Quick Car Question - O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor) Bad, Ok to run?

[Brent]

My check engine light came on a couple of weeks ago, I took it in to see what error code it was getting, and they said it is the O2 sensor, needs to be replaced. However, I really can't go do that until my next monthly paycheck. I have to go run an errand next Monday, picking up my step brother and his girlfriend down in Georgia, round trip it will be about 450 miles. Will it be ok to drive on this long distance?

 

[John Picard]

Yeah, it'll be OK; however, you want to get it replaced ASAP. The O2 sensor is part of the emissions system. A bad O2 sensor will feed the computer bad data regarding emissions which will cause fuel/air efficiency and delivery to be off. The end result of running with a bad O2 sensor will be a clogged catalytic converter, which will mean poor performance, dwindling fuel mileage, and an expensive replacement cost.

Typically, O2 sensors should be replaced every 50-65K miles whether throwing a code or not. People don't realize that with a properly functioning emissions system, the catalytic converter should never, ever have to be replaced. It is designed to outlive the car, so if it ever needs to be replaced, then there's an issue with the emissions system.

Hope this helps.

 

[Chaos Descending]

The O2 sensor doesn't make your car "work", as such, it makes it work "better", or rather, cleaner. Your engine won't run great, but it'll run, and you can probably get away with running it until you can afford it.

One thing to try though, it just try reseating the O2 sensor's electrical connector. Sometimes that light will come on just because the connector has popped loose a little bit and isn't making good contact.

 

[Brent]

Yeah, it'll be OK; however, you want to get it replaced ASAP. The O2 sensor is part of the emissions system. A bad O2 sensor will feed the computer bad data regarding emissions which will cause fuel/air efficiency and delivery to be off. The end result of running with a bad O2 sensor will be a clogged catalytic converter, which will mean poor performance, dwindling fuel mileage, and an expensive replacement cost.

Typically, O2 sensors should be replaced every 50-65K miles whether throwing a code or not. People don't realize that with a properly functioning emissions system, the catalytic converter should never, ever have to be replaced. It is designed to outlive the car, so if it ever needs to be replaced, then there's an issue with the emissions system.

Hope this helps.

My car just turned 100,000, heh, and I know I've never replaced it since I've owned the car (its a 2001), so it has probably never had a new one. I know its time, but I have to wait 'till the end of the month when I get my paycheck Thanks for the info

 

[Haggis and tatties]

My car is so old the closest i get to having something resembling a O2 sensor would be if i rolled the window down and stick my head out.

 

[John Picard]

Yeah, it'll be OK; however, you want to get it replaced ASAP. The O2 sensor is part of the emissions system. A bad O2 sensor will feed the computer bad data regarding emissions which will cause fuel/air efficiency and delivery to be off. The end result of running with a bad O2 sensor will be a clogged catalytic converter, which will mean poor performance, dwindling fuel mileage, and an expensive replacement cost.

Typically, O2 sensors should be replaced every 50-65K miles whether throwing a code or not. People don't realize that with a properly functioning emissions system, the catalytic converter should never, ever have to be replaced. It is designed to outlive the car, so if it ever needs to be replaced, then there's an issue with the emissions system.

Hope this helps.

My car just turned 100,000, heh, and I know I've never replaced it since I've owned the car (its a 2001), so it has probably never had a new one. I know its time, but I have to wait 'till the end of the month when I get my paycheck Thanks for the info

I understand. I learned a lot about the emission system when I rebuilt the engine on my 1997 Dodge Ram. The cat was clogged which reduced engine performance greatly as well as the speed of the truck. Basically, the exhaust enables the engine to exhale. It had over 100K on it when I replaced both sensors (check to see if you have more than one) and am overdue to change them again as the truck now has 200+K on the clock. People roll their eyes at change intervals, claiming is "greedy parts sellers getting you to spend money" rather than trying to understand a concept called preventative maintenance.

 

[Brent]

Yeah, my car has 2 apparently, left rear and right rear