GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematic

Oxygen Sensors


Object Number: 614810  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Information Sensors/Switches Description
Secondary A.I.R. Pump Control
MAP, IAT, TPS, and ECT Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Ign RUN and START Bus Bar
Power and Grounding Connector End Views
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G102 (Except Export)
.

Circuit Description

In order to control emissions, a catalytic converter converts any harmful exhaust emissions into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.

The powertrain control module (PCM) has the capability to monitor this process by using a rear heated oxygen sensor (HO2S 2). The HO2S 2 , located in the exhaust stream past the catalytic converter, produces an output signal which indicates the storage capacity of the catalyst. This in turn indicates the catalysts ability to convert the exhaust emissions effectively. If the catalyst is functioning properly, the HO2S 2 signal will be far less active than the signal produced by the front oxygen sensor (O2S 1).

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.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0105, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0171, P0172, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0336, P0440, P0446, P0452, P0453, P0506, P0507, P0601, P0602, or P1441 are not set.
    • Engine is in DEFCO mode.
    • Battery voltage is more than 10.0 volts.
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 75°C (167°F).
    • Fuel level is more than 10 percent.
    • Engine has been running more than 10 seconds.

Conditions For Setting The DTC

The HO2S 2 remains more than 648 mV for more than 10 seconds. The diagnostic then will run for 11 seconds after a 10 second delay to complete 1 test.

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 MIL will turn OFF after three 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.
    • The MIL/DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

    • A rich exhaust--An overly rich exhaust may load the catalyst, causing high HO2S 2 signal voltages.
    • Silicone contamination--Silicone contamination of HO2S 2 could cause a false rich condition . A powdery white deposit on the sensor will indicate this condition.
    • A malfunctioning HO2S 2--If there is an internal short in the HO2S 2, the HO2S 2 voltage displayed on a scan tool will be more than 1.0 volt. Disconnect the HO2S 2 and connecting a jumper wire between the HO2S 2 low circuit to engine ground. Replace the HO2S 2 if the displayed voltage goes from more than 1000 mV to approximately 450 mV .
    • An intermittent test--Observe the HO2S 2 on the scan tool while moving the related electrical connectors and the wiring harness with the ignition switch turned ON. If the malfunction is induced, the HO2S 2 display will change. This should help isolate the location of the malfunction.
    • Damaged harness--Inspect PCM harness for a short to voltage in the HO2S 2 signal circuit.

An intermittent could be the result of the following conditions:

    • A poor electrical connection
    • Rubbed-through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside of the insulation

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

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

  1. The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check prompts you to complete some of the basic checks and to store the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data captured when the malfunction occurred. The scan tool stores this data for later reference.

  2. This step determines if DTC P1138 is the result of a hard malfunction or an intermittent condition.

  3. Disconnecting the HO2S 2 and connecting a jumper wire between the HO2S 2 signal circuit and the HO2S 2 low circuit to ground, should cause the scan tool to display HO2S 2 voltage below 100 mV (0.1 volts). If the signal voltage is still high, the this indicates that the PCM is malfunctioning.

  4. Reprogram the replacement PCM. Refer to the latest Techline information for PCM programming.

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

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Check if any DTCs codes are set with the scan tool.

Are any DTC codes set?

--

Go to applicable DTC table

Go to Step 3

3

Check the HO2S 2 voltage with the scan tool.

Is the HO2S 2 sensor voltage above the specified value?

1042 mV (1.042 V)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Review the Freeze Frame data and record the parameters.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions for Running the DTC as specified.

Is the HO2S 2 voltage above the specified value?

1042 mV (1.042 V)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Caution: Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury.

  3. Disconnect the HO2S 2 electrical connector.
  4. Connect a DMM to ground.
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. Probe the HO2S 2 signal circuit.

Does the DMM indicate a voltage of the specified value?

0 V (-0.0 to 0.5 V)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Reconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a jumper wire at the following circuits at the HO2S 2 electrical connector (PCM side) to ground.
  5. • HO2S 2 signal circuit
    • HO2S 2 low circuit

Does the scan tool indicate the HO2S 2 voltage below the specified value?

100 mV (0.10 V)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

7

Repair the short to voltage in the HO2S 2 signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

8

Caution: Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury.

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Clear the DTCs with the scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic Ran and Passed?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11

Check to see if any additional DTCs are set.

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

--

Go to applicable DTC table

System OK