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:

The ECM detects that the HO2S 1 voltage is between 299-303 mV.

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

With the engine running, observe the applicable heated oxygen sensor voltage parameter. The reading should fluctuate above and below the range of 350-550 mV.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the applicable HO2S.
2. Ignition ON, verify that the applicable HO2S parameter is between 350-500 mV.

⇒	If less than 350 mV, test the signal circuit of the HO2S for a short to ground. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the engine control module (ECM).

⇒	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 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 B+.
4. Ignition ON, test for less than 0.1 volt between the low reference circuit of the HO2S and ground.

⇒	If greater than 0.1 volt, test the low reference circuit of the HO2S for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.

5. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the HO2S and verify the HO2S parameter is less than 60 mV.

⇒	If greater than 60 mV, test the signal circuit of the HO2S for an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.

6. Verify that none of the following conditions exist:

•	Lean or rich fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .

•	Water intrusion in the HO2S harness connector.

•	Low or high fuel system pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•	Fuel that is contaminated--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Fuel saturation of the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister

•	Exhaust leaks near the HO2S.

•	Engine vacuum leaks

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

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

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming