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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Skylark 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 2.4L 🢒 DTC P0137 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

Object Number: 51180 Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

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, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0171, P0200, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0341, P0404, P0506, P0507, P0601, P0602 not set.
    • Air flow is greater than 5.5 grams per second.
    • Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) is greater than 40°C (104°F).
    • Throttle Position (TP) angle is between 5% and 50% for 4 seconds.
    • HO2S 2 remains below 22 mV for 150 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
    • The exhaust system--Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:
       - Exhaust system leaks between the three-way catalytic converter and the flange
       - Exhaust system corrosion between the three-way catalytic converter and the flange
       - Exhaust system loose or missing hardware between the three-way catalytic converter and the flange
       - Repair the conditions as necessary.
    • A poor electrical connection or a damaged harness--Inspect the harness for a short to ground in the HO2S 2 signal circuit. Ensure that the HO2S 2 pigtail is not contacting the exhaust.
        Check for the following conditions:
       - Wiring contacting the exhaust system
       - Improper mating
       - Broken locks
       - Improperly formed harness connectors
       - Damaged terminals
       - Poor terminal-to-wire connections
       - A damaged harness
    • Intermittent test--Observe the HO2S 2 on the scan tool while moving any of the related electrical connectors and the wiring harness with the ignition ON. If the malfunction is induced, the HO2S 2 display will change. This should help isolate the location of the malfunction.

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

The numbers below refers to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts you to complete some of the basic checks and to store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data captured when the malfunction occurred. The scan tool stores this information for later reference.

    2.

  2. This step determines if DTC P0137 is the result of a hard malfunction or an intermittent condition.

    3.

  3. It is necessary to jump the HO2S 2 low circuit to ground in order to allow the PCM to display the supplied bias voltage. The PCM and the wiring are OK if the voltage is between 0.35 and 0.55 volt .

    4.

  4. Reprogram the replacement PCM and perform the crankshaft position system variation learn procedure. Refer to the latest Techline information for PCM programming and Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

DTC P0137-Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Circuit Low Voltage (Sensor 2)

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. Turn ON the ignition switch leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Install a scan tool.

Is the HO2S 2 voltage less than the specified value?

200 mV (0.20 V)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Review the Freeze Frame data and record the parameters.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions For Setting the DTC as specified

Is the HO2S 2 voltage less than the specified value?

40 mV (0.04 V)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 8

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.

    2. Caution: Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury.

  2. Disconnect the HO2S 2 electrical connector.
  3. Connect a jumper wire to the HO2S 2 sensor low circuit (PCM side) to ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition switch leaving the engine OFF.

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

350 mV-550 mV (0.35 V-0.55 V)

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5
  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
  3. Check the HO2S 2 sensor signal circuit for the following condition(s):
    4. • Short to ground
    • Short to the HO2S 2 sensor ground circuit
  4. Repair the electrical connectors and the circuits as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7
  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.

    2. Caution: Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury.

  2. Replace the HO2S 2 sensor. Refer to the Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8
  1. Clear the DTCs with the scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 2

9

Check to see if any additional DTCs are set.

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

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK