96 Legacy Wagon EJ22E o2 sensor replacement

[2crzy4uall]

Hello, I am new to the boards and I have gotten myself in a pinch, I need some subaru wisdom.

 

I have a 96 Legacy AWD Wagon, EJ22E.  250k miles.  Just moved to a new area and had to leave my awesome mechanic behind.  Check engine light is on due to a bad o2 sensor,  the mechanic told me so, and I trust his opinion, I have been taking my wagon to him for over ten years.  I did not get o2 sensor replaced due to lack of funds, I had to get the timing belt replaced instead, among other things.

 

Anyways, is there only one, or is there two o2 sensors?  Would anyone be willing to help me identify where it is located?, What tools I would need for the job?, and if there is a newer version of the part on the market today that would make a better replacement.  If someone would snap a photo of it, that would be great.  Describe the process and spare no detail, I am interested in difficult tasks.

 

I have to pass emissions in Denver County, I am not even going to try and take it in until I have my go with that o2 sensor.  The check engine light is on and I know it is burning rich, it went from 310 miles/tank to

250 miles/tank

 

Thanks guys, help me get this thing to 500k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited May 8, 2015 by 2crzy4uall

[86BRATMAN]

There are 2 o2 sensors on this era legacy, one right before the catalytic converter and the other after. They are not interchangeable so be sure which one is bad. All you really need is a 21mm wrench, some pb blast/liquid wrench, and a set of car ramps or a jack and jack stands to give enough room to get under the car. Either sensor can be replaced with the exhaust on the car but space is tight so watch those knuckles.

[upnorthguy]

Rockauto has the Denso (OEM) O2 sensor for about $51.  Look online for a 5% off coupon.