GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 33418  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Engine Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

Important: If the voltage is measured with a 10 megohm digital voltmeter, the voltage may read as low as 0.32 volt.

The VCM supplies a voltage of about 0.45 volt between the HO2S High and the HO2S Low circuits.

The Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) varies the voltage from approximately 1.0 volt (1000 mV) during rich conditions to 0.10 volt (100 mV) during lean conditions. The HO2S is like an open circuit and produces no voltage when it is below 360°C (600°F).

The HO2S heater provides for a faster sensor warm-up which allows the sensor to become active in a shorter period of time and remain active during a long extended idle. The DTC P0154 determines if the HO2S or the HO2S circuit has developed an open. This is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The following conditions will set the DTC.

    • No TP sensor DTCs
    • No EVAP DTCs
    • No IAT sensor DTCs
    • No MAP DTCs
    • No ECT sensor DTCs
    • No MAF DTCs
    • No EGR DTCs
    • No intrusive test in progress
    • No device controls active
    • System Voltage is at least 9 volts
    • The engine run time is at least 2 minutes.

HO2 Sensor Temperature Test

    • Engine Running
    • Not in DFCO
    • ECT greater than 80°C
    • Air Flow is less than 15 g/sec

HO2 Sensor Open Test Enable

    • HO2 Sensor Temperature Test = true
    • DTC P0155 is not active for the 5.0L,5.7L
    • DTC P0147 is not active for the 7.4L
    • A Closed Loop

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The VCM turns the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ON after 2 consecutive test failures.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The VCM turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive driving trips without a fault condition present. A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles (the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the start-up coolant temperature and the engine coolant temperature exceeds 71°C (160°F) during that same ignition cycle) or the scan tool clearing feature has been used.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Never solder the HO2S wires. For proper wire and connection repairs, refer to Wiring Repairs.

A intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, a rubbed through wire insulation, or a broken wire inside the insulation.

Check for the following conditions:

    • A poor connection or a damaged harness: Inspect the harness connectors for the following conditions:
       - Backed out terminals
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals
       - Poor terminal to wire connection
       - Damaged harness
    • A malfunctioning HO2S heater or heater circuit: With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, the HO2S voltage displayed on a scan tool should gradually drop to below 0.150 volt, indicating that the heater works properly. If not, disconnect the HO2S and connect a test lamp between the terminals C and D. If the test lamp does not light, repair the open in the HO2S ground circuit or the HO2S ignition feed circuit. If the test lamp lights, replace the HO2S.
    • The Intermittent test: Use a scan tool in order to monitor this HO2S signal voltage. Move the related connectors and the wiring harness with a warm engine running at part throttle in Closed Loop. If the failure is induced, the HO2S signal voltage reading changes from its normal fluctuating voltage (above 600 mV and below 300 mV) to a fixed value around 450 mV. This may help to isolate the location of the malfunction.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If the conditions for setting this DTC exist, the system will not go into a Closed Loop.

  2. This test checks the continuity of the HO2S signal circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and the Failure Records for reference. This data will be lost when the Clear DTC Information function is used.

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. Connect the scan tool.
  2. Allow the engine to idle until normal operating temperature is reached.
  3. Run the engine above the specified value for 2 minutes.

Does the scan tool indicate a Closed Loop?

1200 RPM

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the HO2S connector.
  2. Use the J 35616-A/BT-8637 Connector Test Adaptor Kit in order to connect the HO2S Signal and Low circuits to ground.
  3. Turn ON the ignition while leaving the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool data display indicate a HO2S voltage less than the specified value?

0.2 V (200 mV)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the jumpers.
  3. Use the DVM J 39200 in order to check the voltage between the HO2S Low circuit and B+.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

12.0V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

5

This DTC is intermittent.

Are any additional DTCs stored?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Check for an open in the HO2S signal circuit.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

7

Check for a faulty HO2S connection.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

8

Check for a poor connection at the VCM.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

9

Repair the open HO2S ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Electrical Diagnosis.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

10

Replace the HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

11

Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Electrical Diagnosis.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the VCM.

Important: When replacing the VCM, the new VCM will need to be programmed. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Use the scan tool in order to select the DTC and the Clear DTC Information functions.
  2. Start the Engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until normal operating temperature is reached.
  4. Select the DTC and the Specific DTC functions.
  5. Enter the DTC number which was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 2

14

Use the scan tool in order to display the Capture Info and the Review Capture Info functions.

Are there any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK