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 P0131 01: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Short to Ground

DTC P0131 12: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Low Input

DTC P0131 52: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Malfunction

DTC P0131 5A: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Malfunction

DTC P0132 02: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Short to Battery

DTC P0132 11: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Low Input

DTC P0132 52: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Malfunction

DTC P0132 5B: HO2S Circuit Sensor 1 Malfunction

Diagnostic Fault Information

HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Signal

P0131 01

P0131 12

P0131 12

P0132 02

P0133 00, P0131 52, P0131 5A, P0132 52, P0132 5B

Low Reference

P2A00

P0132 02

P0132 02

P0132 02

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1

HO2S Sensor Voltage Circuits

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

HO2S High Signal

0-1 000 mV

0-90 mV

350-550 mV

Approximately 1 100 mV

HO2S Low Signal

0-1 000 mV

0-1 000 mV

0-1 000 mV

0-1 100 mV

Circuit/System Description

Heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. The HO2S must reach operating temperature to provide an accurate voltage signal. Heating elements inside the HO2S minimize the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. The engine control module (ECM) supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias, voltage of about 450 mV. When the engine is first started, the ECM operates in Open Loop, ignoring the HO2S voltage signal. Once the HO2S reaches operating temperature and Closed Loop is achieved, the HO2S generates a voltage within a range of 0-1 000 mV that fluctuates above and below bias voltage. High HO2S voltage indicates a rich exhaust stream. Low HO2S voltage indicates a lean exhaust stream.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0131 and P0132

    • The system voltage is between 10-18 V.
    • The scan tool special functions are not active
    • The TP Indicated Angle parameter is between 3-90%.
    • The Loop Status parameter is closed.
    • The traction control is not active.
    • The above conditions must be met for at least 5 s.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0131

    • The ECM detects that the HO2S 1 signal voltage is less than 50 mV for more than 2 s.
    • This diagnostic runs continuously.

P0132

    • The ECM detects that the HO2S 1 signal voltage is more than 1 050 mV for more than 2 s.
    • This diagnostic runs continuously.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0131 and P0132 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0131 and P0132 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring 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. If any HO2S heater DTCs are set, perform those diagnostics first.
  2. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature.
  3. Engine running, observe the affected HO2S parameter with a scan tool.
  4. The pre-catalyst oxygen sensors value should vary from below 200 mV to above 800 mV and respond to fueling changes.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Note: All modules must be powered down or misdiagnosis may result.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the scan tool and wait 60 s to ensure all modules are powered down.
  2. Disconnect the harness connector at the B52A Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S).
  3. Test for less than 5 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal 2 (X1) and ground.
  4. If more than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM).
  5. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 parameter is approximately 450 mV.
  6. If more than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM).
    If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM).
  7. Ignition ON, install a 3 A fused jumper wire at the HO2S high signal circuit terminal B. Toggle the jumper wire between the HO2S low signal circuit terminal A and the battery voltage. Verify the appropriate scan tool HO2S parameter toggles between 0 mV and approximately 1 000 mV.
  8. If the appropriate scan tool HO2S parameter does not toggle correctly, test the HO2S high signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the K20 Engine Control Module (ECM).
  9. If all circuits test normal, replace the appropriate HO2S Sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1
    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming