Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI/Jetta/GLI MkV DIY & FAQ

DIY: replacing rear O2 sensor

Tools:

Jack
Jack stands
PB Blaster (or other penetrating grease)
Antiseize (make sure it is “sensor safe”)
Spark plug thread chaser
22mm box wrench -or- 22mm offset O2 sensor wrench
Socket wrench
10mm socket
T25 torx

First, make sure you have the proper O2 sensor. If you got a Bosch replacement, it should have antiseize applied already and a plastic cap (like pictured). Make sure the plug looks like the one pictured here.

Step 1: Make sure the e-brake is engaged then chock the wheels on the driver’s side. Jack up the passenger side of the car and secure on jack stands.

Step 2: Locate the rear O2 sensor behind the catalytic converter. In these pictures you’ll see my sensor wire is cut… this is because road debris caught and shredded the wire so I clipped it off to make it a little easier to work on. Since you’re replacing your sensor, you could do the same.

Step 3: Spray the old sensor with penetrating grease. Give it 15-20minutes to soak in.

Step 4: Use the 22mm wrench or O2 sensor wrench and remove the O2 sensor. There’s a VERY good chance it will be stuck in there pretty tight. If this is the case, warm up the car to get the exhaust hot and try again.

Step 5: Use the spark plug thread chaser to clean up the O2 sensor bung.

Step 6: If your replacement sensor doesn’t have any antiseize, apply a light coat now.

Step 7: Thread the sensor into the exhaust by hand. Use the wrench or O2 sensor wrench to snug it up.

Step 8: Now we need to remove the underbody plastic to get to the wiring. Start at the front, remove the two T25 screws and set this plastic piece aside.

Step 9: Loosen the 10 10mm captive nuts that hold the rest of the plastic to the car, then remove the plastic.

Step 10: Locate the plugs on the underside of the car (again part of my wire is missing in this pic because it got ripped off by road debris). Pull the black plastic carrier straight down to remove from car.

Step 11: Unplug the old sensor, plug in the new one. Snap the plugs back into the plastic carrier, and push the carrier back onto the car. Clip the sensor wire into the metal clip on the undercarriage.

Step 12: Replace both of the undercarriage plastic pieces. Take the car off jackstands. Enjoy!

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