# help: how to take out the O2 sensor? **URL:** \ **Category:** SON240sx Automotive\ **Created:** [March 17, 2005, 2:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331 "2005-03-17T14:02:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Souljourner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Souljourner](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Souljourner)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2005, 2:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331/1 "2005-03-17T14:02:21Z")
Hey guys, I need to replace my O2 sensor. The last time that I took out the O2 sensor was when the SR20 was out of the car. It was so easy. Now I need to take it out while the O2 is in the car and can’t seem to get a wrench to fit in the small space. I tried unplugging the o2 sensor plug and feed it through the closed end of the wrench but the plug is too big to fit through the 22mm wrench. Any suggestions? John ---
**Author:** ![DETS14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee59a6/32.png) [@DETS14](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/DETS14)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2005, 2:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331/2 "2005-03-17T14:14:20Z")
Stationary Vise grip + penetrate oil = solution I did this for mine at work and it came off easily. I had a huge socket wrench to fit it, tho. ---
**Author:** ![Sasha\_SG](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/sasha_sg/32/5477_2.png) [@Sasha\_SG](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Sasha_SG)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2005, 2:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331/3 "2005-03-17T14:37:36Z")
use the open end at a sharp angle, you should only need to apply 20~ ftlbs of so to get it loose, and sine there is a large contact patch its rare that they strip. ---
**Author:** ![Racer\_XTREME](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47c2d/32.png) [@Racer\_XTREME](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Racer_XTREME)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2005, 2:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331/4 "2005-03-18T14:52:38Z")
STUBBY WRENCHES!!! they are good to have none the less. ---
**Author:** ![nocwage](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/nocwage/32/5489_2.png) [@nocwage](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/nocwage)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2005, 3:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331/5 "2005-03-18T15:27:45Z")
What size are the O2 sensors? ---
**Author:** ![s13\_2bar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/edb3f5/32.png) [@s13\_2bar](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/s13_2bar)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2005, 7:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/help-how-to-take-out-the-o2-sensor/84331/6 "2005-03-18T19:19:04Z")
Do it right … go to Princess Auto, and get the proper tool - it`s and O2 sensor socket (that has a slite in it for the wire to go throught) that goes onto your 3/8 ratchet. Now removing the sensor. Attempt to remove - if the sensor comes out with ease - great. If not you can either use torches - to heat the area to ease the removal. If you do not have a set of torches then - run the engine for about 10 minutes. Be extra careful not to burn your self (wear gloves) and remove it. If the sensor comes out with the threads - stripped. Do not install the new sensor in, you will damage the sensor internaly. You must tap the sensor hole first. Go to your local garage and ask where you can get a tap (Canaidan tire, Home depot and Princess Auto - does not sell this item - only Snap On, or Mac Tools sell them) Good luck !