In a message dated 98-07-15 14:30:48 EDT,
John_R._Robson_at_NCN001@CCMAILGW.MCGAWPARK.BAXTER.COM writes:

<<  Until recently I have always heard that the O2 sensor doesn't make any
      difference.  Now my light is on and the van continues to drive fine.
      Is it worth replacing it? >>

A basic tennant of VW design is that VW, (being cheapskates) won't put
ANYTHING on the vehicle that isn't impaitive to its operation. In simple
terms, the O2 sensor tells the Fuel Management system how much oxygen is left
after the fuel mixture is burned. I don't know exactly how much *should* be
left, but I would think, that a wel tuned, well maintained motor would leave
very little. When it senses other than normal conditions, (relative to
throttle position, intake air-flow, temperature, etc.) the fuel mixture is
modified to compensate.

The O2 sensor is important enough that VW not only put the sensor on the car,
but went to the added expense of adding a warning system/light. You make the
call.  :)

gmbulley
cary, nc