How to Remove an Oxygen Sensor From a 1996 Buick Regal
The 1996 Buick Regal features two oxygen sensors (also known as O2 sensors) in the exhaust system. One is located upstream in the exhaust manifold and monitors the fuel-to-air ratio, since combustible engines require oxygenated air to operate properly while lowering emissions. The downstream sensor is located near the catalytic converter and monitors the efficiency of the catalyst as it filters out pollutants and controls the amount of harmful exhaust emissions. Replacing either O2 sensor calls for the same procedure; the only difference is the location and the part number for the sensor.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 car ramps (for downstream sensor only)
- Mechanics' gloves
- Mechanics' long-sleeved shirt
- Penetrating lubricant
- 22-mm box-end wrench
- 3/8-inch drive ratchet with 3/8-inch drive 22-mm oxygen sensor socket
- Direct-fit replacement oxygen sensor(s)
- GM anti-seize compound No. 5613695 or the equivalent
Instructions
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Upstream Sensor
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1
Warm the engine up for five minutes if it's cold.
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2
Put on mechanics' long-sleeved shirt and gloves to help protect yourself from engine burns.
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3
Open the hood and locate the front oxygen sensor placed in the exhaust manifold at the front bottom of the engine compartment.
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4
Spray a liberal amount of penetrating lubricant on the threads and manifold connection of the sensor. Allow five minutes for the lubricant to soak in.
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5
Follow the wire harness connection to the dual plugs. Disconnect the dual plugs from one another.
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6
Use the ratchet and 22-mm slotted oxygen sensor socket to remove the upstream sensor. Place the wire harness of the sensor into the slot of the socket, then attach the ratchet to the socket. Turn the sensor counterclockwise to remove it from the manifold. If necessary, start the engine up and spray the sensor threads with lubricant again. (Starting the engine will expand the metal of the exhaust pipe and allow easier removal of the sensor.)
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7
Apply a coat of GM anti-seize compound No. 5613695 or the equivalent to the threads of the new sensor (if not already coated; most quality aftermarket sensors come with sensor-safe compound on the threads).
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8
Thread the new sensor in by hand as far as it will let you. Gently tighten the sensor snugly without over-tightening it--there are only four to five threads on the sensors, so they're easy to strip out if you over-exert the tightening procedure.
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9
Reconnect the wire harness plug connections. They will only plug in one way.
Downstream Sensor
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10
Drive the Regal slowly up onto car ramps and apply the parking brake. Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes to expand the metal of the exhaust system.
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11
Crawl under the front of the Regal and work your way back along the exhaust system until you locate the downstream sensor located near the catalytic converter. Spray the threads with a liberal amount of penetrating lubricant and allow it to soak in.
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12
Locate and disconnect the wire harness dual plug connection.
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13
Place the oxygen sensor plug through the hole of the 22-mm box end wrench, then place the wrench onto the hex-head of the sensor.
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14
Turn the oxygen sensor counterclockwise with the wrench to remove it from the exhaust pipe. Apply a coat of GM anti-seize compound No. 5613695 or the equivalent to the threads of the replacement sensor (unless already coated) and install as directed in the "Upstream Sensor" section.
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