How To Use An O2 Sensor Wrench & Socket Set | O'Reilly Auto Parts

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Oxygen sensor wrench and socket sets are used to remove and install oxygen sensors in many vehicles. These sockets are designed to fit around oxygen sensor connectors and wiring, and also offer low-profile options for tight spaces. The EverTough oxygen sensor wrench and socket set can help you complete your oxygen sensor replacement or removal as quickly and easily as possible. If it’s time to change your vehicle’s O2 sensors, O’Reilly Auto Parts can help by providing the O2 sensor sockets you need to remove your old oxygen sensor and replace it with a new one.

The oxygen sensor wrench and socket set is part number 67060, and is part of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Loaner Tool Program. This program allows customers to rent specialized tools they may only need once, and only requires a refundable deposit when the tool is picked up. This deposit will be refunded in full when the tool is returned. If you decide you like the tool or will use it often enough that you’d like to have one of your own, the deposit for the tool is also the purchase price. That means you can also choose to keep the rented tool if you so choose.

The oxygen sensor, or O2 sensor, in your vehicle, measures oxygen levels in the exhaust and alerts the vehicle’s engine control module if rich or lean fuel mixtures are detected. This allows the fuel mixture to be altered as needed, maintaining or increasing engine performance and fuel efficiency. You can change your vehicle’s oxygen sensor quickly with a few helpful oxygen sensor removal tools from our Loaner Tool Program. The oxygen sensor wrench and socket kit from EverTough can help you replace your bad oxygen sensor to keep your vehicle running and performing its best. Follow these step-by-step instructions to use this oxygen sensor wrench and socket set and complete your oxygen sensor replacement.

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O'Reilly Team member with the Oxygen Sensor Wrench and Socket Set on a table in front of them.

Step 1: Prep the Vehicle

Park on a level surface. Give your vehicle plenty of time to cool down before starting your repair to prevent any risk of being burned by the exhaust.

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Gloved hands locate the oxygen sensor on an exhaust manifold.

Step 2: Locate the Oxygen Sensor

After your vehicle has cooled down, locate your oxygen sensor. Oxygen sensors are typically found on the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe in front of or behind the catalytic converter.

Do It Right: Depending on your vehicle, it may have up to four total oxygen sensors. If you’re not sure which one is causing the problem, visit any O’Reilly location for an O’Reilly VeriScan Check Engine light diagnosis.

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In two images, gloved hands locate an oxygen sensor and disconnect it.

Step 3: Disconnect the Oxygen Sensor

Disconnect the oxygen sensor connector from the wiring harness.

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The oxygen wrench and socket set comes with two socket sizes. For our demonstration, we'll use one of the crowfoot sockets.

Step 4: Select the Right Socket

The kit comes with two crowfoot sockets and one deep-well oxygen sensor socket. Select the right socket for the appropriate fit.

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The oxygen sensor wire is fed through the sensor socket for a more comfortable fit around the sensor.

Step 5: Insert the Oxygen Sensor Wire Through the Socket

Oxygen sensor sockets have a slot or opening to allow the oxygen sensor wire to pass through. Slide the wire through the hole in the socket and place the socket over the hex of the sensor.

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In two images, our expert uses a 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the old oxygen sensor.

Step 6: Remove the Old Oxygen Sensor

After the wire is safe and the socket has been installed over the hex of the oxygen sensor, use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet to break the old oxygen sensor loose and remove it.

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Our expert threads a new oxygen sensor onto the exhaust manifold pipe.

Step 7: Thread in the New Oxygen Sensor

After the old oxygen sensor is removed, thread in the new sensor by hand. Use the oxygen sensor socket and a ⅜-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the sensor to the manufacturer's recommended specifications found in your vehicle’s service manual.

Step 8: Reconnect the Oxygen Sensor

Connect the new oxygen sensor to the wiring harness.

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The Loaner Tool Program at O’Reilly Auto Parts includes all the tools you need to complete your DIY repair in no time. Find over 80 tools, including steering and suspension, electrical and diagnostic, engine and clutch, air conditioning and cooling, ball joint, pullers, exhaust, power steering, tie rod and pitman arm, tube bending, and brake, tire, and wheel loaner tools. If you’re not sure which tool you need, our trusted Parts Professionals can provide you with the information you need to get the job done right.

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Learn how to use an oxygen sensor and wrench set with our detailed instructional video to complete your DIY automotive repairs and replace an O2 sensor yourself. Remove or install your vehicle’s O2 sensors safely and properly while saving money with our high-quality rental tools. With our Loaner Tool Program, you can enjoy over 80 professional-grade automotive tools with only a refundable deposit required. If you decide you’d like to keep the tool instead of returning it, the rental tool deposit is also equal to the purchase price.

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