GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit 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 of the exhaust stream. When the vehicle is first started the powertrain control module (PCM) operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage when calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. The PCM supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias, voltage of about 450 mV. The HO2S generates a voltage within a range of 0-1,000 mV that fluctuates above and below bias voltage once the sensor has reached operating temperature. High HO2S voltage output indicates a rich fuel mixture; low HO2S voltage output indicates a lean mixture. Heating elements inside the HO2S minimize the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature, and provide an accurate voltage signal. The HO2S 2 is used for post catalyst monitoring. If the PCM detects that the HO2S 2 voltage remains within the bias voltage range, DTC P0140 will set.

Each HO2S 2 has the following circuits:

    • An HO2S 2 high signal circuit
    • An HO2S 2 low signal circuit
    • An HO2S 2 heater ignition voltage circuit
    • An HO2S 2 heater low control circuit

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure support the following DTC:

DTC P0140 HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Bank 1 Sensor 2

Conditions for Running the DTC

The following conditions must be met:

    • DTCs P0036, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0141, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0452, P0453, P0455, P0496 are not set.
    • DTCs P2A01, P0401 (where applicable), and P0420 are not commanding fuel.
    • The system voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • The scan tool special functions are not active.

This vehicle has two methods to enable and run this diagnostic, called regular test and fast pass test.

Fast Pass Test

The Engine Run Time parameter is less than 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Or

A cold start condition has been detected, identified by the following conditions:

    • The Start Up ECT parameter is less than 35°C (95°F).
    • The Start Up IAT parameter is less than 35°C (95°F).
    • The difference between the Start Up ECT parameter and the Start Up IAT parameter is less than 6°C (10.8°F).

Regular Test

If the fast pass test does not report a pass, then the regular test is initiated.

    • The Engine Run Time parameter is more than 2 minutes.
    • The TP Sensor parameter has changed more than 8 percent at least 2 times.
    • The Loop Status parameter is closed.
    • The predicted HO2S temperature is more than 0°C (32°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Fast Pass Test

During the fast pass the HO2S 2 voltage is between 381-525 mV within the first one minute and 30 seconds of engine run time. If the fast pass test does not report a pass then the regular test is initiated.

Regular Test

    • During the regular test the HO2S 2 voltage is between 390-520 mV for at least 2 minutes.
    • This diagnostic runs once per trip.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to idle at operating temperature. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
  3. Observe the HO2S 2 parameter with a scan tool.
  4. Vary the engine speed from idle to 3,000 RPM several times within 5 seconds.

Does the voltage fluctuate above and below the specified range?

390-520 mV

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. 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.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 2 connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the HO2S 2 heater ignition voltage circuit and the HO2S 2 heater low control circuit, on the engine harness side.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Important: The scan tool will not display the HO2S 2 heater command status, but the HO2S 2 driver will still be commanded ON and OFF at the same time as the HO2S 1 driver.

  6. Command the HO2S 2 heater ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp flash ON and OFF?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4 of DTC P0141

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the test lamp from the previous step.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the HO2S 2 high signal circuit, on the engine harness side, and a good ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Observe the HO2S 2 parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

15 mV

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the appropriate powertrain control module (PCM) harness connector.
  3. Measure the resistance of the HO2S 2 low signal circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0-5 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Test the HO2S 2 high signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing , Wiring Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

8

Test the HO2S 2 low signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing , Wiring Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

Inspect for the following that may affect the HO2S operation:

Notice: Refer to Silicon Contamination of Heated Oxygen Sensors Notice in the Preface section.

    • HO2S contamination

Notice: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in the Preface section.

    • Chafed, burnt, cut, pinched, or otherwise damaged HO2S wiring
    • Exhaust system leaks or restrictions
    • Evaporative emission (EVAP) system malfunction--Inspect the EVAP control system. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance Evaporative Emission System Set .
    • The fuel pressure--Incorrect fuel pressure can affect HO2S operation. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

10

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the harness connector of the HO2S 2. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Connector Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

11

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

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14

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. 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.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 15

15

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK