1996 Oxygen Sensor Problem

[ericv1984]

I was going to change my downstream o2 sensor today on my 96 Sunfire SE and couldn't find the connector. All I see running out of the o2 sensor is a real long wire, followed it as far as I could and I didn't see the connection part. I read online that on a certain car (forgot which one), the connection was above the transmission, not sure if maybe that's where the connection is? My Chilton's manual is useless, and only talks about the upstream o2 sensor. So, does anyone know where the connection is on a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2L?

Btw, the o2 sensor is REALLY stuck on. Sprayed some liquid wrench on but didn't budge a bit, what would be a good solution to get it unstuck?

 

[ericv1984]

I found one guys answer to my problem, he said to look near the brake booster. So, another question.... Where is the brake booster?

 

[melsg5]

The brake fluid reservoir is mounted on the booster. You should see the sensor connected to the exhaust system after the cat. convertor. Typically for something frozen you would use heat to loosen it. They sell small butane torches at home improvement stores but I'm not sure if they get hot enough, a shop would use oxy/acetylene.

 

[blebs]

The brake fluid reservoir is mounted on the booster. You should see the sensor connected to the exhaust system after the cat. converter. Typically for something frozen you would use heat to loosen it. They sell small butane torches at home improvement stores but I'm not sure if they get hot enough, a shop would use oxy/acetylene.

If you don't have access to oxy/acetylene torch, try some MAPP gas. It's just like propane, but gets much hotter. If you run into stripping the threads out of the converteror, get a spark plug thread chaser and run it into the converter before installing your new O2 sensor. Sometimes they come out easy and sometimes it's a war.

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/learning/mapp-gas-vs-propane.aspx

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[ericv1984]

If I get a response quick enough then I will attempt the removal today. Otherwise it will have to wait till tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I can see the connection for the downstream o2 sensor but I want to make sure before I disconnect it so I took a picture of it on my cell phone, then took a picture of my cell phone from my webcam lol. Don't have picture messaging or a MicroSD card. Anyway, the connection that I am referring to is the one that is circled in the picture below.

I guess I could always just disconnect the connection, start the car, let it run for a bit and see if the CEL comes on. If it comes on then I guess that means that connection is for the o2 sensor. Just a thought.

I know the picture sucks, but I can't find my digital camera right now.