GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 70617  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Engine Controls 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, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0200, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0506, P0507, P1336, P1404, P1441 not set.
    • The engine has been running longer than 30 seconds.
    • The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) is greater than 40°C (104°F).
    • The Calculated Air Flow is greater than 5.5 g/s for 140 seconds.
    • The Throttle Position (TP) is between 4 percent and 56 percent.
    • The HO2S 2 remains between 425 mV and 456 mV for 125 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

An intermittent could be the result of the following conditions:

    • A poor electrical connection
    • Moisture in the electrical connector/wiring
    • Rubbed-through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside the insulation

Check for the following conditions:

    • A poor electrical connection or a damaged harness--Inspect the PCM harness for an open in the HO2S 2 signal circuit. Check for the following conditions:
       - Improper mating
       - Broken locks
       - Improperly-formed connectors
       - Damaged terminals
       - A poor terminal-to-wire connection
       - A damaged harness
    • Intermittent test--Observe the HO2S 2 on the scan tool while moving the related electrical connectors and the wiring harness with the ignition switch ON. If the malfunction is induced, the HO2S 2 display will change. This test should help isolate the location of the malfunction.

Replace the entire HO2S 2 assembly. Do not attempt to repair the HO2S 2 if the following conditions exist:

    • Damaged wiring
    • Damaged electrical connector
    • Damaged terminals

Obstruction of the air reference and degraded HO2S 2 performance could result in 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 number(s) below refer(s) to the step number(s) 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 fault occurred. The scan tool stores this data for later reference.

  2. This step determines if DTC P0140 is the result of a hard failure or an intermittent condition.

  3. Disconnecting the HO2S 2 and jumpering the HO2S 2 signal circuit and the HO2S 2 low circuit to ground will determine if the PCM or wiring or HO2S 2 is malfunctioning.

  4. This step determines which circuit the malfunction is in. If the HO2S 2 signal circuit and the HO2S 2 low circuit are OK, this is an indication that the PCM connection or the PCM is malfunctioning.

  5. Reprogram the replacement PCM and perform the crankshaft position system variation learning procedure. Refer to the latest Techline information for PCM programming and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for the crankshaft position system variation learning procedure.

DTC P0140-Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Circuit Insufficient Activity Detected (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. Start the engine.
  2. Run the engine above the specified normal operating temperature.
  3. Install a scan tool.
  4. Run the engine above the specified RPM for 2 minutes.

Does the scan tool display an HO2S 2 voltage between the specified value?

80°C (176°F) 1200 RPM

425 mV-460 mV (0.425 V-0.460 V)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Review the Freeze Frame data and record the parameters.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions For Setting the DTC as specified.

Does the scan tool display the HO2S 2 voltage steady around the specified value?

425 mV-460 mV (0.425 V-0.460 V)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 11

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the HO2S 2 electrical connector.
  3. Jumper the HO2S 2 high and low circuits (PCM side) to ground.

Does the scan tool display the HO2S 2 voltage below the specified value?

100 mV (0.10 V)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Check for a malfunctioning connection at the HO2S connector (PCM side) and repair the connector as necessary.
  3. Refer to Electrical Repair Procedures of the service manual.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the jumpers and reconnect the HO2S 2 electrical connector.
  3. Disconnect the PCM connector.
  4. Probe the PCM harness HO2S 2 low terminal with a test light to B+.

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7

Replace the HO2S 2 sensor.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

8

Check for an open or a poor connection in the HO2S 2 high circuit. Repair the circuit or connection as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

9

Repair the open in the HO2S 2 low circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  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 12

Go to Step 2

12

Check to see if any additional DTCs are set.

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

--

Go to applicable DTC table

System OK