O2 sensor, CEL

[ASD19]

Hey guys,

Did a quick search but couldn't find it.

I have a Mazda3 Maxx and the check engine light has come on. I have already taken it to a mechanic and it has been diagnosed as being either the cat/exhaust or the o2 sensor. They reset the light so it went off but after driving around for a bit last night the light has come on again.

I will be getting the sensor replaced sometime this week, but my main concern at the moment is whether it's still alright to keep driving the car for a few days while I get the sensor sorted (to get to work and back)? Will it be bad for my car?

Thanks in advance for your time

[grifty]

its alright to drive it, it wont do any harm to your engine.

[DC2-PWR]

Yes it will do harm, happend to me today and it blew my 15a ecu fuse. And that caused my fuel pump not to prime, meaning car won't start.

[ASD19]

Thanks for the quick replies, when I was googling I pretty much got the same conflicting answers as these (thanks grifty and dc2pwr) so trying to get a definite answer....

[dc2r-0636]

your car will just use alot more petrol if its the o2 sensor

[DC2-PWR]

^^

Correct,

Unless you find a 2nd hand o2 sensor for your car, there are brand new ones under $150 from autobarn/repco/supercheap auto, but they're universal ones. They will bolt on your car easy, but then you have to connect the 4 wires onto your old plug. Honda/Mazda/Toyota/Nissan retails the o2 sensors under $300 for most makes, it maybe more or less (OEM parts are always dear). OEM Integra o2 sensor are around $280rrp.

For future reference, use this picture as a guide. These are for the universal sensors, great guide it helped me a lot!
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/GU-ARB/o2sensordiagram.jpg

If you don't understand that, send me an email with a picture of your o2 sensor and oem plug, and I'll happily tell you which wire goes where.
mns.eng@hotmail.com

My advice, if the mechanic is charging a lot just to connect the wires up, don't give it to him. do it yourself. I did the wiring myself for under $5, and it only took me 10-15mins and honestly it was eaasyy.

Good luck,

[ASD19]

Thanks for the offer dc2pwr, but I just bought this car a couple weeks ago from a dealer so I will be getting him to sort out the repairs and cost...

Just wanted to confirm that I won't be doing any long term damage to the car while I drive it tomorrow before I bring the car in to get fixed.

Cheers to all for the replies and assistance

[DC2-PWR]

Thanks for the offer dc2pwr, but I just bought this car a couple weeks ago from a dealer so I will be getting him to sort out the repairs and cost...

Just wanted to confirm that I won't be doing any long term damage to the car while I drive it tomorrow before I bring the car in to get fixed.

Cheers to all for the replies and assistance

No problem, anytime :D