DTC P0133 HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1. Chevrolet Chevy K Pickup

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Chevy K Pickup - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 7.4L 🢒 DTC P0133 HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1

Engine Controls Component Views
Engine Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) is a sensor designed to create a voltage relative to the oxygen content in the engine exhaust stream. The control module supplies the HO2S with signal high and low circuits. Ignition voltage and ground are supplied to the HO2S heater by independent circuits. The oxygen content of the exhaust indicates when the engine is operating lean or rich. When the HO2S detects that the engine is operating rich, the signal voltage is high, and decreases the signal voltage as the engine runs leaner. This oscillation above and below the bias voltage, sometimes referred to as activity or switching, can be monitored with the HO2S signal voltage.

The HO2S contains a heater that is necessary in order to quickly warm the sensor to operating temperature. The heater also maintains the operating temperature during extended idle conditions. The HO2S needs to be at a high temperature in order to produce a voltage. When the HO2S reaches operating temperature, the control module monitors the HO2S bias, or reference, voltage. It also monitors the HO2S signal voltage for Closed Loop fuel control. During normal Closed Loop fuel control operation, the control module will add fuel, or enrich the mixture, when the HO2S detects a lean exhaust content. The control module will subtract fuel, or "lean-out" the mixture, when the HO2S detects a rich exhaust condition.

Certain vehicle models utilize an oxygen sensor behind the catalytic converter in order to monitor catalyst efficiency.

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) determines if the HO2S is functioning properly. It checks for an adequate number of HO2S voltage transitions above and below the bias range of 300-600 mV. This DTC sets when the vehicle control module (VCM) fails to detect a minimum number of voltage transitions above and below the bias range during the test period. Possible causes of this DTC are:

•	An open or a short to voltage on either the HO2S signal or HO2S low circuits

•	A malfunctioning HO2S

•	A problem in the HO2S heater or its circuit

•	A faulty HO2S ground

This DTC is designed to detect an HO2S that is slow to respond to changes in the exhaust oxygen content.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No active TP sensor DTCs

•	No active EVAP system DTCs

•	No active IAT sensor DTCs

•	No active MAP sensor DTCs

•	No active ECT sensor DTCs

•	No active MAF sensor DTCs

•	No active misfire DTCs

•	No intrusive test in progress

•	No device controls are active

•	The system voltage is more than 9.0 volts

•	DTCs P0131, P0132, P0134, and P0135 not active

•	The system is in closed loop

•	The ECT is more than 57°C (135°F)

•	The engine run time is more than 75 seconds

•	The MAF is between 15-55 g/s

•	The engine speed is between 1100-3000 RPM

•	The EVAP canister purge is enabled

•	The above conditions present for more than 2 seconds

Conditions for Setting the DTC

•	Closed loop mode enabled for more than 100 seconds

•	The average lean to rich response time (from below 300 mV to above 600 mV) is more than 125 ms.

•	The average rich to lean response time (from above 600 mV to below 300 mV) is more than 125 ms.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles.

•	The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tool Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC

•	The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.

•

A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle.

•	Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Never solder the HO2S wires. For proper wire and connector repair, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Check for the following conditions:

•	An improperly installed air cleaner outlet duct

•	The air cleaner outlet duct for collapsed ducting, restrictions, or a missing or plugged air filter

•	Throttle body and intake manifold vacuum leaks

•	A damaged or blocked throttle body inlet

•	Exhaust system for corrosion, leaks, or loose or missing hardware. Refer to Exhaust System Inspection in Engine Exhaust.

•	The HO2S is installed securely and the pigtail harness is not contacting the exhaust system.

•	HO2S contamination

•	The vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections

•	Excessive water, alcohol, or other contaminants in the fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	VCM sensor grounds that are clean, tight, and properly positioned

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

•	A poor connection

•	Rubbed through wire insulation

•	A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

HO2S contamination is indicated if multiple Response, Switching or Time Ratio HO2S DTCs are set.

The use of leaded fuel may be indicated by the removal or tampering of the fuel filler restrictor.

