Would a bad oxygen sensor on my 1996 ford explorer cause my engine to die after driving it a distance?

the o2 sensor is located by the catalytic converter and anaylyses the exhaust emissions,it may need a tune up but first i'd check all air intake hoses for leaks ,signs of wear etc as if the air/fuel mixture going into engine isn't correct the emissions will not be either ,you can get fuel additives which will clean cylinder,valves and the cat converter so try this first , if the light is still on get the garage to clear the OBD memory and retest drive as a stored code isn't always automaticly erased

Hi Douglas, I'm glad to help. YES, the Oxygen Sensor tells the engine control module how much fuel to delivery to run in varies cercumstances. If you have removed the Oxygen Sensors the computer doesn't know what going on and is confused and will cause dieing problems and even cause the vehicle to be slow on take off among other problems. Hope this helps and have an awesome day Douglas!

It's called bank, not base. On a v6 or v8, each side of the engine is called a bank. Bank 1 is always the side where the number 1 cylinder is located. On Fords, number 1 is on the right bank or side, the right as if you were sitting in the vehicle, so well, the passenger side.
Sensor 2 is the oxygen sensor in the exhaust stream after the catalytic converter (somebody recently called it the cadillac converter!). You have two oxygen sensors on the right bank, one before the cat and sensor 2 is after the cat. The only purpose of sensor 2 is so the computer can monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter. It compares the readings from sensor 1 and sensor 2. Sensor 1 information is how the computer adjusts fuel trim.

Any symptoms,Dawn, such as performance troubles? Might be an oxygen sensor going bad, catalytic converter starting to plug, or EGR valve getting dirty and sticking.
If you can,get the OBD II codes run. They should help pinpoint the problem.My guess is it's an oxygen sensor,but that's only a guess. don-ohio (:^)

NOTE: If excessive force is needed to remove heated oxygen sensor, lubricate heated oxygen sensor with Penetrating Lubricant prior to removal.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Disconnect heated oxygen sensor from engine control sensor extension wiring.
3. On 3.0L, 4.0L and 5.0L raise and support vehicle.
4. Remove heated oxygen sensors from exhaust manifold, inlet pipe, or dual converter Y pipe, using an Oxygen Sensor Wrench.
   

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
2. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to thread.
3. Tighten heated oxygen sensors to 36-46 Nm (27-33 lb-ft).
   

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_69f3cc28d95bf514

r u gonna keep replacin parts-or do a scan 1st--not all problems show on a readout-like vacuum leaks or a failin computer--throttle body probly needs cleanin

could be the fuel pressure regulator or possibly the throttle position sensor

The MAF sensor is the likely problem. Ca be clraned w/crc electrical cleaner only. Do not touch , rub,or use compressed air to clean or dry. It's located in the intake duct in one of the metal sections. The plug and wires will give it away. Good Luck-Ned-

Most times the O2 is not the problem but just the symptom of another problem, most times a vacuum leak, let me have the codes the engine u have an the miles on the car and i will let u know whether the O2 sensors are defective, there are 2 O2's, they are just before the catalytic converter, the sensors after the cats is the catalyst efficiency monitors, 2 of them.

I had an oxygen sensor go out, and my dodge almost wouldnt run, i would reccomend replacing the bad oxygen sensor. The sensor could be telling the computer that there is to much fuel in the exhaust and cuts the fuel down enough to kill the engine, or vice-versa, Another thing could be the Intake air temperature sensor.