Circuit Description
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies a bias voltage of about 450 mV between the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) signal and low circuits. When measured with a 10 megaohm DMM , this may display as low as 350 mV. The oxygen sensor varies the voltage within a range of about 1000 mV when the exhaust is rich, down through about 100 mV when exhaust is lean. The PCM constantly monitors the HO2S signal during closed loop operation and compensates for a rich or lean condition by decreasing or increasing injector pulse width as necessary. If the HO2S 1 voltage remains excessively low for an extended period of time, DTC P0131 will be set.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | No active TP, MAP, IAT, ECT, MAF, CKP sensor, misfire, fuel injector circuit, EVAP, EGR DTCs present |
| • | Closed loop commanded air/fuel ratio is between 14.4 and 14.9 |
| • | Throttle angle is between 5 and 40 percent |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
HO2S 1 signal voltage remains below 175 mV during normal closed loop operation
OR
| • | HO2S 1 signal voltage remains below 600 mV during power enrichment mode fuel control operation |
| • | Either condition for up to 5 seconds |
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/Failure Records data. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM will turn OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has 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 a scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Inspect for the following conditions:
| • | HO2S wiring--The sensor pigtail may be routed incorrectly and contacting the exhaust system. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. |
| • | Poor PCM to engine block grounds--Refer to Ground Distribution Schematics in Wiring Systems. |
| • | Fuel pressure--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 P0131 may be set. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . |
| • | Lean injectors--Perform the Injector Balance Test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test . |
| • | Vacuum leaks--Inspect for disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses and for vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, throttle body, EGR system, and crankcase ventilation system. Refer to Visual/Physical Check in Symptoms . |
| • | Exhaust leaks--An exhaust leak may cause outside air to be pulled into the exhaust gas stream past the HO2S, causing the system to appear lean. Check for exhaust leaks that may cause a false lean condition to be indicated. |
| • | MAF sensor--Disconnect the MAF sensor and see if the lean condition is corrected. If so, replace 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 . |
If none of the above conditions are present, replace the affected HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .
Test Description
The numbers below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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IMPORTANT: If sent here from DTC P0171 continue with this diagnosis.
This DTC failing during power enrichment operation (TP angle above 60 percent) may indicate a condition described in Diagnostic Aids. If this DTC test passes while the Failure Records conditions are being duplicated, an intermittent condition is indicated. Review the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed. This may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs.
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This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
2 |
Does the HO2S voltage remain below the specified value? | 400 mV | ||
Operate the vehicle within the Failure Records conditions. Does the scan tool indicate this DTC failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||
4 |
Does scan tool indicate HO2S voltage less than the specified value? | 400 mV | ||
5 | Test the HO2S signal circuit for a short to ground or a short to the sensor ground circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
|
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Did you complete the repair? | -- | -- | ||
7 | Replace the HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | -- | -- | |
8 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | System OK |
