GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Description

The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute inspection and maintenance (I/M) readiness diagnostics for the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heater system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status to YES. The I/M System Status Display on the scan tool provides an indication of whether the control module has completed the required tests. The I/M System Status does not indicate that the tests have passed or failed. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed the I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the other tests for that system have not run.

Conditions for Running

    • The fuel level is more than 10 percent.
    • The engine run time is more than 60 seconds.
    • The mass air flow (MAF) is less than 16 g/s.
    • The catalyst tests are not active.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 70°C (158°F).
    • The battery voltage is between 10-18 volts.

Diagnostic Aids

The HO2S Heater Tests will normally run within the 2 minutes allotted in the procedure. If there is an indeterminate condition, the test may take up to 2 hours on some vehicles before a decision of pass or fail is made. If the test does not update to YES, it may have aborted due to the loss of enabling conditions.

If there is an impending failure, the system may require more time to run the diagnostic than was allotted in the set procedure. If the test does not run after numerous attempts and no DTC is set, review the appropriate scan tool data list and the service information for an indication of why the test does not complete. Some tests may abort due to changes in the conditions while the test is running. For example, changes in engine load, such as a cooling fan or an A/C compressor clutch turning ON, may cause the test to abort.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System Check

2

    Important: Whenever the ignition is turned ON, ignition positive voltage is supplied to the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heaters. After verifying the enable criteria, turn OFF the ignition for approximately 5 minutes to allow the sensors to cool before continuing with the test.

  1. Preprogram the scan tool with the vehicle information before the ignition is turned ON.
  2. Ensure the vehicle is within the Conditions for Running specified in the supporting text.
  3. Set the vehicle parking brake.
  4. Verify the transmission is in Park for automatic transmissions and Neutral for manual transmissions.
  5. Turn OFF all of the accessories, e.g., A/C, blower fan, etc.
  6. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle for the specified time or until the I/M System Status indicator updates to YES.

Did the HO2S Heater System Status update to YES?

2 minutes

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate any failed DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System DTC Table to determine which DTCs are required to run in order to complete this test.
  2. Observe the Not Ran Since Code Cleared display with a scan tool.
  3. Determine which of the DTCs required for a YES status has not run.
  4. Enter the DTC number in the Specific DTC menu of the scan tool.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, located in the supporting text for the diagnostic table of the DTC.
  6. Repeat the procedure until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic test has run. This may take up to 2 hours.
  7. Repeat steps 4-6 for any additional required DTCs that have not run.
  8. Observe the I/M System Status display with a scan tool.

Did the HO2S Heater System Status update to YES?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

Observe the Emission Related DTC portion of the I/M System Status display with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate any Emission Related DTCs set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK