trying to replace the front 02 sensor, the one in the exhaust manifold. I have 2 issues. First even after pulling oil filter I can just barely reach the electrical connection with a few fingers, there is no way I can pull it backwards (while pressing tab down with long screwdriver using other hand) because there is no room. Do you need tiny trump-size hands to do this? Do I need to remove the upper intake manifold?

as for the 02 sensor itself i don't see any way to get an 02 sensor socket on this because there isn't room (I have two 02 sensor sockets, the crow foot type and the kind that is a deep socket with narrow cut to put the wire through). I can get the crow foot on the sensor but there's no way to get an extension on it because the manifold is in the way). I have a 22m open end wrench i can just barely get it on there and there's no room to turn it (it looks like a open wrench with a slight angle on the head is needed? my wrench has no angle on it).

thanks

 

i found this $10 socket on amazon which has a much longer space between where the 02 sensor goes and where the ratchet (3/8 extension) connects. I think this will clear the exhaust manifold so I ordered it. now just need to shrink my hands to reach the electrical connection.

 

Google search is your friend.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...sensor-208513/

 

Schumithenoob, take the UIM off to get to the plug

 

I was able to get the electrical connection unplugged and the new one plugged in without removing the intake manifold. I removed the oil filter and dipstick to get a little room. Then I used some long reach bent nose pliers to hold one part while I squeezed my hand in pushed the tab and pulled. I then used a claw grabber tool to pull the new o2 sensor connector up.

The old o2 sensor came out easily with the long o2 sensor tool l pictured (a short one won't work because exhaust manifold is in the way). I had used some PB blaster on the old sensor lst week.