Can bad heated o2 sensor keep car from running?

Question

i know one or all of my three oxygen sensors are bad 'cause the scanner says so. i believe all are heated (2) upstream, (1) downstream. i drove around a lot today (about 95 degrees) with the a/c on, parked for about an hour, drove three miles, spent 20 minutes in store, car started, idled rough for a moment, then died. i could feel the car idling rough so i stepped on the accelerator and there was no response. it started and died a few more times, then it stopped starting, it just cranked. had it towed home, waited a few hours, car started....a bunch of times, and i drove it about 6 miles (65 degrees at this time). it still started a bunch more times could the o2 sensor let the car start but then stall it out like that? if not, any ideas..all hoses, electrical, vacuum lines LOOK like they are good. thanks for any help.

Answer 1

no the they wouldnt stop it from starting... I also wouldn't think you have all three bad at once... if it is the heater circuit in the o2 and on all three I would more than likley think you have a blown fuse for the heater circiut... worst case the computer is bad but I doubt it...you need to use a volt meter to check the there is 12volts going to the sensors when the key is first turned on.. they are probably 4 wire.. dissconnet one of the o2s using a volt meter to probe the cars connector... you need to turn the key on then pretty quickly look for the 12 volts on one of the four wires... if there is no 12 volts then check your fuses...  

Answer 2

My truck had a bad one and it caused it to run like dirt. I don't know why but that little part can realy s***w you.

Answer 3

hmm Must have had it scanned at Auto Zone. Most of the time a bad O2 sensor will not stop your car from running. A O2 code does not always mean the sensor is bad, its usaully telling you there is a problem.If the voltage is not changing then it is bad. The O2 tells the engine computor if the engine is running to rich or to lean. Sounds like you should have your fuel pressue checked for a bad feul pump.

Answer 4

I have blown my O2 sensor in my sunfire twice. I only have the one but when it goes, my car will not stay running unless I keep on the gas pedal. then when it is running, it sounds horrible. then I let it sit overnight, started it up and it was fine until I got half way to autozone. so therefore, despite what anyone tells you, if your car is missing real bad, change that first. Don't spend all that money on plugs, wires coil packs, etc.