Q: What are the important steps to follow when servicing an oxygen sensor?
A: Allowing for this care, then, while servicing the oxygen sensor it is crucial that you do not damage or remove the pigtail or electrical connector on which the sensor will be useless. Avoid having grease, dirt and other contaminants come into contact with the louvered end of the sensor and electrical connector and avoid using solvents to clean the sensor. Oxygen sensors are fragile so treat them with care to avoid dropping or rough handling. Ensure that the silicone boot is properly installed on the sensor so as to prevent it from melting thereby facilitating proper operation. When it comes to replacement, upstream sensors are located in either exhaust manifolds or pipes; downstream sensors on the other hand are placed underneath Catalytic Converters. Take off cable attaching to negative battery terminal; identify where the sensor is placed and disconnect its electrical connection before removing it with a spanner or an oxygen sensor socket. Apply anti-seize compound if you plan on reusing an old plug, but put in another one without any anti-seize compound. Finally, tighten oxygen sensor to specified torque.