How to Remove an Oxygen Sensor From a 2001 Celica

The 2001 Toyota Celica base model came with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. The oxygen sensors on your Celica tell the computer how much oxygen is in the exhaust, so the air-to-fuel ratio can be adjusted for optimal emissions and performance. There are two oxygen sensors on your Celica; one before the catalytic converter and one after. Replacing either oxygen sensor is a straightforward task, but you will need a special socket to remove and install the oxygen sensors.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the front sub frame. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands. Remove the floor jack.

2

Slide under the vehicle and examine the exhaust piping. Locate the catalytic converter that is directly under the front seats and notice the oxygen sensor in front of the converter and after. Determine which oxygen sensor you are removing, and then trace the pigtail back to the connection at the wiring harness.

3

Squeeze the locking tab for the connector and pull it to separate it from the wiring harness. Install the oxygen sensor socket over the oxygen sensor so the pigtail sticks through the opening in the socket. Install the ratchet onto the socket.

4

Light the propane torch and apply heat to the exhaust pipe around the oxygen sensor. Once the exhaust pipe is warm, rotate the sensor socket counterclockwise until loose. Remove the socket and remove the sensor from the exhaust manifold. If this sensor is not being replaced, clean the threads with a wire brush to remove any previous anti-seize compound.

Installation

5

Compare the new sensor with the old to ensure there are the same number of wires and identical connector, if you are installing a new sensor. Apply a coat of copper anti-seize to the threads of the oxygen sensor and screw the sensor into the exhaust pipe.

6

Install the sensor socket onto the sensor so the pigtail is sticking through the side opening in the socket. Rotate the sensor clockwise and tighten to 31 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Plug the pigtail connector into the connector on the vehicle wiring harness.

7

Lift the front of the vehicle off of the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle and lower the vehicle to the ground.