So I learned that (1) the problem was definitely the front O2 sensor; (2) O2 sensors are way too expensive; and (3) it was easier to replace than I had expected.
The Old O2 Sensor
It was a bear-and-a-half to get the old front O2 sensor out. First of all, there was the matter of getting some kind of purchase on the little clip which connected it to the main wiring harness; then there was the part where the cable had to be unwound through the various obstacles in the way (after figuring out how to detach it from the plastic clips which were holding it to various engine assemblies); then finally there was the problem of trying to unscrew it from the exhaust housing without stripping the threads, due to the amount of welding action brought on by the combination of heat and rust.
But it finally came off .
The new one looked so nice and clean -- it was a shame to have to install it, knowing it was going to turn dull and dirty over time, just like the old one. But it couldn't be helped. It is the way things are.
The hardest part of getting the new one installed was the worry that I was going to accidentally strip the threads while trying to get it in. I had taken a small wire brush and attempted to scrape as much of the rust off the threads on the exhaust shroud, but there was only so much that could be done. And when it came time to actually screw the sensor into the shroud, I took a lot of time to make sure that it was lined up vertically before applying much pressure. There was a lot of start-stop-back up-start again-back up again-start again before it finally seemed to find the narrow path of success. This, even after lubricating the threads to make it easier!
Then it was time to reverse the rest of the process, winding the cable through the various obstacles, clicking the plastic clips back into place to ensure it was secured, and getting the plug attached properly to the wire harness.
It certainly looked nice!
Then it was just a matter of turning on the car and taking it for a test ride.
And seeing that all the warning lights went off, and everything was back to normal.
Finally.
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