Is it safe when running without downstream oxygen sensor??

[icoben]

97 camry LE I4

the oxygen sensor after CAT failed. It might lead some problems after warm up.
It is too tight for me to unscrew it from exhaust pipe .
I just unplug the connector under the seat.
Is it safe without the downstream O2 sensor?

I got a used one, I will find a garage to replace O2 sensor on Monday.

BTW, for American 5S-FE, the connector is under driver's seat, not passenger's.

[lee777]

Your engine will run a rich fuel mixture, fuel economy will drop,
but you should be ok to drive.
Have you priced a new replacement?

[bronzemaxell]

here is a tip to remove oxygen sensor, at least it worked for me,
i was trying to remove the oxygen sensor after the cat, and make a stupid mistake, i was trying to remove the sensor while the pipe was cold, pb blaster, liquid wrench, i even try impact wrench, and also 1/2" breaker bar with 3 ft extension, never work, ended round the sensor a little bit. then i google, and searched how to remove stubborn bolts, and found my solution

i didn't try to run car hot, afraid getting burn by exhaust pipe
so i went to walmart, bought a bottle of propane kit,
and heat up the exhaust where the oxygen sensor screw in for a good 5 minutes, not the oxygen sensor,
if you unplug the connector, you should able to use the 7/8" or 22mm close ended 6 point wrench. the oxygen electrical connector is just small enough to fit though the wrench.
after about 5 minutes of heating the nut area around the oxygen sensor, then i was able to break free the oxgen sensor while another hand holding the exhaust pipe for leverage. that was why i didn't run the car hot, otherwise, i wouldn't able to hold the exhaust pipe by hand, the exhaust pipe is designed to have flexes as well.

law of physics, heat expand, it breaks free the bond between the nut and the oxygen sensor,

[chronoti]

Originally Posted by lee777

Your engine will run a rich fuel mixture, fuel economy will drop,
but you should be ok to drive.
Have you priced a new replacement?

it's post cat it only there to monitor the function of the cat.

you be fine what code is it throwing? you might be able to spoof out the ecu.

[Hajoca]

Mine gives code P0141, bad O2 heater circuit, it's been like that for 4 years now.

Emissions test results (for plate renewal) is normal, I have not noticed any impact on fuel consumption.