What could happen if I don't fix the Oxygen Sensor for my car??

Question

I have a corolla and the engine light comes on. The previous owner whom I bought the car from, says the oxygen sensor needs to be fixed as told my his mechanic. What are possible things that could happen if I avoid fixing it??? Just curious.

Answer 1

The Oxygen Sensor is a gadget that constantly measures the oxygen level in the exaust gases as a way to determine how rich or lean the air/fuel mixture is. The sensor's data is sent to the onboard computer which then makes a calculation and adjusts the mixture accordingly if nessesary. Clearly then, if the oxygen
sensor is faulty, it will send bad data (or none at all) to the
on-board computer. This will adversely affect the resulting
air/fuel mixture. For example, the air/fuel mixture could end
up being too rich (too much gas, not enough air), therefore
causing poor gas mileage. So if you don't fix the problem, your car will run, but could have poor fuel mileage. With today's fuel prices, it could save you money in the long run.

But I got to add this..... there are some really odd answers to your question that tells me some people should not answer a question they don't know the answer to. I would never take my car to a shop that welds the pipe shut!
A potenial life or death situation???? Only for your wallet!!

Answer 2

The Oxygen sensor is the only thing that tells the computer if the engine has to much or to little gas. With out it, the computer just goes into a fixed mixture that is rich. Low fuel economy and failing the smog test are the results.
Not knowing what year model you have makes a difference as to the cost. Newer Toyotas have a "Fuel Ratio" sensor instead of an oxygen sensor and they can not be interchanged. They are much different from one another.

Answer 3

Let's back up a step. The actual code is important - nearly all diagnostic trouble codes that mention oxygen sensors are not caused by the oxygen sensor. In fact, few codes properly point to a bad O2 sensor. If the code referred to a heated O2 sensor the problem is in the heater circuit, at least 9 times out of 10.

Answer 4

Its possible that your car may break down. Just think of the oxygen sensor as your lungs in your body. From what I know I had the same problem in a pickup truck. It may not mix the right amount of air and not be able to take in any air to your engine. Eventually it will fail and you will stall out where ever you may be driving. Could be a potential life or death situation.

Answer 5

When I got my check engine light in my Dodge Caravan and immediately checked the stored code which was for 02 sensor, I kept driving and the engine light would go off after I turned off the motor for awhile. However, soon the engine started running rough and started missing. I replaced the O2 sensor and all was fine. Check this site :
http://www.2carpros.com/topics/O2sensor.htm

Answer 6

Well if you get that fixed then the light should go off!! The only thing I can really say might happen if you dont fix it is it may not pass inspection...I have known a couple people that have had that happen to them!!

Answer 7

Try to re-set the computer,this usually works for a while. Gas mileage might go down some if not changed. It's no big problem though.

Answer 8

Would burn more gas worked on cars for 20 years

Answer 9

Crappy gas mileage plugged catalytic converters,fuel washed cylinder walls that will lead to premature engine failure,hope that satisfies your curiosity

Answer 10

gas mileage will go in the tank - $$$$$$$$$$

I would fix it