[greekcs]

I've had a heck of a time trying to remove the rear O2 on my 05 RAV. I've already let it soak in PB blaster multiple times and it still won't budge. I know that once it cracks loose it'll come right out; but WTF?

 

[owerall]

There are (2) O2 sensors? Are you replacing them both?

 

[DL175]

Try to work the O2 sensor free by tightening and loosening it back and forth. Repeat and keep adding PB blaster each time. When it is badly rusted the corrosion is preventing movement.

If that doesn't work you may need to use a special O2 socket with a breaker bar.

 

[mr4x4]

are you using an o2 socket or a crows foot spanner?

 

[mr4x4]

just use an 02 sensor socket and breaker bar

 

[greekcs]

Thanks for the tips. I ended up taking it to an exhaust shop where they used a torch. Took all of 30 seconds to remove. Now if I could only find a new CAT on the cheap that was NY compliant.

 

[mr4x4]

Would you be willing to buy a universal cat. Maybe the exhuast shop will weld it on for you for not that much if you buy it before going there.

 

[greekcs]

Im interested in knowing the difference between Federal and CARB variants of catalytic converters; Higher cell count? Do all 2004-2005 Rav 4's have a second converter downstream of the rear O2? I'm not all that worried about the CEL light for catalyst inefficiency but the fact that it trips a VSC code bothers me.

 

[greekcs]

I ended up using a spark plug non fouler. Problem solved.