question for 97 eclipse

I have a couple of questions about my 97 eclipse and i dont know much about cars. my engine light is on and i have heard it was because of an o2 sensor? is that bad and what will it do if i dont change it? also it is burning oil. is there anything i can do?
thanks

Be sure it's the o2 sensor that's bad. Autozone and other parts stores often do free CEL checks. Call around before you drive up to be sure :).

The first o2 sensor is important. The second isn't, at least so long as you don't mind the CEL light.

Are you sure it's burning oil? Off the engine, or really through the engine? I would wonder how many miles your car had, and consider a compression test.

If the primary o2 sensor is bad, you will get horrible gas mileage and your car will run like shit. Pull the codes, and if it is the o2 sensor, replace it.

My car also burns a little oil, and it only has 68k on it. I don't think of it as a huge deal, I just add a little about halfway through oil changes.

Be sure it's the o2 sensor that's bad. Autozone and other parts stores often do free CEL checks. Call around before you drive up to be sure :).

The first o2 sensor is important. The second isn't, at least so long as you don't mind the CEL light.

Are you sure it's burning oil? Off the engine, or really through the engine? I would wonder how many miles your car had, and consider a compression test.


It has about 157,000 miles and all i know is it gets low on oil and it smells like burning oil out of the exhaust.

the engine light has been on for a very long time and never any problems.

It has about 157,000 miles and all i know is it gets low on oil and it smells like burning oil out of the exhaust.

the engine light has been on for a very long time and never any problems.

uh ohhhhh....looks like someone's ready for a re-build.