GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 614827  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Heated Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

To control emissions of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), a three-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 them into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst also reduces NOx, converting it to nitrogen. The powertrain control module (PCM) has the ability to monitor this process using the HO2S 1 and the HO2S 2. The HO2S 1 produces an output signal which indicates the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gas entering the three-way catalytic converter. The HO2S 2 produces an output signal which indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst, this in turn indicates the catalyst's ability to convert 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. If the HO2S 2 signal voltage remains excessively low for an extended period of time, DTC P0137 will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No TP Sensor, EVAP System, Misfire, IAT Sensor, MAP Sensor, Fuel Trim, Fuel Injector Circuit, EGR Pintle Position, ECT Sensor, CKP Sensor, or MAF Sensor DTCs present.
    • Closed Loop commanded air/fuel ratio is between 14.5-14.8
    • Throttle angle is between 3-40 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • HO2S 2 signal voltage remains below 10 mV during normal Closed Loop operation.
        OR
    • HO2S 2 signal voltage remains below 600 mV during Power Enrichment Mode fuel control operation.
    • VIN K -- The condition is present for up to 4 minutes.
    • VIN 1 -- The condition is present for up to 2.5 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
    • The History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

    • Heated oxygen sensor wiring -- The sensor pigtail may be mispositioned and contacting the exhaust system.
    • Poor PCM to engine grounds -- Refer to Ground Distribution Schematics in Wiring Systems.
    • Fuel pressure -- 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.
    • Fuel injectors -- Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) or Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Outside 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) .
    • Vacuum leaks -- Check for the following conditions:
       - Disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses. Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
       - Incorrectly installed or malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection .
       - Vacuum leaks at the throttle body, EGR valve, and intake manifold mounting surfaces.
    • Exhaust leaks -- An exhaust leak may cause 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.
    • MAF sensor -- Disconnect the MAF sensor and see if the condition is corrected. If so, 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 numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. DTC P0137 failing during power enrichment operation, TP angle above 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 determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

  2. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

DTC P0137 - HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

Step

Action

Values

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

Important: During this step, observe all H02S voltage parameters. If all parameters remain below the specified value refer to Diagnostic Aids.

  1. Engine at operating temperature, operate the vehicle within parameters specified under DTC P0137 Conditions for Setting the DTC.
  2. Monitor 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 data.
  3. Operate the vehicle within Failure Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0137 until the DTC P0137 test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0137 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids.

4

Disconnect HO2S 2 and jumper the HO2S 2 low circuit, 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 2 signal circuit for a short to ground or a short to the sensor ground circuit.

Is the HO2S 2 signal circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Repair the HO2S 2 signal circuit. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

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

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0137 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK