair from VAST. I wanted to soak them before the new parts arrive but I can only see the passenger side sensor from the top. Can someone tell me how to gain access to the driver side sensor. Also, is there a good DIY somewhere, I can't find one with pictures. Thanks a lot.

 

OK, I've located the sensor. Simply removing the coolant reservoir let's you get a good view. I took some pictures for others. I gave them a shot of WD40 the past few days to try and free things up. It looks like a pretty simple job with the right tools. I included a picture of a ratchet with pivoting head, 2 6" extensions, universal joint, and O2 removal tool. I experimented a little bit and it seems to reach. I'll keep you posted after I replace them. I hope this helps other people because I couldn't find anything on the net with pictures.

[IMG]local://upfiles/33364/026D18A2598743CCB3C3BAFCFF5F4F4D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/33364/8A71FC9173754C24B2F6EC8871A322AD.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/33364/7DF79D7A9E534BBF8F76013C5143919C.jpg[/IMG]

 

I'm very happy right now because it was fairly easy to change the front O2 sensors and all of my codes have not come back. It took me about 45 minutes and the ratchet assembly above worked except you need about 18" of extension. Although, while I was doing the driver side, my elbow broke the T connector on the coolant reservoir so I had to get one of those. Below is a DIY for others to try:
&nbsp\\;
Passenger side
1. Locate both O2 sensors in the pictures above and spray them with penetrating oil like PB Blaster or WD40. I did this 2 days in a row to ensure they would come out easily.
2. Locate and disconnect the black 4 pin connector on the firewall. It will look exactly like the replacement O2 connector if you bought the right one.
3. Clip tie wraps that hold the cable in place.
4. Using the assembly in picture 3 above, carefully lower the O2 socket onto the sensor. If you drop a piece, you may not be able to reach it.
5. Make sure it is securely seated because you only get 1 chance to round off the corners. Straighten out the extension as much as possible. Then put your guns to work and twist that puppy out. Mine came loose pretty easily relatively speaking. I've done this before and broken ratchets.
6. Once you get it broken loose, reach down and spin it out by hand.
7. Start the threads on the new sensor. The one with the shorter wire goes on the passenger side.
8. Once again, lower the socket and tighten the sensor. Don't give it everything you've got because you could slip and damage the wire. I don't know the torque specs, but I gave it a good bit of torque until it stopped turning.
9. Connect the plug and replace the tie wraps.
&nbsp\\;
Driver Side.
1. Same as above, except you need to remove the coolant reservoir. The wire also runs through a heat blanket with snaps that will need to be removed. This one is more difficult to reach, but you should be able to get your hand in there and get it seated well before you put the torque to it. Good luck.
&nbsp\\;
I need some advice from the gurus. Do I need to do anything else like throttle adaptation? It seemed to run fine and I haven't had a chance to check gas mileage.
&nbsp\\;

 

do you feel better millage after O2 replacment?

 

I had the same sh** happen to me with my T fitting.

 

I don't know yet, but I'm taking a 1,200 mile trip starting tonight. I'm thinking of a small hydrogen generator to increase my mileage. I think I'll start a thread on the subject.

 

Mileage is the same or worse. I'm averaging about 25 right now.I must have been running lean before.

 

I got the CEL due to the O2 sensor needs to be replaced... However, I am currently get 11.5L/100kms (I dont know what MPG that is equaling to). I need to replace both of front sensors.

Why you got even worse mileage after you put the new sensor on? (that scared me out, maybe I should keep the CEL on for now)

 

The mileage came back up to 26.5 on my last trip. Maybe they need to "burn in" or something but they're good. Although one of my rears went bad so I changed them out today. They are much easier than the fronts to get loose with a 7/8" wrench, but the wiring is a bitch. I decided to cut the lines, solder, and heat shrink the new sensors in. The two wires were tie wrapped together on top of the transmission and I couldn't get them out.

 

Okie dokie, now that all 4 O2 sensors are working properly I'm getting a "warm up catalyst below threshold" on both banks. I'm guessing my cats are bad since I have 149k on the car. I don't have emissions in Tennessee so I won't worry about it. If anything, I'll buy a couple of bung extenders from VAST to fix the problem before I sell it.