GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 12990  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Heated Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
ESD Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM provides a 0.45 volt reference signal to the oxygen sensor on CKT 1665. When the oxygen sensor is cold, below 200°C (392°F), the oxygen sensor signal voltage will be around 0.45 volt and the PCM will keep the system in Open Loop operation. When the oxygen sensor is warm, above 200°C (392°F), the oxygen sensor will swing from rich to lean rapidly, if the PCM is in good control of the air fuel mixture. DTC P0138 is designed so that if the oxygen sensor stays at a rich voltage for 40 out of 50 seconds during the test conditions, this DTC will set. DTC P0138 will set when:

    •  There is an oxygen sensor circuit fault giving a false rich indication.
    •  The air fuel ratio is actually rich due to a fuel control or emission system fault.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Test Conditions

    •  DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0151, P0152, P0153, P0154, P0300, P1133, P1153 and P1154 not set.
    •  TP sensor between 5.4 and 25 degrees.
    •  Coolant temperature 81.5°C (179°F) or greater.
    •  Closed loop fuel control enabled.
    •  Oxygen sensors ready.
    •  Engine speed 800 RPM or greater.
    •  MAP sensor greater than 32 kPa.
    •  Conditions above met for 3 seconds.

Failure Conditon

Oxygen sensor has been rich (534 mV (0.534V) or greater) for 40 out of 50 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    •  The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    •  The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    •  The PCM will turn the MIL OFF after three consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    •  A Last Test Failed (current) DTC will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    •  A History DTC will clear after forty consecutive warm-up cycles with no failures of any emission related diagnostic test.
    • Use a scan tool to clear DTCs.
    • Interrupting PCM battery voltage may or may not clear DTCs. This practice is not recommended. Refer to Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes in PCM Description and Operation.

Diagnostic Aids

Notice: Do not solder heated oxygen sensor wires. Soldering the wires will result in the loss of the air reference to the sensor. Refer to Engine Electrical for proper wire and connection repair techniques.

Check snapshot data for front and rear long term fuel trim values. If both banks were rich, check for a condition that would cause rich engine operation.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. If DTC P0140 is also set, diagnose it first because an Oxygen Sensor not ready can cause other emission related problems.

  2. If the Oxygen Sensor is operating correctly, voltage will fluctuate below 0.6 volt. A rich sensor/condition will cause the voltage to remain above 0.6 volt.

  3. Checking for proper oxygen sensor operation. The voltage should fluctuate below 0.6 volt.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Is DTC P0140 also set?

--

Go to DTC P0140 HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Bank 1 Sensor 2

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Start the engine and warm-up until engine coolant temperature is the same or more than the value specified.
  2. View Bnk. 1 Sns. 2 pre-converter oxygen sensor voltage.

Does voltage remain above the value specified for 30 seconds or more?

85°C (185°F)

0.6 volts

Go to Step 4

Fault not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the key to OFF.
  2. Disconnect pre-converter oxygen sensor connector.
  3. Using DMM J 39200 measure voltage between terminals A and B (sensor side).
  4. Start the engine.

Does voltage remain above the value specified for 30 seconds or more?

0.6 volts

Go to DTC P0139 HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 2

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Record the fluid life indexes, turn the key to OFF and wait 30 seconds.
  2. Disconnect PCM connector C2.
  3. Measure voltage to ground at PCM connector C2 terminal 67.
  4. Turn the key ON.

Is voltage greater than the value specified?

0.1 volts

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

Repair the short to voltage on the Pre HO2S High circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

7

  1. Check terminal contact at the PCM connector C2 terminals 67 and 68.
  2. Repair terminal contact if needed.

Was terminal contact repaired?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the PCM. Refer to PCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

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