Diagnostic Instructions

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0132: HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 1

DTC P0138: HO2S Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open/High Resistance	Short to Voltage	Signal Performance
HO2S Sensor 1 Signal	P0131	P0131	P0132	P0133
HO2S Sensor 2 Signal	P0137	P0137	P0138	P0140
Low Reference	--	P0131, P0137	P0132, P0138	--

Typical Scan Tool Data

HO2S 1 or 2

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open	Short to Voltage
Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop. Parameter Normal Range: Fluctuates above and below 350-500 mV.
Sensor Signal	0-60 mV	400-415 mV	5000 mV
Low Reference	--	400-415 mV	5000 mV¹
¹ Internal ECM damage may occur if the circuit is shorted to B+

Circuit Description

The heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the engine is started, the control module operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage while calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. The control module supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias voltage of about 450 mV. While the engine runs, the HO2S heats up and begins to generate a voltage within a range of 0-1,000 mV. This voltage will fluctuate above and below the bias voltage. Once sufficient HO2S voltage fluctuation is observed by the control module, Closed Loop is entered. The control module uses the HO2S voltage to determine the air-to-fuel ratio. An HO2S voltage that increases above bias voltage toward 1,000 mV indicates a rich fuel mixture. An HO2S voltage that decreases below bias voltage toward 0 mV indicates a lean fuel mixture.

The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the control module to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.

The HO2S utilizes the following circuits:

Conditions for Running the DTC

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0132: The ECM detects that the HO2S 1 voltage is more than 1500 mV for 0.2 seconds.

P0138: The ECM detects that the HO2S 2 voltage is more than 1500 mV for 3 seconds.

Action Taken when the DTC Sets

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Circuit/System Verification

1. Engine running, observe the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) voltage parameter. The reading should fluctuate above and below the range of 350-550 mV.
2. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification Test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the appropriate heated oxygen sensor (HO2S).
2. Ignition ON, verify that the HO2S parameter is between 350-500 mV.

⇒	If greater than 500 mV, test the signal circuit of the HO2S for a short to voltage. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the engine control module (ECM).

Important: The test lamp is used to load the circuit and may not illuminate.

3. Connect a test lamp between the low reference circuit of the HO2S and the positive terminal of the battery.
4. Ignition ON, test for less than 0.1 volts between the low reference circuit of the HO2S sensor and the negative terminal of the battery.

⇒	If greater than 0.1 volts, test the low reference circuit of the HO2S for a short to voltage. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.

5. Verify that the following conditions do not exist:

•	Water intrusion in the HO2S harness connector.

•	High fuel system pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•	Rich fuel injectors or fuel injectors that are leaking--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .

•	Fuel saturation of the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister.

•	Exhaust system restrictions.

•	Leaking fuel pressure regulator. Inspect for evidence of fuel in the vacuum line--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

⇒	If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.

6. If all circuits/connections test normal, replace the applicable HO2S.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.