GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 211067  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Oxygen Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The HO2S 2, located in the exhaust stream past the catalytic converter, produces an output signal relative to the oxygen storage capacity of the catalytic converter. The PCM can then determine the ability of the catalytic converter to convert the exhaust emissions effectively. The HO2S 2 signal will be far less active than the signal produced by the front Oxygen Sensor 1 (O2S 1).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) less than 40°C (104°F).
    • Intake Air Temperature (IAT) less than 40°C (104°F).
    • Difference between ECT and IAT is less than 7°C (45°F).
    • Throttle Position (TP) is less than 18%.
    • HO2S 2 voltage increases less than 150 mV in 100 to 190 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.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will turn OFF after 3 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.
    • Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent could be the result of the following conditions:

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

Check for a poor electrical connection or a damaged harness. Inspect the harness electrical connectors for the following conditions:

    • Improper mating
    • Broken locks
    • Improperly-formed electrical connectors
    • Damaged terminals
    • A poor terminal-to-wire connection
    • A damaged harness

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.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.

  2. This step determines if DTC P0141 is the result of a hard malfunction or an intermittent condition. With the ignition switch ON, engine OFF, the HO2S 2 voltage displayed on the scan tool should change within several minutes towards 0 or 1.0 volt, indicating that the heater is working properly.

  3. Probing terminal D of the HO2S 2 electrical connector verifies if voltage is available to the HO2S 2 heater.

  4. If voltage is available at the electrical connector, then it becomes a good voltage source to check for a ground at terminal C.

  5. Determines if voltage is not available at the HO2S 2 due to an open O2 fuse or open ignition feed circuit. If the fuse is open, determine if it was due to a short in the ignition feed circuit before replacing the fuse.

DTC P0141-Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Heater Circuit (Sensor 2)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Install a scan tool.

Does the HO2S 2 voltage gradually change towards the specified voltage?

0V or 1V

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the HO2S 2 electrical connector.
  2. Connect a test light to ground, probe the ignition feed circuit (PCM side) of the electrical connector.

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Connect a test light between the ignition feed and ground circuits (PCM side) of the electrical connector.

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go top Step 7

5

Inspect the fuse in the fuse block.

Is the fuse open?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

6

Check the electrical connections at the HO2S 2 electrical connector and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

7

Check the electrical connections at the HO2S 2 electrical connector and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

8

  1. Check for a short to ground in the HO2S 2 ignition feed circuit and repair if necessary.
  2. Replace the open fuse.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

9

Check the connections at the HO2S 2 electrical connector and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

10

Replace the HO2S 2 sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

11

Repair the open in the ground circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Repair the open in the ignition feed circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. 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 and passed?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 2

14

Check if any additional DTCs are set.

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC table

System OK