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Oxygen sensor - collar around it??

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by r0b_, Feb 12, 2011.

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  1. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    I have the Bosch replacement ready to go, located the forward (pre-cat) O2 sensor but can't figure out how to get the thing off. The post cat would be super simple, but since that one doesn't really do anything I figure I'll invest my $75 in the forward one and see if the code stays off.

    The problem is mine has a metal collar going around the sensor so you can't remove it.

    I have the O2 specific set from Advance Auto, none of the three sockets are thin enough to fit around the sensor and down into that metal collar.

    If I could I'd take a hacksaw to it, but the area is so tight I don't think I could clear it.


    So tell me, great Prius Gurus... how does one remove the sensor?
     
    #1 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
  2. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Are you using an oxygen sensor socket?
     
    #2 seilerts, Feb 12, 2011
  3. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    Yes, I have the whole kit... One direct and then a long and short offset. None of them will fit down into that collar, so I can not reach the bottom of the o2 sensor. The only part I can grab is the end with the wire, plus maybe half of the sensor.

    I tried pliers, just can't get it to turn since that end is rounded.
     
    #3 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The repair manual suggests that you remove the inverter first, for access. It also suggests the use of a special service tool, part number 09224-00010.

    BTW, the upstream sensor is called an air/fuel ratio sensor. I hope that your replacement part is the same - and not an oxygen sensor.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Feb 12, 2011
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  5. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    random filler post so I can show a pic of the problem spot.
     
    #5 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
  6. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    I suppose it makes sense to require 5 posts before linking to reduce spam, but....
     
    #6 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
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  7. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    THIS is my 5th post, next one for pics!
     
    #7 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
  8. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    Alrighty, I should qualify now, so let's try again....

    This is the pre-cat sensor:
    [​IMG]

    See the metal ring on there which makes it impossible to get a socket on?


    Compare it to the post cat, which does not have that ring:


    Post-cat sensor:
    [​IMG]



    I purchased a Bosch 4 wire universal, the computer at Advance Auto claims the pre and post are the same part.
     
    #8 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
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  9. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    This pic LOOKS like what I already have, maybe it has much thinner walls to allow it to fit inside that collar.

    OTC 09224-00010-01 Oxygen Sensor Socket for Toyota
     
    #9 r0b_, Feb 12, 2011
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The computer's database is wrong. I suggest that you buy the correct part.

    If you look at a Toyota dealer's parts website (for example, toyotaworld.com) you will see that there are different descriptions and different pricing for the two sensors. An air/fuel ratio sensor has different operating parameters compared to an oxygen sensor. The A/F ratio sensor price is $162 at that particular dealer.

    You can obtain Toyota part numbering at toyodiy.com

    Yes, you apparently need a thinner wall socket to have a chance of extracting the old part. Good luck.
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, Feb 12, 2011
  11. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    As Patrick said, the upstream sensor is actually a Wide A/F sensor, not a regular O2 sensor like the downstream one.
     
    #11 dogfriend, Feb 12, 2011
  12. direstraits71

    direstraits71 Member

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    Does anyone know if there is any reason to have the collar around the sensor other than creating the need for a special tool to remove it? I hope there is a real technical reason cause that looks like a big pain for the customer and a revenue generator for the stealership.
     
    #12 direstraits71, Feb 12, 2011
  13. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I don't see the collar in the repair manual. I am wondering whether the OP has tried to pull on the collar using long-nose pliers? Perhaps it is a heat shield for the sensor?
     
    #13 Patrick Wong, Feb 12, 2011
  14. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Just curious why changing the sensor for the 2007 Prius? Seems still pretty new car.
     
    #14 2009Prius, Feb 12, 2011
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  15. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I assume the odometer has logged high miles and the engine ECU logged DTC P0420 (which shows a defective catalytic converter), so the OP is probably trying to replace the A/F ratio sensor to see if that will help.
     
    #15 Patrick Wong, Feb 12, 2011
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  16. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Lots of Autozone-type stores will let you borrow (with deposit) the right O2 sensor socket. Or try this cheap one -- note how the outer socket wall has been milled down. Don't forget the anti-seize!

    I don't know why they have that collar around it, heat shielding perhaps.
     
    #16 seilerts, Feb 12, 2011
  17. r0b_

    r0b_ New Member

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    Code showed about 3 related to cat function and fuel control, don't remember the particular codes, but each time they came up it indicated O2 sensor.

    I HAVE the oxygen sensor socket kit, it pretty much looks identical to the link posted by seilerts, plus a shorter version and a straight one.. none will fit. It must take a skinny / thin walled version... of course special tool would be needed, the manufacturers love to lock down repairs to the stealership or sell you a $100 socket.

    I have tried grabbing it with pliers, it is a thin walled metal, bendable, and does make a complete ring around the sensor. It seems stupid to function as a heatshield, but that is about the quality of the metal.

    62k miles, but the codes were there at 55k when we bought it. It has just been too cold to mess with it.
     
    #17 r0b_, Feb 13, 2011
  18. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    The only issue that I can see is that a 7/8" o2 socket is ever so slightly larger than a 22mm o2 socket like the OTC special tool. So even a thin walled 7/8" socket like the OEM may have .01" too large a diameter. Still, it is worth checking around at Autozone/Pepboys/O'Reilly etc to borrow one that will work -- they don't like the dealers either.

    Another theory on that collar is that it helps keeps the socket from slipping off when you are using a 3' breaker bar to get it loose :)
     
    #18 seilerts, Feb 13, 2011
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  19. northwichita

    northwichita .

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    #19 northwichita, Feb 13, 2011
  20. dbcassidy

    dbcassidy Toyota Hybrid Nation, 8 Million Strong

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    WAG - thermal barrier?

    DBCassidy
     
    #20 dbcassidy, Feb 14, 2011
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