how crucial/beneficial is this?
my error codes tell me that my sensor is bad.
new sensor is around $60.

other than getting the 'check engine light' to turn off, why should i replace this?
the car runs good, gas mileage is ok...

 

anybody?

 

which code did you get?

That sensor is used to adjust the air/fuel mixture, so you should get better gas mileage with a new sensor.

 

Your car may not pass emission if your state require one. It may run rough, poor fuel economy. Could destroy the catalytic converter later on.

 

You could get slightly less gas mileage, I have been running mine with a faulty one for a few years and still get 32mpg. But you won't pass inspection with the CEL on if your state has inspections.

 

Depending on how bad is the sensor. I had a 91 before with a bad O2 sensor, it barely drivable, every time i gave it gas, it flooded out, i can smell raw fuel came out the tail pipe.