The sensor gets drawn on by the intake manifold tube connection.
It gives a reading to the processor. as long as it is unplugged, the processor seeks it's base parameter as a way for you to continue to drive to get to the dealership and have the light checked.
If you keep driving, and dont fix it, then you get what the computer gives you.
You DONT get a fuel mixture and timing that are correct. This can waste fuel and foul your plugs on some engines I have seen.Yours being a 2 digit code system, I have seen things deleted on them, they dont run right, but some car owners accept them and keep driving.
The limited operating strategy, or limp in, can foul the lubricating oil with fuel too. too much gas is bad, so get your service or tuneup and code check, and replace the sensor and clear the code ASAP. it pollutes.
Other newer engines I have seen, enter FMEM fuel monitoring effects management? a form of guessing. same result eventually.
I do advise getting it looked at because the tech may be able to help you save gas and reduce emissions. At that age, a few things may be necessary.
Sometimes these sensors can respond to a good spraying with ZERO-RESIDUE electrical-contact-cleaner, which is sold in aerosol cans in places like Radio-Shack or Maplins. Don't use WD-40, as the oil will interfere with the signal that it should be sending. IF a new one is really big buck$, try ebay for a used one, but realise that it may not last as long as a new part would.
DUH! You'll probably just keep driving it that way! You figure out something is wrong and then wonder how long you can drive like that?!!
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