Circuit Description
In order to control emissions, a catalytic converter converts any harmful exhaust emissions into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has the capability to monitor this process by using a rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S 2). The HO2S 2 , located in the exhaust stream past the catalytic converter, produces an output signal which indicates the storage capacity of the catalyst. This in turn indicates the catalyst's ability to convert the exhaust emissions effectively. If the catalyst is functioning properly, the HO2S 2 signal will be far less active than the signal produced by the front oxygen sensor (O2S 1).
Replace the entire HO2S 2 assembly. Do not attempt to repair the HO2S 2 if the following conditions exist:
| • | Damaged wiring |
| • | Damaged electrical connectors |
| • | Damaged terminals |
Obstruction of the air reference and degraded HO2S 2 performance could result from any attempt to repair the above conditions.
The HO2S 2 must have a clean air reference in order for the HO2S 2 to function properly. This clean air reference is obtained by way of the HO2S 2 wires.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | DTCs P0106, P0107, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0200, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0506, P0507, P1336, P1404, P1441 not set. |
| • | The engine run time is greater than 25 seconds. |
| • | The engine coolant temperature is greater than 40°C (104°F). |
| • | The Throttle Position (TP) is between 8 percent and 50 percent. |
| • | The air/fuel ratio is between 14.5:1 and 14.7:1. |
| • | The above conditions met for 140 seconds. |
| • | The HO2S 2 remains above 1042 mV for 50 to 75 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate after two consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs with the malfunction present. |
| • | The PCM will record the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic fails. This information will store in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers. |
| • | A history DTC stores. |
| • | The coolant fan turns ON. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | The MIL/DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for the following conditions:
| • | A rich exhaust--An overly rich exhaust may load the catalyst, causing high HO2S 2 signal voltages. |
| • | Silicone contamination--Silicone contamination of HO2S 2 could cause a false rich condition . A powdery white deposit on the sensor will indicate this condition. |
| • | A malfunctioning HO2S 2--If there is an internal short in the HO2S 2, the HO2S 2 voltage displayed on a scan tool will be more than 1.0 volt. Disconnect the HO2S 2 and connecting a jumper wire between the HO2S 2 low circuit to engine ground. Replace the HO2S 2 if the displayed voltage goes from more than 1000 mV to approximately 450 mV . |
| • | An intermittent test--Observe the HO2S 2 on the scan tool while moving the related electrical connectors and the wiring harness with the ignition switch turned ON. If the malfunction is induced, the HO2S 2 display will change. This should help isolate the location of the malfunction. |
| • | Damaged harness--Inspect PCM harness for a short to voltage in the HO2S 2 signal circuit. |
An intermittent could be the result of the following conditions:
| • | A poor electrical connection |
| • | Rubbed-- through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside of the insulation |
Replace the entire HO2S 2 assembly. Do not attempt to repair the HO2S 2 if the following conditions exist:
| • | Damaged wiring |
| • | Damaged electrical connectors |
| • | Damaged terminals |
Obstruction of the air reference and degraded HO2S 2 performance could result from any attempt to repair the above conditions.
The HO2S 2 must have a clean air reference in order for the HO2S 2 to function properly. This clean air reference is obtained by way of the HO2S 2 wires.
Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.
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This step determines if DTC P0138 is the result of a hard malfunction or an intermittent condition.
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Disconnecting HO2S 2 and jumpering the HO2S 2 Signal circuit and the HO2S 2 Low circuit to ground should cause the scan tool to display HO2S 2 voltage below 100 mV (0.1V). If the signal voltage is still high, the PCM is malfunctioning.
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The replacement PCMs must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position system variation procedure must be preformed. Refer to the latest Techline procedure for the PCM reprogramming and also refer to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for the Crankshaft variation learn procedure .
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | |||
Is the HO2S 2 sensor voltage above the specified value? | 1042 mV (1.042V) | |||
3 |
Is the HO2S 2 sensor voltage above the specified value? | 1042 mV (1.042V) | ||
4 |
Does the DVM indicate a voltage of the specified value? | 0V (± 0.5) | ||
Does the scan tool indicate the HO2S 2 sensor voltage below the specified value? | 100 mV (0.10V) | |||
6 | Repair the short to voltage in the HO2S 2 sensor high circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
7 | Replace the HO2S 2 sensor. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
Replace the PCM. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | ||
9 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed? | -- | ||
10 | Check if any additional DTCs are set. Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed? | -- | Go to applicable DTC table | System OK |
