How difficult is it to swap? And will I cause more damage if I continue to ride until I store the bike for the winter?
a "lazy" O2 sensor will go from an overly rich mixture to lack-luster throttle response and incredibly annoying hesitation. again...it does NOT always activate the CEL and dump a stored fault code into the ecm. at least this has been my experience with it. CAUTION: soak the hell out of the O2 sensor header bung with a quality penetrant prior to removal or you run the risk of twisting the bung right out of the header which is a horrible problem to resolve. see below for step by step instructions. engine rotation as per the manual IS NOT REQUIRED but following my steps closely and accurately is.
access the sensor through the cooling fan opening.
1. Place flat jack under rear muffler straps and raise bike to allow rear suspension to relax to a neutral tension
2. Remove lower shock mounting bolt
3. Raise rear of bike fully to allow swingarm to drop as far as possible
4. Remove rear shock upper mounting bolt
5. For Firebolt models, gently ease shock absorber/spring assembly downward and turn sideways to lie across rear fender. Place a shop towel between shock assembly and rear fender for cushion.
6. NOTE For both Lightning and Firebolt, it is NOT necessary to disconnect the accumulator hose or unfasten the shock reservoir.
7. For Lightning models, ease shock assembly upwards to lie across tail section. Use a shop towel as a cushion to protect the components.
8. Remove fan mounting torx fasteners
9. Extract fan with a slight clocking motion disconnect wiring plug and set aside
10. O2 sensor is now accessible through the opening
11. NOTE During reassembly, take special care to avoid trapping or pinching O2 sensor wire between fan housing and frame
TORQUE- O2 SENSOR 40-45 FT LBS
