I've searched through the forums trying to find the best method for getting at the Bank 1 Upstream O2 sensor but haven't found anything. On my '02 the sensor is on the Y-pipe, in between the firewall and the motor. I tried getting at it from above with an O2 sensor socket, universal ball joint, and a socket wrench but had no luck.

Anyone have any advice as to how to get at this thing?

 

Do it from under the car, go right to your flex section where it meets the Ypipe and go up and you should easily get to it then.

 

So I assume you're replaced one of these before, did you have to remove the heat shield to be able to remove it? It looks like access would be easier without the shield but the shield looks like a PITA to remove/replace. And how about removing the passenger side wheel? I'd have to jack the car up pretty high if I'm going to get underneath unless I used ramps. But ramps won't be possible if I need to remove the wheel.

 

You will have to lift the car high enough to get to it, otherwise you'll have a real hard time. I doubt removing a passenger wheel will help any. Ramps should be sufficient to lift it enough.

I don't remember having to remove no heat shields for this

 

It looks like you replaced this on a '00 and I believe the placement of the sensor is different on my '02. If I was to access the sensor from underneath the car I'd have reach up past the banjo bolt for the high pressure steering hose. There is a heat shield covering the base of the sensor so maybe I'll try and get that off to see if it's any more accessible from underneath.

 

Working under the skirt is fun!

 

The 02 sensor is right there. Not sure what you're talking about it being different, it's exactly the same on all 5th gens where that sensor is placed. There's only a very slight difference between 5th vs 5.5 gen in the Ypipe design, but that o2 sensor goes in same place...

That is, if you're talking about the downstream o2 for bank 1.

 

My understanding is that HO2S1-B1 is the Upstream Bank 1 sensor not the Downstream. It's located here on my '02...



I'm going to pick up a flex-head ratchet and try again from above.

 

^^ That looks like a 6th gen engine not a 5.5

I know the 6th gens have that o2 visible from above. And it's still a downstream sensor, both the rears are, the two front sensors are upstream.

 

Well, I definitely have an '02 5.5 gen. I ended up clipping wire and using a deep socket to get it out.

 

I hate sockets for o2 sensors rather use a 7/8's openend and a cheater pipe