1997 Toyota Corolla O2 Sensor Problem in 97' Corolla

1997 TOYOTA COROLLA
180,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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I am replacing an O2 Sensor (the one right before the cat) in my 97' Corolla. I can remove the sensor from the car fine but I cannot get to the connector/plug that the sensor connects to. I have included a picture to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. It seems like the sensor goes into the body of the car and disappears where nobody can get to. Thanks for all your help. If you can email me your solution or another way to find out more info it would be best to email me at [email protected]. If not any reply is appreciated.[img:3e9ab9f372]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/208166_Picture015_007_1.jpg[/img:3e9ab9f372]
Jun 30, 2008 at 3:22 PM
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BLACKOP555
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does it go into a rubber grommet type deal? pull out the grommet and pull donw the connector.
Jun 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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I pulled out the grommet type plug and I am still unable to pull out or reach a connector. I have supplied a picture to show you the most I can pull out. There doesn't seem to be a connector in sight. To tell you the truth I don't think there is a connector. Would it be a bad thing to just cut the wire near the sensor and rewire the new sensor to the old cut wiring? Thanks for all your help.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/208166_Picture015_004_1.jpg

Jul 1, 2008 at 1:52 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi,

NEVER try to cut and join the sensor wires.

The coupler should be further up. The floor carpet is hindering the movement. Use a screw driver to push the carpet up and you should be able to get the coupler out. Take care not to poke a hole in the carpet.
Jul 1, 2008 at 2:17 PM
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BLACKOP555
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yes, as kh says DO NOT CUT and splice the wires. the carpet more then likely is holding it down. be sure to tuck it back up in there when done with it.
Jul 1, 2008 at 3:38 PM
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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I did what you said and lifted up the carpeting, measured how far the connector was, and luckily it was easy to get to. I don't know why you said never try to cut and join the sensor wires because that's what I had to do in order to replace my sensor (the new sensor didn't have a connector). It seems to be working fine for now.
Jul 1, 2008 at 6:39 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi O2 sensor problem,

Joining wires tends to provide higher resistance, unless it is well soldered, if not the resistance will cause inaccurate reading.

The O2 sensor wires are steel braided and it is not easy to solder them.
Jul 2, 2008 at 6:43 AM
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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I already cut and attached the wires... I hope it ends up running okay...
Jul 2, 2008 at 8:39 AM
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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So far my car is getting around 32 mpg! Great improvement from barely 21 mpg...
Thanks for all your help guys.
Jul 2, 2008 at 7:58 PM
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BLACKOP555
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the new o2 sensor doesnt come with a harness?

hmm thats a new one.

well glads to hear it worked out for you, and if possible i hope you just didnt wrap the wires together and tape them, use solder and splicers. also use shrink tape to seal it!
Jul 2, 2008 at 9:28 PM
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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No it came with special things to connect the wires. Each sensor was different. One came with heat shrink tubing and other stuff and the other one used a special device that was very useful and apparently it works :-) I bought after market Bosch sensors which saved me $200 just because I had to do a bit of wiring which I have a good background in.
Jul 3, 2008 at 8:50 AM
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BLACKOP555
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sounds like you're all set!
Jul 3, 2008 at 5:55 PM
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O2 SENSOR PROBLEM
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Cool thanks a lot :-)
Jul 3, 2008 at 9:05 PM