Classification:

Reference:

Date:

EM09-016b

ITB10-008b

March 20, 2018

REMOVAL PROCEDURE FOR SEIZED EXHAUST SENSOR
This bulletin has been amended. The publication date has been revised to include the latest models and model years.
No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES: All Infiniti vehicles

SERVICE INFORMATION
If an exhaust sensor is seized in the exhaust manifold/catalyst/front tube, perform the procedure described in
this bulletin to remove the sensor. DO NOT replace the exhaust manifold/catalyst/front tube.
The threads of the exhaust sensors are made of a softer material than the part they thread into on the exhaust
manifold/catalyst/front tube, so the sensor can be removed without replacing exhaust manifold/catalyst/front
tube.
NOTE: The replacement of exhaust manifolds/catalysts/front tubes for stripped exhaust sensor threads may not
be considered a warrantable expense.

This procedure can be performed by two methods:
Method #1 - If the Sensor Can Be Easily Accessed



The procedure can be performed on the vehicle.
The exhaust manifold/catalyst/front tube will not have to be removed.

Method #2 - If the Sensor Cannot Be Easily Accessed



The exhaust manifold/catalyst/front tube must be removed from the vehicle.
The procedure will be performed with the part clamped in a vise.

Method #2 is described in this bulletin. Method #1 is the same as Method #2 except that it is performed
on the vehicle.
Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained
individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe
that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti retailer to determine if this
applies to your vehicle.

1/6

SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE: This SERVICE PROCEDURE applies only to seized exhaust sensors.
Rust Penetrant
Recommended rust penetrants to be used in this procedure:
Nissan Rust Penetrant
P/N 999MP-A3020P

WD-40

OR



NOTES:



Rust penetrant is considered a shop supply.



Nissan Rust Penetrant can be ordered through the Infiniti Maintenance Advantage program: Phone:
877-INF-IMA1 (877-463-4621). Website order via link on dealer portal www.NNAnet.com and click on
the “Maintenance Advantage” link. The MSDS for this chemical will also be found on this site.



WD-40 is available from various local sources.

Removal Tool


When removing a seized exhaust sensor with a
specialty socket (which contains a slit to
accommodate the wiring harness), it may spread
open and strip the sensor.



Before this occurs, it is recommended to cut the
wiring harness from the sensor and use a box
end wrench or 6-point deep well socket.

2/6

ITB10-008b

1. Clamp the exhaust manifold/catalyst/front tube in a vise.

2. Spray the sensor with the rust penetrant for 2 to 3
seconds.


It is important that the spray is directed at the
base of the sensor to ensure it penetrates into
the threads.

Loosen

3. Loosen the sensor approximately 10 degrees.

4. Spray with rust penetrant again for 2 to 3 seconds.

3/6

ITB10-008b

Loosen

Tighten

5. Tighten the sensor 10 degrees, then loosen the
sensor 10 degrees.


Repeat this motion several times until the
sensor begins to turn more easily.

6. Continue the tightening/loosening motion while
gradually unscrewing the sensor. Stop when the
sensor will not unscrew any further.

7. Spray with rust penetrant again for 2 to 3 seconds.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the sensor is removed.

9. Use compressed air to remove any metal debris
from inside the boss threads.
CAUTION: DO NOT perform this step if the
procedure is being done on the vehicle (Method
#1). Doing so may cause metal debris to enter
the engine cylinders.

4/6

ITB10-008b

10. If metal debris remains trapped in the boss threads,
use a spiral nylon brush to remove it.

11. Spray the boss threads with rust penetrant for 2 to
3 seconds.

12. Run a thread chaser through the boss to clean the
threads.


Use Kent Moore part number
J-43897-18 or J-43897-12A.



These tools are available from
TECHMATE: 1-800-662-2001.

13. Use compressed air to remove any remaining
debris.
CAUTION: DO NOT perform this step if the
procedure is being done on the vehicle
(Method #1). Doing so may cause metal debris
to enter the engine cylinders.

14. If metal debris remains trapped in the boss threads, use a spiral nylon brush to remove it.

15. Tilt the manifold/catalyst/front tube so that the metal debris falls out of the part.

5/6

ITB10-008b

16. Apply compressed air through the boss to blow out any remaining debris.
CAUTION: DO NOT perform this step if the procedure is being done on the vehicle (Method #1).
Doing so may cause metal debris to enter the engine cylinders.

17. Install the new sensor as described in the applicable Electronic Service Manual (ESM).

6/6

ITB10-008b