O2 Sensor Plug - A 5 Minute Job Turned Into Hell

[SR56]

So I ordered new O2 Sensors to take care of a passenger side code P2251. I had the BBK extension on there. Since I ordered both a driver and passenger side, the driver side sensor is actually longer and looked like it would fit on the passenger side without an extension so I wanted to try it.

Here's the dilemma... The plastic plug connected to the factory wiring harness is stuck. It had a little red locking tab/plunger on it that I pulled up and it still wouldn't budge. I actually broke the red tab lifting ledge off with my grip trying to get the thing out.

Any suggestions on how to get this thing off? I can only get one arm in there from underneath and access from the top is a big nope. I don't want to pull too hard since it's connected to the factory wiring harness. I tried sliding a flathead screwdriver under the locking tab, but I think that just pushes the red plunger thing down in there and locks it again.

Sponsored

 

[GTBOB]

After you pull the red tab up, you squeeze the black tab in (white arrow in photo) to release the plug. Are you doing this?

 

[SR56]

Yeah, I was! LOL I had to take breaks so I wouldn't get pissed off and rip the wiring harness out. The final time I went out there and it easily popped loose. It never happens on the easy connectors. It's always the ones when you're under the car, arm wedged in between a sharp heat shield and a tight spot and you can only get one hand on it.

Thanks for your help, though!

 

[SR56]

By the way, the passenger side O2 is about 1-2" short of making the connection. I'm going to get with Rock Auto and see if they have another one with the same sensor head with a little more length. I've heard the Raptor ones will work, but the sensor head looks different. Not sure how much that makes a difference.

Sponsored