o2 sensor on 04 4Runner

[Riad]

Wife's 4Runner is throwing bad O2 sensor code on both banks; v6 105K miles. I have cleared the code and it hasn't been back yet. Sent a PM to Dan; any one know if there's any implications on driving with the bad sensors? I have been little ignorant about the 4th gen 4Runners and not up-to date with the tech stuff (like the 80 ).

Appreciate the info...

-Riad

 

[Duane]

I think if it realizes that the sensors are defective it will just utilize base settings and not do any fuel trimming rich or lean.

Just a guess as I would think it is ok for a while but still something to address.

just my 2 cents.

 

[apalmer1]

dont worry, as long as it isnt a long term thing it wont hurt anything but the gas mileage. I drove over 300 miles home with my exhaust completely broken off at the y-pipe and then for another week before i was able to weld it up.

You may want to check out some of the other things before just shotguning an o2s though. Theres a million things that can cause the PCM to say that the o2s is bad, most of them have nothing to do with the actual unit being defective.

look for:
-vacuum leaks, specifically unmetered air after the MAF
-exhaust leaks before the downstream o2 sensor
-clogged up or leaking cat
-damaged sheath around the wires that go into the o2 sensor (o2s's sample outside air through the rubber tube that protects the wires going into them, without it the sample port can get clogged and ruin any readings)

hope this helps ~ Austin