can my car break down from an oxygen sensor problem??

Question

I went to the mechanic because the engine check light went on and he said it turn on for two things the spark plug wasn't working properly and second because my oxygen sensor is not working ..he told me all sort of problems that my car can have if I don't fix that ..Now My car was driving well my only problem was that sometimes when I hit a red light or I have to stop my engine will turn off which suck! but I was driving the car for months and never had a major problem anyway teh mechanic gave me a bill of $700 for fixing those 2 things .. since I couln't afford to pay the whole bill I asked him just to fix the plugs ..but he wouldn't stop talking on how dangeraus it will be not to get that Oxygen plug fix..$300 later after fixing the plugs he gave me the car saying that I shouldn't drive long or my car was going die ..
I felt like I was getting ripped off ... I know only the basic about cars
if you know more than me can you tell me what's going on with my car???

dodge neon 97'

Answer 1

The oxygen sensor is very important to the operation of a computer controlled fuel injection system. And if it fails completely, your car may not drive at all. The O2 sensor tells the computer how much oxygen is entering the engine, from this information the computer can determine how much fuel to add. I had problems with a car running rough, and the first thing a mechanic friend of mine checked was the oxygen sensor. Now, on the plus side, I don't think the O2 sensor failing will cause much damage otherwise, but you still won't be driving.

Answer 2

Are you getting ripped off? Yea, when he saw you, he saw sucker written on your face. I have more class. I would have charged you $699.95.

First thing, is you should have consulted with me first.

Second, is you ALWAYS go to different shops to get an estimate.

Third. Changing spark plugs and a tune up is no $300. Not even the dealer charges that much. But you were not specific with the car year and model and exactly what he put on your $300 bill. The sensor you could fix yourself you know. You buy the haynes book for your car. $20. Buy a cheap took kit, $60. Buy oxygen sensor $100 (if you have an exotic car, way lot lower for domestics). And that is what it would cost you. It is as easy as replacing a spark plug.

I would go to another shop and ask them and tell them what has happened. You might have to report the mechanic to the better business bureau. But send a detailed description of the $300 bill to me and I can more advise you then. Also send, year and model and I can tell you the price for the sensor. Heck, you could do it yourself, you know. Let me know.

Answer 3

If I understand you correctly he put new plugs in your car for $700.00? Is that correct? You certainly got ripped if that is all he did.

As for the o2 sensor it is an important part of the emmision control system and without it your car will not run properly at times but dangerous? I am not so sure about that. The o2 sensor is simply telling the engine how to mix the gas and o2 to just the right amount for the most efficent combustion. So while it could possibly make your car stall I have never experinced that problem. It will lower you MPG and you would not be able to pass an inspection in most states. $300.00 sounds realllll high for an o2 sensor replacement.

Talk to some friends/family try to find another mech in the area that they have dealt with or take someone with you that is more knowledgeable about cars to deal with this creep.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Some thing dont sound right here. Now an 02 sensor can mess up your cars emmisions and cause you thousands of dollars if you dont fix it but it should not cost anywhere near 700 for plugs and an 02 sensor even with parts and labor, most plus are cheap like 20.00 for the set and we only charge an hours labor the 02 sensors can be pricy like 130-160 but still not no 700. thats almost the cost of R+R a trans! the mechanic sounds sketchy, i would ask for a scan tool printout showing the bad 02/ but if he is right it can seriously damage your cat converter and they are very exp you deff do not want that.

Answer 5

I worked at a dealership and the mechanics used to laugh at customers all the time when their Oxygen Sensor light had them coming in in a panic. The mechanics said that it is a way to get the customer lured back to the dealership for other stuff they might be able to sell them. The mechanics all know how to make that little computerized brain thing go off but most regular folks like you and me dont and it will make the computer make the car stop running. Kind of sad, eh?

Answer 6

My Car Break Down

Answer 7

An O-2 sensor can really cause you problems,But it also sounds like this mechanic is charging you way too much.
$300.00 for plugs. If you bought good plugs yourself they would cost about $6.00 ea.
You better see another mechanic.

Answer 8

ohh man, he charged you 300.00 just to "fix" your plugs? (It was only a $30/15 minute job...but alright, forget about getting ripped off, who cares, the point is, your O2 sensor (just like the first guy said) is EXTREMELY important if you want your vehicle to stay fuel-economic...if your sensor is foul, you will notice that your car is guzzling gas...good luck, and change your mechanic, even Canadian Tire won't charge you that much

Answer 9

I'm pretty sure that a 99 sentra has a timing belt, not chain. If it breaks, your car will not do anything. I'd get a 2nd opinion. Do you have any power? i.e. guages, radio, lights, etc? If so it's definitely not your battery or alternator(unless they are very dim). Does the engine turn over when you crank it?

Answer 10

700.00 bucks for that?? HOPE YOU GOT KISSED, BECAUSE YOU SURE DID GET PHUCKED......