The O2 sensor isn't looking for 'clean air'. It's looking for a small amound of oxygen in the exhaust. Hang it out in the open & it'll see way more oxygen than it should. Besides it won't stay hot, either. Not only that, the ECU is expecting the O2 sensor to react as it adjusts your mixture.

You're better off finding how to read the fault codes on your car. It might not have anything to do with your O2 sensor.