GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

In order to control the emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a 3-way catalytic converter is used. The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction which oxidizes the HC and CO present in the exhaust gas, converting these chemicals into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst also reduces the NOx, converting the NOx to nitrogen. The powertrain control module (PCM) has the ability to monitor this process using the HO2S 1 and the HO2S 2 heated oxygen sensors. The HO2S 1 sensor produces an output signal which indicates the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gas entering the 3-way catalytic converter. The HO2S 2 sensor produces an output signal which indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst. This in turn indicates the catalyst's ability to convert the exhaust gases efficiently. If the catalyst is operating efficiently, the HO2S 1 signal will be far more active than that produced by the HO2S 2 sensor. If the HO2S 2 signal voltage remains excessively low for an extended time, DTC P0137 will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0410, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, or P1441 are not set.
    • The closed loop commanded air/fuel ratio is 14.5:1 to 14.8:1.
    • The throttle angle is 3-40 percent .

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The HO2S 2 signal voltage remains less than 10 mV during normal closed loop operation.
        OR
    • The HO2S 2 signal voltage remains less than 600 mV during power enrichment mode fuel control operation.
    • The condition is present for up to 5 minutes for VIN K.
        The condition is present for up to 8 minutes for VIN 1.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

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

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

    • The heated oxygen sensor pigtail may be mis-positioned and contacting the exhaust system.
    • A condition which causes a lean exhaust can cause DTC P0137 to set. The system will go lean if pressure is too low. The PCM can compensate for some decrease. However, if fuel pressure is too low, a DTC P0137 may be set.
    • Correct fuel injector operation--Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test
    • Check for the following vacuum leak conditions:
       - Any disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses--Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
       - An incorrectly-installed or malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve--Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis .
       - Any vacuum leaks at the throttle body, at the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, and at the intake manifold mounting surfaces
    • An exhaust leak may cause the outside air to be pulled into the exhaust gas stream past the HO2S, causing DTC P0137 to set. Check for exhaust leaks near the HO2S 2 sensor.
    • Check the throttle body inlet screen for damage or for objects that may alter the airflow sample through the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. If a condition is found, correct the condition as necessary. Refer to Throttle Body Cleaning .
    • Disconnect the MAF sensor. If the lean condition is corrected with the MAF sensor disconnected, replace the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .
    • Fuel contamination--Water, even in small amounts, can be delivered to the fuel injectors. The water can cause a lean exhaust to be indicated. Excessive alcohol in the fuel can also cause this condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table:

  1. DTC P0137 failing during the power enrichment operation, where the throttle position (TP) angle is more than 60 percent, may indicate a condition described in Diagnostic Aids. If the DTC P0137 test passes while the Failure Records conditions are being duplicated, an intermittent condition is indicated. Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help to determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This procedure may help to diagnose the condition.

DTC P0137 - HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: During this step, observe all HO2S voltage parameters. If all parameters remain below the specified value refer to Diagnostic Aids.

  1. Ensure that the engine is at the operating temperature, and operate the vehicle within the parameters specified under DTC P0137, Conditions For Setting the DTC.
  2. Observe the HO2S 2 voltage display on the scan tool HO2S data list.

Does the HO2S 2 voltage remain at less than the specified value?

10 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Review and record scan tool Failure Records.
  3. Operate vehicle within Failure Records conditions as noted.
  4. With a scan tool, observe Specific DTC info for DTC P0137 until the DTC P0137 test runs.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0137 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Disconnect the HO2S 2 and jumper the HO2S 2 low signal circuit on the PCM side to ground.

Does the scan tool indicate HO2S 2 voltage near the specified value?

450 mV

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Check the HO2S high signal circuit for a short to ground or for a short to the sensor ground circuit.
  4. If a condition is found, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

With a scan tool observe, the stored information in Capture Info.

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

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK