Hi i've got an 04 rx8 6 spd, 55k miles.


So i just got it back from my mechanic for inspection a few weeks back, a few days ago my check engine light comes on. I was told it's an emissions problem with the air pump and the O2 sensor, and that it's had this problem for a while (back last year before my parents gave me the car, they had the mechanic override the check engine light and turn it off since it's fine to drive).


So with a bad air pump and bad O2 sensor, i wanted to know is it actually fine to drive it, can i still push it to red line when ever i feel like it, does it cause loss of HP/bad mileage(i read the O2 sensor affects the fuel mixture), will it cause other problems to develop prematurely?


Also curious if i can replace either myself, it looks like the O2 sensor is pretty easy to replace, the air pump not so much.


Thanks for taking the time

 

If the code is for the REAR O2 sensor, you can ignore it.
If the code is for the FRONT O2 sensor, you need to replace it. It's critical.

 

Good to know.


I'm assuming it's the rear sensor if my mechanic said it's fine to ignore but i'll be finding out for sure soon.


Thanks for the reply