GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 577226  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
HO2S 1 and HO2S 2
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a bias voltage of approximately 450 mV between the HO2S signal and low circuits. When measured with a 10-megaohm DMM, this may display as low as 320 mV. The oxygen sensor varies the voltage from approximately 1000 mV when the exhaust is rich to approximately 10 mV when exhaust is lean. The PCM constantly monitors the HO2S signal during Closed Loop operation and compensates for a rich or lean condition by decreasing or increasing the injector pulse width as necessary. If the HO2S 1 voltage remains at or near the 450 mV bias for an extended time, DTC P0134 will be set, indicating an open sensor signal or sensor low circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    •  No active TP, MAP, MAF, ECT, IAT, Air Sensor, Fuel Injector Circuit, or EVAP DTCs are present.
    • The ignition voltage is between 9.0-18.0 volts.
    •  The engine run time is more than 200 seconds.
    •  The engine coolant temperature is more than 50°C (122°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HO2S 1 signal voltage remains between 407 mV and 512 mV for more than 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has run and passed.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

    •  A faulty HO2S heater or heater circuit -- With the ignition ON, engine OFF, the HO2S voltage displayed on a scan tool should gradually drop to less than 250 mV or rise to more than 600 mV. If the voltage does not change, , disconnect the HO2S and connect a test lamp between the HO2S ignition feed and the heater ground circuits. If the test lamp does not illuminate, repair the open ignition feed or sensor ground circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. If the test lamp illuminates and the HO2S signal and low circuits are OK, replace the HO2S. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    •  Intermittent test -- With the ignition ON, monitor the HO2S signal voltage while moving the wiring harness and the related connectors. If the fault is induced, the HO2S signal voltage will change. This may help to isolate the location of the malfunction. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Important:  Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

    •  Faulty terminal connections--Inspect the harness connectors for backed-out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal-to-wire connections. Use a corresponding mating terminal in order to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    •  A damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses that are related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    •  Inspect the PCM and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections.

If the DTC is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Failure Records can be useful in determining when the DTC was last set.

Test Description

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

  1. When the system is operating correctly the HO2S voltage should toggle above and below the specified values.

  2. If the low circuit is shorted to ground the HO2S voltage will be less than 400 mV when the signal circuit is jumped to ground.

  3. The specified value is what is measured on a correctly operating system.

  4. The specified value is what is measured on a correctly operating system.

  5. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: If any other DTCs are set, except HO2S DTCs, refer to the other DTCs first before proceeding.

  1. Ensure that the engine is at operating temperature.
  2. Operate the engine above 1200 RPM for two minutes.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the HO2S voltage parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate HO2S voltage varying outside the specified values?

407-512 mV

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Operate the vehicle within the Failure Records conditions.

Does the scan tool indicate this DTC failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Inspect and test for the following:

    • Exhaust leaks--Refer to Exhaust System Inspection and Exhaust Leakage - Not OBD II in Engine Exhaust.
    • Ensure that the HO2S is installed correctly.
    • Damaged wiring--Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the HO2S.
  3. Jumper the signal circuit on the PCM side to a good ground.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the HO2S voltage parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the HO2S voltage is more than the specified value?

400 mV

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

6

  1. Remove the jumper wire.
  2. Measure the voltage on the HO2S signal circuit on the PCM side, using a DMM that is connected to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

4.5V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

Measure the voltage on the HO2S low circuit on the PCM side, using a DMM that is connected to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5.0V

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

Test the low circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

9

Test the signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

10

Test the low circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

11

Test for faulty connections at the HO2S. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

12

Important: Determine the cause of contamination before replacing the sensor.

Inspect and test for the following:

    • Fuel Contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Engine oil or coolant consumption--Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • Use of an improper room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant. Refer to

Notice: Contamination of the oxygen sensor can result from the use of an inappropriate RTV sealant (not oxygen sensor safe) or excessive engine coolant or oil consumption. Remove the HO2S and visually inspect the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream in order to check for contamination. If contaminated, the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream will have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The control module will then reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Eliminate the source of contamination before replacing the oxygen sensor.

in Cautions and Notices.

Replace the affected HO2S 1 sensor. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

13

Test for faulty connections at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Failure Record conditions.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 16

16

Use the scan tool in order to check for DTCs.

Does the scan tool indicate any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

System OK