Oxygen Sensor fault code but must still drive?

[2001FZ1]

The check engine light came on tonight so I stopped in at Autozone for the free scan ~ P0134 so its the o2 sensor. However, I have to drive to the airport and back tomorrow which is 90 miles away. Will this hurt anything?Thanks!

[joatmon]

I don't know. Supposedly the O2 sensor is used in the rich/lean control, so if that isn't working, then I guess it could affect something. If it were me, I'd probably go ahead and drive it, but pay attention to any significant differences in performance, or any new sounds, take it generally easy, and try to get it fixed soon. That's what I would do, but that comes with no warranty or liability on my part. If the CEL light starts blinking at you, then stop.

[Raven]

Is it the first or second sensor? If it's the second then no problem. If it's the first, like he said watch for the blinking light.

[sylvainber]

You may want to have your catalytic converter checked. mine failed (gradually) and started throwing CEL's last december... dealer replaced O2 sensor (after the code returned in diagnostic)... when the CEL returned a month later with the same code... they replace the cat.my fuel efficiency has climbed back up since and no more CEL's... and no more sulfur whiffs eithersylvain

[ragingfish]

2001 -- also watch for unusually LOW fuel consumption. i know that's kinda hard to do on a car that has no digital MPG readout, but if you feel like you're consuming less fuel than you normally would, you *could* be running lean, and you DON'T want to run too lean, for too long, because the engine can overheat or just seize. in the end, it can lead to serious $$$ problems.let us know how your dealer visit turns out though.