GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 582472  Size: MF
Engine Controls Component Views
Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a voltage of about 450 mV between the HO2S high and low signal circuits. The oxygen (O2) sensor varies the voltage over a range from about 1,000 mV when the exhaust is rich, down through about 10 mV when the exhaust is lean.

The PCM monitors and stores the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) voltage information. The PCM evaluates the HO2S voltage samples in order to determine the amount of time the HO2S voltage was out of range. The PCM compares the stored HO2S voltage samples taken within each sample period and determines if majority of the samples are out of the operating range.

The PCM monitors the HO2S voltage for being fixed below a predetermined voltage. If the PCM detects the voltage is below a predetermined voltage, this DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Criteria 1

    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0200, P0335, P0336, P0351-P0358, P1258 not set.
    • The fuel system is operating in Closed Loop.
    • The ignition voltage is more than 9.0 volts.
    • The AIR, EGR, and Catalyst diagnostics are not active.
    • The throttle position (TP) sensor angle is between 2-70 percent.

OR

Criteria 2

    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0200, P0335, P0336, P0351-P0358, P1258 not set.
    • The ignition voltage is more than 9.0 volts.
    • The AIR, EGR, and Catalyst diagnostics are not active.
    • The Power Enrichment mode is enabled for more than 1 second.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Criteria 1

    • The HO2S signal voltage remains below 80 mV.
    • The Criteria 1 conditions are present for 80 seconds.

OR

Criteria 2

    • The HO2S signal voltage remains below 420 mV.
    • The Criteria 2 conditions are present for 10 seconds during the Power Enrichment mode.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: 

   • Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminant intrusion into the PCM.
   • For any test that requires probing the PCM or component harness connectors, use theJ 35616 connector test adapter kit. Using this kit prevents any damage to the harness connector terminals. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Wiring Systems.

The PCM sets this DTC when the vehicle runs out of fuel.

    • Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) wire--Sensor pigtail may be in contact with the exhaust manifold or exhaust system.
    • An oxygen supply inside the HO2S is necessary for proper operation. This supply of oxygen is provided through the HO2S wires. All HO2S wires and connections should be inspected for breaks or contamination. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    • Inspect for an intermittent ground in the signal wire between the connector and the sensor.
    • Lean injectors--Perform the Injector Balance Test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .
    • Fuel contamination--Water near the in-tank fuel pump inlet can be delivered to the injectors. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis . The water causes a lean exhaust and can set a DTC.
    • Fuel pressure--System will be lean if fuel pressure is low. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Exhaust leaks: An exhaust leak near the HO2S can cause a lean condition. Refer to Exhaust Leakage in Engine Exhaust.
    • Vacuum or crankcase leaks can cause a lean condition.

If the above are OK, the HO2S may be at fault.

For an intermittent condition, refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If the HO2S voltage is fixed well below 200 mV, this indicates a short to battery ground or chassis ground. If the voltage is fixed near or above 200 mV, this indicates a short to a PCM ground. When the HO2S voltage is fixed near 200 mV, indicates the DTC set when the fuel system was in a Power Enrichment mode of operation.

    Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature before performing this test.

  2. Using the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also help determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This isolates when the DTC failed.

  3. Lower the exhaust system to gain sufficient access to the HO2S and/or the HO2S connector if necessary . Grounding the low side circuit of the HO2S causes the HO2S voltage to display a bias voltage. If the voltage stays near 0.0 volts, this indicates the low circuit is open, or the high circuit is open or grounded.

  4. Disconnecting the PCM allows using the DMM in order to test continuity of the circuits. This aids in locating an open or shorted circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.
  4. Monitor the HO2S voltage display on the Engine 1 Data List using the scan tool.

Is the HO2S voltage less than the specified value?

80 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Review the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data for this DTC and observe the parameters.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the conditions required for this diagnostic to run, and as close to the conditions recorded in Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records as possible. Special operating conditions that you need to meet before the PCM will run this diagnostic, where applicable, are listed in Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the HO2S.
  2. Jumper the HO2S low circuit (PCM side) to a known good ground.
  3. Monitor the HO2S voltage using the scan tool.

Is the HO2S voltage within the specified range?

350-550 mV

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

Important: Disconnecting the PCM may eliminate the grounded circuit if the signal circuit is shorted to another C1 circuit.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector C1 located on the same side as the manufacturers logo. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .
  3. Test the HO2S signal circuit for a short to ground or a short to the sensor ground circuit. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems .

Is the HO2S signal circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Repair the HO2S signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Important:: Program the replacement PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC Information option using the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 2

9

Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK