I'm a girl and at least know to ask . The engine light just came on tonight (steady, not flashing) and AutoZone ran a check with the result being P0139. Is it OK for me to drive a day or two - no long distances - kids to school and to work and home?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes, it is safe to drive. That is the code for the rear oxygen sensor.

If the light is not flashing, the car is still safe to drive.

Flashing check engine light usually would be caused by engine misfire, which would not be related to the oxygen sensor.

Your trouble code is not anything serious, just the part may need replacement.

 

That's a relief - thank you!

 

Also check your fuel tank's cap... it might not have been turned tightly enough. That could trigger this code, I think.

 

A loose gas cap would not trigger P0139.

 

Oh gotcha. Well, since people told me P0420/30 might be caused by a loose fuel cap or by a bad sensor... I thought the trigger conditions for that code would be very similar to the one for P0139. Oh well, at least the OP can't be mad over my incorrect but cost-less suggestion

 

Well, we don't want to cause unnecessary stress or worries for the OP. So, if the misinfo. wasn't corrected, then there is a "cost", maybe not monetary.

 

It's never a bad thing to make sure your gas cap is on properly, and it's not difficult to check.

Still, that shouldn't cause P0139 or P0420. It would cause P1456 "EVAP leak - tank".