1999 Pontiac Grand Am Service Engine Soon/Oxygen Sensor Problem?

[XTGeminiman]

I just recently hit 91,000 miles and suddenly I'm getting a service light saying service engine soon. I took the car to Autozone and they said it's a problem with one of my oxygen sensors (they list the location of it). Is this a serious problem that needs to be fixed immediately or just a cause for higher emissions? If so, how much should I expect to pay? I took it to a few shops yesterday but they all want a diagnosis fee before looking at it. Assuming Autozone's diagnosis is correct, is this even neccessary or can I just get it repaired?

 

[Icarus]

in england we had a problem with our fuel a couple of weeks ago that resulted in millions of O2 sensors not working.

As a result millions of people's cars became inoperable.

That's the only time i've ever heard of O2 sensors, they sound like they're pretty important things.

 

[jorgie95961]

not a big deal. run a fuel additive , drive it a tank of gas worth. disconnect battery, pull out sensor and clean. reinstall sensor, reinstall battery.
light is off. if it turns back on . replace w new sensor

 

[kilosouthside]

yes you need to change it.. if you want better gas mileage and if you want your car to be running good for a while. take it to a transmission shop they will diagnose it for free and you will probably end up paying one hour of labor wich ranges from 75-90 dollars and you'll have to pay for the part. that's your best bet.