GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Description

This diagnostic monitors the operation of the air/fuel ratio feedback controls. In order to provide the best possible combination of driveability, fuel economy, and emission control, the powertrain control module (PCM) uses a Closed Loop air/fuel metering system. The PCM monitors the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) input and, when in Closed Loop, adjusts the fuel delivery based on the HO2S information. Changes in fuel delivery will be indicated by the long term and the short term fuel trim values that are displayed on the scan tool. The ideal fuel trim value is around 0 percent. The PCM will add fuel when the heated oxygen sensor signal is indicating a lean condition. Additional fuel is indicated by fuel trim values that are more than 0 percent. The PCM will reduce the amount of fuel delivered when a rich condition is indicated by the HO2S. Fuel trim values less than 0 percent indicate a reduction in fuel. If the PCM detects that the long term fuel trim is below a predetermined value, this DTC sets.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs.

    • DTC P0172 HO2S Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 1
    • DTC P0175 HO2S Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 2

HO2S Indication

Short Term FT Action

Long Term FT Action

Short Term FT Response

Lean Condition

Quick Increase of 1% or More

Slow Increase of 1% or More

Return to 0%

Desired Condition

Stays Near 0%

Stays at Learned +/- Value

Stays Near 0%

Rich Condition

Quick Decrease of -1% or Less

Slow Decrease of -1% or Less

Return to 0%

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Before the PCM can report that DTC P0172 or P0175 failed, DTC P0442 must run and pass.
    • DTCs P0030, P0050, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0135, P0155, P0300-P0306, P0335, P0339, P0401, P0404, P0442, P0443, P0496, P1128, P1129, P2227, P2228, P2229, P2413, P2414, and P2415 are not set.
    • Engine coolant temperature (ECT) at least 69°C (156°F).
    • Intake air temperature (IAT) is at least 0°C (32°F).
    • Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is at least 24 kPa.
    • Engine speed is between 630-4,000 RPM.
    • The engine is operating in CLOSED LOOP.
    • The evaporative emission (EVAP) monitor is not running.
    • DTC P0172 and DTC P0175 run once per drive cycle when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The long term fuel trim of bank 1 or bank 2 is less than -16 percent.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

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

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for any of the following conditions:

    • Inspect for a restriction in the inlet air passage--A duct or inlet hose that collapses when hot or that is blocked by debris.
    • Test for the correct fuel pressure--The fuel system will be rich if the fuel pressure is too high. In order to determine the cause of DTC P0172 or DTC P0175 monitoring the fuel pressure while driving the vehicle at various road speeds may be necessary. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for a damaged wiring harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) bank 1 or bank 2 sensor 1 display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault.
    • Inspect for a contaminated oxygen sensor. readings. If contamination is found, determine the cause and correct the condition before replacing the HO2S.
    • Inspect the HO2S bank 1 or bank 2 sensor 1 for water intrusion into the wiring harness and the sensor housing. Water can create a short to voltage in the HO2S signal circuit causing a false rich indication.
    • For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

  1. The Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

  2. This step determines whether a condition exists.

  3. If DTC P0172 and P0175 are set at the same time, this indicates both banks of the engine are operating rich. Inspect the items that would cause both banks to operate rich.

  4. This step tests for excess fuel from a fuel injector. The fault may be a fuel injector or the fuel injector electrical circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: If any DTCs are set, except P0172 and P0175, refer to those DTCs before proceeding with this diagnostic.

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate the vehicle until the scan tool indicates Closed Loop.
  4. Observe the Long Term FT parameter for bank 1 or bank 2 with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool display more than the specified value?

-16%

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the Freeze Frame and/or the Failure records data for this DTC.
  3. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.
  4. Turn the ignition OFF for 90 seconds.
  5. Start the engine.
  6. 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 and/or the Failure records data.

Does the DTC fail this ignition cycle?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Are both banks of the engine operating rich?

 

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Visually and physically inspect for any of the following conditions:

    • Inspect for a collapsed air intake duct.
    • Inspect for a restricted air filter element. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement .
    • Inspect for excessive fuel in the crankcase. Change the oil as necessary.
    • Test the fuel system for operating rich. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Inspect the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system for the correct operation. Refer to Evaporative Emission Control System Description .
    • Inspect the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) value for the correct operation. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description .
    • Inspect the engine control grounds for being clean, tight, and in the correct locations.
    • Inspect for an engine mechanical condition. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (L66).

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Visually and physically inspect for any of the following conditions:

    • Verify that the discharge of fuel is regular and even. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .
    • Verify that the electrical resistance of the injector coils are all within specifications. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Inspect for a restricted exhaust. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • Inspect for an engine mechanical condition. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (L66).

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the appropriate 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 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the HO2S. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Reset the fuel trim system with a scan tool.
  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.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 10

10

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK