Oxygen Sensor

I have a 97 Ford taurus and my check engine light was on, took it to auto zone and they told me that my oxygen sensor was bad...how important is it to replace this? I know it can cause the car to run rough but will it cause the car to break down if it is not replaced immediatly? I'm leaving next week for a 500 mile drive and don't want to break down during the trip.

Did they give you the full code? Rarely will you receive a code that states the oxygen sensor is bad. The codes may indicate the oxygen sensor is reporting a concern, but it doesn't mean the sensor is bad.

You should get the full code (in the form P0123) and post it here for better detail.

-Rod

Sorry the full code was P0430 The PCM has determined that the catalyst system efficiency for bank 2 is below threshold for the current engine operating condition

and there was a P0420


...the worker told me it was the oxygen sensors

You actually need a scan tool that will allow reading of the PIDs on the vehicle. Usually an O2 sensor will not cause a P0420 or a P0430. If a scan tool shows both front and rer sensors changing at the same rate, the converter is usually at fault. Try erasing the codes and see how long it takes to come back. I don't think it will cause any problems unless the converters are plugged. If they are plugged, you are likely to have problems.

As Way2Old said, it is unlikely for both the 1st and 2nd bank sensors to go bad at the same time. I'd start looking at your catalytic converter, especially if you have over 150K on your car. Another thing to look at is leaks in the exhaust. This may help: http://www.ehow.com/how_4506286_inspect-exhaust-system-ford-taurus.html