Your best bet is to replace it when you can. They are like spark plugs. Cleaning them may only be a tempory fix. If you feel you wan to clean it, though, use a can of propane and run the flame over it from about 2-3 inches away from it. Normal colouring for an O2 sensor is the same as older spark plugs: a light tan colour.
# The sensor is located in the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe and is accessible from under the vehicle # Since the oxygen sensor may be difficult to remove with the engine cold begin by operating the engine until it has warmed to atleast 120 degrees # Disconnect the electrical wire from the oxygen sensor and carefully unscrew the oxygen sensor from the exhaust pipe.Be adviced that excessive force may damage the threads inspect the oxygen sensor for damage unless you are replacing it
# The sensor is located in the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe and is accessible from under the vehicle # Since the oxygen sensor may be difficult to remove with the engine cold begin by operating the engine until it has warmed to atleast 120 degrees # Disconnect the electrical wire from the oxygen sensor and carefully unscrew the oxygen sensor from the exhaust pipe.Be adviced that excessive force may damage the threads inspect the oxygen sensor for damage unless you are replacing it
There are two oxygen sensor for Mitsubishi Outlander. Front Oxygen Sensor and Rear Oxygen Sensor
It requires a special socket with one side cut out so as not to damage the wiring.
If the vehicle was built with an oxygen sensor, you will need an oxygen sensor.
A bad oxygen sensor can cause power loss, reduced fuel economy and damage to your catalytic converter.
There IS an oxygen sensor BEFORE the catalytic converter and that's the one that typically needs to be replaced. Not all vehicles have a second oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter and of those that do, it almost requires physical damage to the vehicle to damage the rear sensor. The front oxygen sensor screws into the exhaust manifold, typically right where the exhaust comes together into a single pipe. It will be a screw in device that looks similar to a spark plug and it should have 2 or more wires out the top. If you crawl under the car and look you will know for sure.
It's integrated into the oxygen sensor. Buy a new oxygen sensor and you get a free oxygen sensor heater.
The oxygen sensor reads the amount of oxygen in your exhaust to calibrate your air/fuel mixture. If it reads a higher voltage, the sensor is telling the pcm that you are running rich. Your sensor could be bad or need cleaning. Start with the inspection of the oxygen sensor for carbon deposits and the wire for any pinch or melting. Since it is a 97 you probably need to replace it anyways.
Remove the vacuum hose from the oxygen sensor. Remove the oxygen sensor retaining screws. Reverse the process to install the new oxygen sensor.
Remove the oxygen sensor vacuum to. Remove the oxygen sensor screws. Reverse the process to install the new oxygen sensor.
The oxygen sensor is located on the upper portion of the exhaust manifold near the back bank of cylinders on your van. A special socket is required to remove it without damage. Go to the Related Link for more information.