by unplugging the sensor from the contact and using a slotted socket to remove it. This socket usually is bought separate from a set.

The little slit in the pins makes it flexible when it is inserted in the socket. It helps to make a good contact adjust itself in the socket.

No, that would not be proper. The contact point of a light bulb socket has no need of any coating. A light bulb socket that is difficult to turn a bulb in will benefit from some light oil on the bulb threads prior to installing. Dielectric grease will harden, and is meant to insulate and protect electrical junctions from exposure and vibration.

I think it could be due to geometrical shape of the electrical contact at the socket or housing If the contacts are in an arc shape, it might reduce the surface contact to a very narrow point which will overheat by lack of material for heat dissipation. the overheat situation will create a spark at the contact which will create some carbon deposit which will increase the contact resistance inducing more heat until melting. Fred

Socket 775 (also known as LGA 775 or Socket T) is a socket for certain versions of the Intel Pentium 4, Celeron, Pentium D, Core Solo, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, and Core 2 Quad. Unlike a traditional "socket", Socket 775 does not have any pinholes. instead, the pins are on the motherboard and reach up to contact the flat surface of the processor. Socket 775 was superseded by LGA 1156, but is still in common usage by most mainstream Core 2 Duo systems (as of January, 2010).