I don't know how many people here have one, but my mom has one that keeps setting a code for oxygen sensor issues, and I figured for $45 I would just change it. But, the plug is on top of the transmission where it looks like you have to pull the center console, shifter boot, etc and reach down next to the shifter to unplug it. But, I have big hands and really weak fingers (just the thing for working on a Japanese car right?, so I feel like I might be making it more complicated than it is.
I have a 99 4Runner that I would think would be the same. I once changed an oxygen sensor and certainly didn't have to remove anything inside the vehicle. It also didn't fix the CEL. I also had to replace the MAF sensor (or whatever it's called).
EDIT for more info:
I dug into this a bit. Apparently the connector for the front O2 sensor is on top of the transmission, which is the problem you are having. I found this tidbit online.
"Don't try to unclip the harness first on the front sensor on a Cali. or '01+ two-cat system. Unbolt the sensor FIRST, pass it over the top, and it will hang down the other side and you can easily unclip it. Same thing to reinstall: Do the plug first on the other side, pass it over the top, then bolt it in. The write-ups were all done on one-cat systems where you can get to the plug and don't need this trick--so they have you unclip the harness first. Drove me nuts until I tried it the other way around--then it was a piece of cake.
Disclaimer: this works on my 'Cali. '99 manual. Not sure if this applies to auto trans. "
Interesting, this one is a 49 state 2000, but that's a good idea. I will have to give it a try this weekend.
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