Skip to main content
Topic: Running without o2s? (Read 1234 times) previous topic - next topic

Running without o2s?

I'm working on my bird at a shop and I'm almost done putting the exhaust on but the issue is idk when my o2 sensor wire extensions are going to be in. I need to get the car home ASAP. My house is less than a quarter mile away from the shop so I wouldn't be driving far. Would this hurt my car in any way shape or form if the wires are unplugges and I'm just taking it a short distance?
Please help! Thanks

Running without o2s?

Reply #1
Driving a short distance shouldn't hurt it. Start off with a cold engine and the car likely wouldn't go into closed loop operation by the time you got it home anyway, but even if it wanted to, the lack of O2's would set a code and the computer will ignore 'em and go into safety mode (meaning pig rich)....
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Running without o2s?

Reply #2
So should I do it or no? It will take me 5 mins max to get home if that

Running without o2s?

Reply #3
If none of my buddies had a trailer and I was that close I'd attempt it

Running without o2s?

Reply #4
What's the worst thing that is going to happen?

Running without o2s?

Reply #5
It won't blow it up if that's what you're asking like thunder chicken said the worse that'll happen is it will throw a code go into safe mode and run really really rich which on anyday is better than running really lean

Running without o2s?

Reply #6
Now if I I'm going to be plugging them
Back in so will the codes go away when they are plugged in?

Running without o2s?

Reply #7
For what its worth, your not going to harm it running quick up the street. Depending on weather, it might not even make it into closed loop if they were connected. Afterwards, i would disconnect the battery and clear the kam, and start fresh without the codes in the EEC.

Running without o2s?

Reply #8
That's something someone a little more experienced would have to answer I would like to say yes they will

Running without o2s?

Reply #9
Okay cool I really hope nothing will happen to it. I'm not going to run it after that unless I have them plugged back in.

Running without o2s?

Reply #10
Why don't you just cut the harness and extend the O2 wires?  I've done this on many a car with long tube headers and never had a problem one.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Running without o2s?

Reply #11
The car will be fine. If you were to run it like that for 20k miles, I'd expect the catalytic converter(s) to fail, but that's it. You'll see  fuel economy numbers without them. Every time you start the engine, it ignores the oxygen sensors, as it also does every time you floor the gas pedal. It's a normal operating condition, but the oxygen sensors just allow your engine to run more ideally with a more complete burn (lower emissions, and better fuel economy).
1988 Thunderbird Sport

 

Running without o2s?

Reply #12
I would do that but I already bought the extensions.