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oxygen Sensor Connector

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Dynomite, Jul 16, 2020.

  1. Jul 16, 2020 at 5:44 PM
    #1
    Dynomite

    Dynomite [OP] Member

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    Cliff
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    On a 2003 Tacoma standard Transmission the front oxygen sensor connector is somehow
    connected to the top of the transmission?

    How do you get the oxygen sensor disconnected?

    Also.....The rear oxygen sensor nuts are corroded beyond help.....How do you remove that rear oxygen sensor?

    Thanks,
    Cliff
     
  2. Jul 16, 2020 at 5:52 PM
    #2
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Welcome!!

    I have done enough I can just reach up and unplug the connector.

    If your having problems you might have luck removing the console and boot and reaching down from the top

    This way is harder for me .

    rear O2 sensor Very carefully lots of your favorite penetrating spray maybe some heat if they are rusted beyond getting a socket on a small vise grips.

    broken studs I find it easier to just replace the bung with a new one.
     
    Dynomite[OP] likes this.
  3. Jul 16, 2020 at 6:09 PM
    #3
    Dynomite

    Dynomite [OP] Member

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    Thank you.......yep....I was thinking of trying from the top also....but the O2 connector is a bit foreward of the console.

    Will try vice grips if I can get on the nut of the rear O2 connector. Or maybe drop the exhaust at that point.

    On the front O2 connector was trying to figure out how it is connected to top of Trans.
     
  4. Jul 16, 2020 at 8:35 PM
    #4
    Black DOG Lila

    Black DOG Lila Well-Known Member

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    Stock. EZ pass.Dump pass.Inspection sticker.Convict printed lic.plates.FG cap.
    I used liquid wrench, heat and finally locking vice grips to remove the threaded studs from O2 flange. Studs and nuts are M8 x 1.25 available at parts stores. Use anti seize on new ones.
    Front sensor connection on my 03 was under not over transmission.
     
  5. Jul 16, 2020 at 8:51 PM
    #5
    Dynomite

    Dynomite [OP] Member

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    Thanks for reply..........:thumbsup:
    I will grind the 2 nuts and 2 bolts off the exhaust coupling just ahead of the rear O2 sensor tomorrow.
    Will Replace those two bolts on the exhaust as well as use heat on the rear O2 sensor when the exhaust is dropped.
    Hopefully with heat and vice grips I can remove the two rear O2 sensor nuts and maybe the studs as well with the exhaust dropped.

    Hopefully I can disconnect the front O2 sensor connector attached to the top of the transmission on my Tacoma :notsure:
    (it is a very tight spot on top of transmission) and I assume the connector release is the same as on the rear O2 sensor :cheers:
     
  6. Jul 16, 2020 at 11:08 PM
    #6
    Currygoat

    Currygoat Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to TW. Heres a thread to check out before you grind the nuts and bolts off:

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-replace-o2-sensors.194366/

    I tried penetrating oil, vice grips and swearing and none of those worked on the rusted nuts. I then bought a small file and filed the edges straight on the nuts. I was able to get a smaller wrench around them and take them off. Reinstalled new O2 sensor with new nuts with anti seize.
     
    Dynomite[OP] likes this.
  7. Jul 17, 2020 at 12:54 AM
    #7
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    There is one of those clips with a ring attached with one of the transmission bolts.

    At least it was when it left the factory.

    Most times when the O2 sensor is changed the first time it gets left off and cable tied.

    The plugs should be the same though the front one is good for not being disconnected when removing the transmission the first time and things get pulled apart in a violent fashion
     
    Dynomite[OP] likes this.
  8. Jul 17, 2020 at 9:25 AM
    #8
    Dynomite

    Dynomite [OP] Member

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    Thank You for the suggestions/Links.
    I removed the console (unscrewed the two shifter knobs and removed 4 screws from top console).
    Then removed 4 screws from metal flange holding the rubber covers.
    Then reached in with long needle nose pliers and squeezed the tab so O2 connector could be removed from metal holder.
    Used small screw driver to unlock tab on connector.
    Installed new O2 connector and even installed connector tabs back into the metal holder.
    The metal holder is bolted to the top of the transmission.

    Started the Tacoma and check engine light is no longer.
    Will wait to install rear O2 sensor until such time I get another check engine light :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

    Who ever thought of mounting that O2 connector on top of transmission :censored:

    4A540B57-9383-4036-93B0-BA206069AA3B_1_105_c.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2020
    Currygoat and Wyoming09 like this.

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