Land Rover Repair: Disconnecting 02 sensor, lambda sensors, forward sensors

Question
I have read through all the questions pertaining to Disco's and found many of your responses very helpful.  I have a 1997 Disco 4.0 v8 with auto trans.  Now I have a question:  I need to disconnect the lambda sensors so I can remove exhaust components in order to remove the transmission oil sump and clean the oil screen.  However, I cannot figure out how to get the multiplug for the forward sensors (especially the left one) off of their brackets so I can unplug them.  The brackets that hold them in place are crammed between the top of the transmission and the firewall.  Very little space to work.  Is there some trick to easily disconnecting these plugs?  Thanks in advance for your help.

DL

Answer
Hi D.

I believe that automotive designers should (mandatory) spend some time repairing cars OR move on to designing toasters.

When I had to remove the Y pipe on my Disco, I simply followed the O2 wires up, found the connector and disconnected them.  That was for my 3.9 engine.

For your 4.0 engine its different...(why? Who knows!):

HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (HO2S) - 4.0 V8
WARNING: Do not attempt HO2S removal when the exhaust is hot. (no kidding)
Remove
For all sensors:
1. Raise and support front of vehicle.
2. Release sensor lead from clips.

RH front sensor only
3. Remove nuts retaining coil bracket and position bracket aside. See FUEL SYSTEM SFI, Repair, Ignition Coils
4. Release multiplug from bracket behind cylinder head.
5. Disconnect multiplug and release sensor lead from clip.
6. Unscrew and remove sensor from exhaust pipe.

LH front sensor
7. Disconnect multiplug and release from bracket.
8. Unscrew and remove sensor from exhaust pipe using special tool LRT-12-047 (LST134).

Rear sensors
9. Release sensor cable from clips.
10. Release multiplug from bracket and disconnect.
11. Unscrew and remove sensor from exhaust pipe using special tool LRT-12-047 (LST134).

Refit
12. Ensure mating faces are clean.
NOTE: New HO2S is supplied pre-treated with anti-seize compound.
13. If refitting existing HO2S, coat threads with anti-seize compound.

CAUTION: Do not allow anti-seize compound to come into contact with HO2S nose or enter exhaust system.

14. Position HO2S with new sealing washer on exhaust pipe. Tighten to 20 Nm using special tool LRT-12-047 (not RH front sensor).
15. Reconnect multiplug to engine harness and secure to bracket.
16. RH front sensor only:
Place coil bracket in position and fit nuts. Tighten to 8 Nm.
CAUTION: Ensure sensor leads are secured using clips rovided. Failure to correctly secure leads could result in damage to HO2S.
17. Remove stands. Lower vehicle.

Hope this helps,

JohnMc