GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0140: HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Sensor 2

Typical Scan Tool Data

HO2S 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.

HO2S 2 Signal

0 mV

400-415 mV

1000 mV

Low Reference

--

400-415 mV

1000 mV

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:

    • A signal circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • An ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • A heater control circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0171, P0172, P0300, P0335, P0336, P0337, P0341, P0342, P0400, P0404, P0405, P0406, P0444, P0445, P0501, P1320, P1321, P1402, P1403, P1511, P1512, and P1513 are not set.
    • The engine is operating.
    • The engine speed is between 1,300-3,000 RPM.
    • The fuel system is in closed loop.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 70°C (158°F).
    • The vehicle speed is between 26-54 km/h (16-34 mph).
    • The manifold air pressure (MAP) is more than 76 kPa.
    • The DTC runs continuously when the above conditions are met for 3 seconds after exiting decel fuel cut off (DFCO).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the HO2S voltage does not transition from rich to lean or lean to rich for 7.6 seconds.

Action Taken when the DTC Sets

DTC P0140 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0140 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, observe the scan tool HO2S 2 voltage parameter. The reading should fluctuate above and below the range of 350-550 mV.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify none of the following conditions exist:
  2. • An exhaust leak near the HO2S--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust.
    • Lean or rich fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool.
    • The HO2S is not securely installed.
    • Water intrusion or corrosion in the HO2S harness connector
    • Poor terminal tension at the HO2S and at the ECM.
    • HO2S wiring harness damage
    • 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 EVAP canister
    • Engine vacuum leaks
    • Incorrect RTV sealant
    • Engine oil consumption--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical.
    • Engine coolant consumption--Refer to Loss of Coolant.
         ⇒If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 2.
  4. Ignition ON, test for less than 0.1 volt between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 4 and the low reference circuit terminal 1. Verify the appropriate HO2S parameter is less than 60 mV.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the HO2S.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming