I need to replace the lower O2 sensor in my 04 XKR Convertible. Is there a trick to get to that without having to take out the Exhaust?

 

This is how I did it on my 4.2 but it should be similar on a 4.0

Access to the lower sensor from below is very restricted, the gap between the transmission and exhaust is only about an inch and a half.

This picture gives the wrong impression of how bad the access is.




Access was done this way with a wobble on the O2 socket and a couple of extensions.





I first tried it with a 3/8th set up which ended in failure.





So I moved on to 1/2 inch which was able to break it free.





I was able to reach down from the top with my skinny arms to screw the new one back in then tighten from below.


Job done.

 

Just in case, the cheaper o2 sockets may or may not break the sensor free before they bend and distort themselves or potentially strip the nut portion of the sensor. Since you are replacing it, you can cut the cable and use a normal socket of choice.

 

Wow. Looks like I have no chance of being able to get my gorilla-sized hands in there for that job. Hope I never have to do it....

 

Thank you for article,so it is possible. Got a Snap-on socket and skinny hands. Will try this again.
Cheers

 

Hit it with penetrating oil and give it a good whack every day for a week before and then take it off when it's hot.