O2 sensor larger question

I'm wondering now if my O2 sensor actually needs to be replaced. My 98 Contour has only 55,000 miles and I was alerted to the sensor by the "Check Engine" light. After I used the computer to check the code, the "Check Engine" light went off and hasn't come back on again in a week. Should I replace the O2 sensor now, or could it just have been an electrical mistake? Thanks for any info you have.

Chances are its an 02 sensor. I would occansionally get a cel every couple months and it wouldnt usually stay on any longer than a couple days. If the code persists I would change it, but for now I think I would let it slide.

Thanks again!

My old contour had the same problem. I went 130,000 with the problem. I could reset the computer and it might stay off for a couple of hours or 6 months. I talked to ford and a mechanic about the problem and they pretty much agreed that aslong as I could reset the computer and it did not come right back on and the car ran alright don't replace it.I got tid of my contour when it had 238,000 miles on it and a check engine light on. Good Luck