It's simple. The engine will work on a much higher RPM or it will shut down itself without giving you any other signs.
An auto xray scanner can determine if a O2 sensor is bad.
Generally, the onboard diagnostics will tell you when you scan the computer codes.
Your MIL ( malfunction indicator light ) will be lit and a code for your O2 sensor will be logged.
Check ingine light and your gas mileage get worse.
When the oxygen sensor goes bad, the check engine light goes on.
To diagnose a bad sensor you need to hook it up to a code reader to read the stored trouble codes. Most auto parts stores will do this for free and tell you what sensor is bad and where it is located.
you would have code "pending" and a check engine light
When an oxygen sensor goes bad a car will burn gas at a higher than normal rate because it will not be producing as much power as before. The oxygen sensor checks the amount of exhaust.
How can you tell if a crank sensor has gone bad on a 1994 Nissan altima
You bring it to a service station and tell them to replace the oxygen sensor.
If you have a bad O2 sensor the check engine light will illuminate. You will then have the codes read by your local auto parts store. The code(s) will lead you to which is the faulty O2 sensor. The auto parts store will now sell you the correct O2 sensor for your vehicle.
It sure can.