TRAC OFF - VSC - ENGINE and really What is this Part?
 

The subject is a 2005 AT xB. 156,000 blessed miles.

A few days ago the TRAC OFF - VSC and ENGINE lights illuminated and have been a constant fixture during my brief xB drive time since.

Today I went to pull a fuse to clear the codes and more importantly take a look around for anything obvious. I found something obvious:

http://s28.postimg.org/hmt27e9wd/image.jpg


http://s28.postimg.org/bklfgwlgd/image.jpg


This is obviously on O2 sensor or MAF or something, and while I go to look it up perhaps someone can chime in in real time:

1) What is it?
2) When I order a replacement, how will it install/come? As you can see the wires have sheared. Does the other end hook in a harness somewhere? Will I need to splice the part in?
3) and etc. as you see fit.

So ... front O2 sensor? Hundred bucks?

Intake Air Temperature sensor. Had to order a pig tail and splice it on.

Same isssue
 

Having the same issue, can I just take it to an auto shop and find what I need?