What causes an O2 sensor to die?

Age, exposure to coolant or oil vapors, using leaded fuel or certain sealants that poison the sensor element.

Will a dead O2 sensor damage my engine?

The engine will run in open-loop mode with poor fuel economy but it will not cause direct engine damage.

Medium Severity

Emissions System

The upstream O2 sensor on bank 1 shows no switching activity. The sensor may be dead or disconnected.

Common Fix

Replace O2 sensor

Estimated Cost (DIY)

$30 - $100

Dead O2 sensorlikely

O2 sensor heater failure preventing warm-uppossible

Disconnected or cut wirepossible

Severely contaminated sensorpossible

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What causes an O2 sensor to die?: Age, exposure to coolant or oil vapors, using leaded fuel or certain sealants that poison the sensor element.
Will a dead O2 sensor damage my engine?: The engine will run in open-loop mode with poor fuel economy but it will not cause direct engine damage.

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