could 02 sensor make car die?

[silver 80]

the 87 dies when I get off of the throtle. It'll restart then die but if I restart it and give it some gas and then drop it into grear it's fine as long as I'm into the throttle. Code shown is 02 sensor, loose wire? if it is 02 should I go to heated 02? and how would I hook this up.
thanks
tom

 

[Edmond]

I'm going to take a guess here but I don't believe a bad O2 would make the car die. It won't run like it's supposed to but I don't think it'll die. I could be wrong but at the very least, I've bumped you back up to the top.

 

[silver 80]

Thanks Edmond,
but don't worry about it I hardly ever get a responce, I just thought i would try.
tom

 

[jrbartholomew]

i had a simular problem with my 87. it would start and run but if i let off it would die .if igot it running after a few seconds it would idle. i had to replace the idle air control.
good luck
jeff

 

[Robertwav1]

The Oxy sensor won't cause you engine to die. It will however cause it to run rich or lean depending on how it fails.
The O-2 sensors don't kick in till the exhaust is about 2000*, until then the computer uses a default value. The vehicle will run like crap though if the sensor is bad. You can uplug the the sensor or sensors to see if it makes a difference. You will get a code from this though. Easy enough to erase in the earlier cars.

 

[Edmond]

The Oxy sensor won't cause you engine to die. It will however cause it to run rich or lean depending on how it fails.
The O-2 sensors don't kick in till the exhaust is about 2000*, until then the computer uses a default value. The vehicle will run like crap though if the sensor is bad. You can uplug the the sensor or sensors to see if it makes a difference. You will get a code from this though. Easy enough to erase in the earlier cars.

Robert,

Doesn't that have something to do with the open/closed loop thing everyone talks about?

 

[Robertwav1]

That's correct, the O sensor is active only when it's hot enough, the computer only uses this info in the closed loop mode. Closed loop is the mode where all engine control sensors including the oxy sensor are used to get best fuel economy...lowest possible emmissions and maximum power.

 

[Magmotor]

For inquiring minds who want to know about the O2 sensor.

 

[Edmond]

For inquiring minds who want to know about the O2 sensor.

That just about says it all!