Drivers Side O2 Sensor Removal GEN 2

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sirkingchase

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97 Lincoln Mark VIII trying to change front O2 sensors. I used all the right tools, oxygen sensor socket, braker bar, extension, and U joint socket. Braking it loose was a piece of cake. I cant get it anymore loose with unplugging the wire.

Now Im at the point of disconnecting it. I cant for the life of me figure out how to unplug it! My hand is too big to reach up from underneath the car to disconnect it! Even if I could fit my hand in there the plug is too far to reach. I can see the O2 sensor and cable from the top of the engine but I cant figure out where it goes.

I went to the junkyard and took two sensors off a GEN 1 and I had no problem. Why is it so much harder on a GEN 2?

How do you unplug this thing? Is there an easy way from the top of the engine?
 
The plug has a nub that is pushed into the back of the head. If you have a good light, you can see it and pry off the plug from the head. that will free it up.

The other method is a long flathead screwdriver with a narrow end. You push up into the plug on the side with the tab. This pushes the tab towards the plug, then you give a tug and it pops out. I call these compression plugs since you usually squeeze the plug to release it.
 
Place on the same screwdriver and press in. But if you pop it off the head, good luck, then its all over the place. The plug really is in a crap location. When I made a new engine harness, I relocated them!
 
I couldnt get the nub on the back of the head to pop off with a screwdriver so I just removed the sensor from the exhaust manifold and tugged on the wire and it until it came loose. It is still way to far up there to unplug with my hand so Im going to use the screwdriver method you described.

I just dont think Im going to be able to plug the new one in once I get the old one out.
 
Thanks for the advice! Im going to go do it now. I hope this can help someone else with the same problem one day.

I always search for answers first then I make a topic. The thread name is pretty specific so it should be able to be easily found in the future.
 
Well most just reach up there. Its a pain, but if you have bear paws for hands then its game over.
 
I think its game over because I cant reach it.

Is there anyway I can remove the steering shaft thats blocking it? It that was gone this would be able to access it easily.
 
topper said:
You can take off the cowl cover and the windshield wiper motor.
Click to expand...

Could you please explain more?

I have the sensor in the exhaust manifold all tightened and ready to be plugged in. I just can not plug it in from underneath the car. My hand is all scratched up from the insulation. I am literally sitting in front of this computer waiting for someone for a reply.
 
Good idea, taking the cowl off might help.

The wipers are a pain to remove if you never have before. Its because they are so easy to take off that most struggle with them. There is a small locking plate that slides back towards the wiper part. Then you just pull up STRAIGHT. Do not pull up at an angle and pull only from the "base", not any part of the arm. The arms should come right up.

By the way, this is all from memory....

Once off, I think the rest is easy to see. Pull the long rubber hood seal and then take out a bunch of screws. The problem is by the brake booster, the wiper motor has some bolt into the firewall around that.

I think you can figure it out, but it sorta all comes out in just a couple pieces.

I am probably a little wrong with some of that, but I think it will help a little. Then you have a straight-shot view down behind the engine.
 
So the plan is to remove the entire windshield wiper system (plastic cover an all) so that I can stick my hand down the back of the engine and plug that SOB in? Im going to try that tomorrow morning.
 
Pretty much. Removing the cowl will open up access a lot better. The brake booster will be in the way, but you should be able to reach what you need.
 
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