[WhiteSpyder]

I would address the O2 sensor straight off. If allowed to run with a defective O2 sensor you can ruin the catalytic converter in a short time, and that would be expensive. A note on O2 sensors for these cars. Be careful about buying a "generic" O2 sensor because they are cheap. I have, after owning 3 Mitsubishi's found you want to use a name brand sensor, and make sure the mfg. application chart lists your specific vehicle under that part number. You can have some real issues using a cheap O2 sensor. If you do not already have one, you will definitely need something like this to work on these cars. ...J.D.

 

[WhiteSpyder]

I have been using Bosch O2 sensors. It depends on what is available in your area. Whatever. Just make sure the part # is compatible with your car, not generic. ...J.D.

 

[WhiteSpyder]

Anytime you see the word "universal" it means they try to make you think it will fit anything. Not true. Get the correct part. I have TWICE had this problem. Once with my 97' 2g RS and again with my current 2001 3g V-6. I finally learned my lesson. Not only is there sometimes a problem with the plug not fitting, but more seriously, I got into running problems with generic O2 sensors. They were not compatible ELECTRONICALLY with the ECU. If you cannot find what you need, I can recommend going to a NAPA auto parts store. They have an excellent parts cross referencing database and a huge parts warehouse. They will get you the right part for your application. Not always the cheapest, but you want it to work correctly. ...J.D.

 

[WhiteSpyder]

There is more to sensors than making them fit. I did some engineering of computer based systems for automation. Any sensor has to have a protocol that it is built to, and that protocol has to match the I/O port it is connected to. The range of the device could be, for example, 4-20ma, or 0-5vdc, or a simple on/off [0-1]. It also has to have the right "action". R/A= reverse acting [as the control signal goes up, the output goes down]. Of course D/A has to opposite action. Make sure you put in the right stuff. This gets very hard to troublshoot if you get it wrong. ...J.D.