Can I drive my car without the o2 sensor?

[Anonymous]

I had to have my catalytic converter replaced and they didn’t get one with the sensor because I was broke and didn’t have enough for it and they said I can drive my car but I’m scared of killing the engine or something else. Is it ok to drive?

[WindAtMyBack]

I'm not completely sure about the answer. Cars have different numbers of O2 sensors. The sensors measures the oxygen in the exhaust, which gives the computer information about how the fuel is burning. The computer will make changes depending on the readings of the O2 sensor.

Some cars only have an O2 right at the exhaust, before the cat. Others have a second one after the cat. I don't know if the second one really affects how the car runs. The only purpose might be to check the cat itself. If that is the case, then you don't need the second one.

[Goforit1010]

Yes, you can! But... your gas mileage will be slightly worse.

The engine computer uses the info from the O2 sensor to adjust the mixture (actually how much gas) for the fuel injection. With no info, the computer uses a default setting to allow the engine to keep running.

It's certainly not optimum, but your car WILL definitely work.

If you have state or county emissions inspections, you're likely to fail that.

[Asker]

My car sounds louder and crappy though and the shop told me I could drive it but I don't know

[Goforit1010]

It sounds louder, likely because they didn't do a very good job of sealing the catalytic to the exhaust system.

[Asker]

Great should I have them check it car is also vibrating loud at idle and especially with ac on

[Goforit1010]

After what you've told me, I'm not do sure I'd trust them to do much more on the car. I know you mentioned you don't have much $$, so I'd wait a few weeks until you had some more and take the car somewhere else (preferably somewhere your friends or family trusts), and gave them check the situation out. For now... the car will work OK. It won't be in optimal running condition, but it'll get you to and from for the time being. One step at a time - as your pocketbook allows.

[dudeinohio]

You will fail smog checks if you live in a state with them. Get your oxygen sensors replaced as soon as you get the money.

In the meantime, you can drive without them, but you will get a check engine light. Also, over the long term, you could overheat and burn out your catalytic convertor.

[Guy13]

I’m not a mechanic BUT my beater car…280,000 before the headlight change Mazda sedan has not had a working sensor since 70,000. My local mechanic resets so that light goes off. I drive it a little bit and go right to inspection.

[MTC29]

You can drive short distances without an upstream o2 sensor, but the ECU would detect there is no fuel in the exhaust would inject more fuel to compensate. This will foul the plugs and cause all sorts of problems. It is costly, but have it repaired.

[Redstang88]

It won’t run very well, but you can run it for a bit

[Asker]

I’m scared lol to lose my car

[ORANGE_SODA]

I would drive it but only if it was an emergency. Its not worth the risk, if it doesn’t work properly it can create even more costs. In my opinion

[Asker]

So not safe without the o2 sensor?