What is the best approach to reach the up stream oxygen sensor on a '13 XC60. It seems pretty straightforward if I know the best way to access it. from underneath it seems like it is going to be hard to reach.

Any other suggestions on the replacement. Thanks in advance.

 

This is a nasty job. went to my mechanic and he took off the cover for the EGR i think - the one with 10 T25 screws, and had to cut the wire of the sensor to get the socket. I tried to close it which is very hard because of the angle, and because my hands are thinner than my mechanics. (it is so tight). Somehow he managed to screw the thread and it needed to be fixed. The only way is to do it the right way from the beginning and take the engine off as Volvo recommends, and this is why they quoted me 6 hr of work. Eventually I spent more at the mechanic with all the hours he tried to fix the thread. Can it be done from the top? YES but only if you have he right tools if not don't even bother (think about open socket to tight the sensor with the wires on, and weird extensions to get access. I can't count how many times we lowered and raise the car looking for the sensor that fall down and trying to locate it in the engine bay.) If you have the tools, thin arms and patience go for it, personally I would go o the dealer.

 

I just did a 2015A XC60 2.0T.
1. Remove engine cover.
2. Disconnect the upstream AFR sensor connector
3. Remove the vacuum switch valve assembly on rear of valve cover (3 bolts - natural plastic).
4. Remove engine lifting bracket from LR of valve cover.
5. Remove the air inlet tube from filter housing to RR corner of engine.

You should see all 3 sensors on tri cat assembly. The upstream sensor was cross threaded in this vehicles cat assembly. Was able to remove sensor and clean up the threads using an 18mm thread chaser before installing new sensor.