Replacing engine temperature sensor

[nwguy]

Anyone here have any tips on replace the engine temperature sensor? Right now I seem to be unable to disconnect the plug to this sensor. It's fit into a plastic wire harness protector located above the rear head and inside the frame. The plug is stuck inside the protector, and because of the wire lengths, you can't pull the protector or the plug out from the void inside the frame. I'm afraid to pull too hard on any wire for fear of damaging it. Have moved things around with long needle nose pliers, but the plug is still trapped inside the frame. Until the plug is unplugged, I can't slide the silvery metal conduit up the sensor wire to allow me to pull the rubber cap up and get a socket on the sensor. I did make a slotted socket that fits on my new sensor since no place locally had one and I didn't want to buy one right now. This seems like a silly thing to get stuck on given how difficult it looks like it's going to be to get the old sensor out of the cavity in which it's installed and the new one screwed in. Anyone done this before? Mine's an 08 so it's got the flexible metal conduit and the plastic wiring harness. Apparently early years didn't have them.

sensor1.jpg

sensor2.jpg

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sensor4.jpg

[34nineteen]

Unplug connector from harness.
Remove rubber plug with pick or needle nose pliers.



Unscrew with slotted socket.





To protect against accidental start-up of vehicle, disconnect
the negative battery cable before proceeding. Inadequate
safety precautions could result in death or serious
injury. (48)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove intake cover assembly. See 2.35 INTAKE
COVER ASSEMBLY.
3. Remove airbox. See 4.44 AIRBOX.
4. See Figure 4-76. Remove right upper tie bar fastener (2).
Rotate tie bar to provide access to sensor.
CAUTION
Do not pull on engine temperature sensor wiring. Excess
strain to sensor wiring will cause sensor damage.
5. Unplug 1-place ET Sensor connector (1) [90] above rear
cylinder head.
6. Slide rubber boot up ET sensor wire.
7. Remove sensor from rear cylinder head using Snap-on
socket M3503B.

[nwguy]

It's the "Unplug 1-place ET Sensor connector (1) [90] above rear
cylinder head." that I'm having trouble with.

The pick looks like a good idea.

I have the manual and have been following it.

[34nineteen]

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