An HO2S contaminated by silicon will have a white, powdery deposit on the portion of the HO2S that is exposed to the exhaust stream. The usual cause of silica contamination is the use of un-approved silicon RTV engine gasket material or the use of silicon based sprays or fluids within the engine.

If the cause of this contamination is not corrected, the replacement HO2S will also get contaminated.

Even small exhaust leaks can cause slow response from the HO2S.

If the voltage observed in step 8 is less than the range specified a short between the HIGH and LOW circuits or a short between the HIGH circuit and ground is indicated. With the HO2S and the VCM disconnected the resistance between the HIGH and LOW circuits and the resistance between the HIGH circuit and ground should measure infinite.

If the voltage observed in step 8 is more than the range specified a short between the HIGH circuit and an ignition voltage source is indicated.

If the voltage observed in step 9 is not below the voltage specified a high resistance (open) HIGH or LOW circuit is indicated.

Good circuit continuity measures less than 5 ohms with the VCM and sensor disconnected. Measure between the VCM connector and the HO2S connector. Ensure VCM terminal contact is good.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame and Failure records for reference. The control module's data is deleted once the Clear Info function is used.

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

In addition to this DTC check for the following HO2S DTCs:

•	The opposite bank sensor slow response DTC

•	Either bank sensor insufficient switching DTC

•	Either bank sensor Transition Time Ratio DTC

Are any of the above listed HO2S DTCs set?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

Are any powertrain component DTCs set?

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 5

The HO2S sensors have been contaminated. Replace the affected HO2S sensors. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .
The contamination source must be removed prior to operating the engine with the replacement sensors. Possible sources include the following :

•	The use of in-correct silicon RTV sealant

•	Engine coolant leakage into the combustion chamber

•	Excessive engine oil consumption

•	The use of silicon contaminated fuel

•	The use of fuel containing LEAD

Has the contamination source been removed and the affected sensors replaced?

Go to Step 18

Using the scan tool store the DTC information from the VCM into the scan tool.
Clear the DTC Information from the VCM.
Reset the fuel trim values.
Start and idle the engine until normal operating temperature is reached.
Operate the engine under the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Did this DTC run and fail this ignition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

This DTC is intermittent.

Are any additional DTCs stored?

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Check the exhaust system for leaks between the HO2S and the engine. Refer to Exhaust System Inspection in Engine Exhaust.

Repair the exhaust as necessary.

Check the HO2S and VCM connectors for proper terminal contact.

Repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 8

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the HO2S connector for the sensor that applies to this DTC.
Jumper the HO2S LOW circuit terminal (engine harness side) to a known good ground.
Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
Using a scan tool monitor the HO2S voltage for the sensor that applies to this DTC.

Is the HO2S voltage within the value range specified?

351-551 mV

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 13

Jumper the HO2S HIGH signal circuit to ground.
Using a scan tool monitor the HO2S voltage for the sensor that applies to this DTC.

Is the HO2S voltage less than the value specified?

20 mV

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 14

Remove the HO2S LOW circuit jumper.
Connect a test lamp between the HO2S heater ignition positive voltage circuit terminal (engine harness side) and a known good ground. Do not use the HO2S heater ground circuit terminal.

Is the test lamp ON?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 15

Connect the test lamp between the HO2S heater ignition positive voltage circuit terminal and the HO2S heater ground circuit terminal (both on engine harness side).

Is the test lamp ON?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 16

Check for contamination sources which may have caused the HO2S to fail.

HO2S contamination sources include the following:

•	Use of in-correct RTV engine sealant (silicon)

•	Contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Excessive engine oil or coolant consumption

Repair or remove source of contamination.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Repair the short between the HO2S HIGH and LOW circuits or between the HO2S HIGH signal circuit and an ignition voltage source. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Check the HO2S HIGH signal circuit and the HO2S LOW circuit for an open or high circuit resistance.
Repair the HO2S circuits as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Repair the HO2S heater ignition positive voltage circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Repair the HO2S Heater ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Replace the HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Reset the Fuel Trim values using a scan tool.
Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
Start the engine.
Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Select DTC and the Specific DTC function.
Enter the DTC number which was set.
Operate the vehicle, with the Conditions for Setting this DTC, until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic Ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 2

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK