CEL signaling a bad O2 sensor (1 Viewer)

[MC80]

My CEL light just came on and mechanic diagnosed it as a bad O2 sensor. Is it safe to drive it on the freeway for 500 continuous miles before I replace the sensor? Just curious if a faulty sensor defaults on the rich mixture side or what?

 

[G-Cat]

I sure hope it's safe...I've been having the same code for about a month now...and way over 500 miles.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

its fine i drove over 2000 miles it hurts the gas milage but it shouldnt be a prob

mike

 

[willmaxr]

MC,

what code did the mech pull? i believe that will make a difference on what is the next step. my current code is a bank one sensor one. i reset and am waiting for the second fault code before i change out my sensor. what year is your truck?

 

[landtank]

I had an O2 sensor failure. Since it was close to a tuneup, I did that and reset the light. About 1 1/2 years later it came back so I replaced it.

 

[MC80]

I don't have the code, because it was the out of town seller that took it in to the mechanic. It is a 96 lx450 that I had my brother look over and purchase for me. Just wondering what the risk is if I drive it home(500miles) without replacing the sensor. I talked to the head service mechanic at the lexus dealership locally, and he said it is possible to burn up the catalic converter, which is very expensive. Any thoughts?

 

[elmariachi]

I don't have the code, because it was the out of town seller that took it in to the mechanic. It is a 96 lx450 that I had my brother look over and purchase for me. Just wondering what the risk is if I drive it home(500miles) without replacing the sensor. I talked to the head service mechanic at the lexus dealership locally, and he said it is possible to burn up the catalic converter, which is very expensive. Any thoughts?

If its the 02 sensor, the drive home might not do any damage, though I wouldn't do it. But you definitely need to get it fixed pronto. Not to hijack your thread, but are you guys that are having 02 sensor issues using premium unleaded all the time?

Jim