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 Descriptors

DTC P0030: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Sensor 1

DTC P0031: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 1

DTC P0032: HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Sensor 1

DTC P0036: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Sensor 2

DTC P0037: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

DTC P0038: HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2

Circuit/System Description

The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heater reduces the time required for the oxygen sensor (O2S) to reach operating temperature and maintains the operating temperature during extended idle periods. When the ignition is turned to the ON position, ignition voltage is supplied directly to the sensor heater. The engine control module (ECM) controls the heater operation by first modulating the control circuit to ground when the sensors are cold. This prevents the possibility of thermal shock to the sensor, from condensation build-up on the sensor, by controlling the sensors rate of heating. After a predetermined amount of time, the ECM commands the heaters ON continuously. Once the sensor reaches operating temperature, the ECM may modulate the heater control circuit to ground, to maintain a desired temperature.

The ECM controls the heater by grounding the control circuit with a solid state device called a driver. The driver is equipped with a feedback circuit that is pulled-up to voltage. The ECM can determine if the control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to a voltage by monitoring the feedback voltage.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

HO2S 1 Heater Control

P0031

P0030, P0135

P0032

--

HO2S 1 Heater Supply Voltage

P0013, P0023, P0031, P0458, P2088, P2092

P0030, P0135

--

--

HO2S 2 Heater Control

P0137

P0036, P0141

P0138

--

HO2S 2 Heater Supply Voltage

P0137

P0036, P0141

--

--

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The engine speed is greater than 80 RPM.
    • The DTCs run continuously once the above conditions are met for less than 1 second.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0030 or P0036

    • The ECM detects an open in the heater circuits of the HO2S when the heater is commanded OFF.
    • The above condition exists for greater than 4 seconds, or for a cumulative of 50 seconds.

P0031 or P0037

    • The ECM detects a short to ground in the heater circuits of the HO2S when the heater is commanded OFF.
    • The above condition exists for greater than 4 seconds, or for a cumulative of 50 seconds.

P0032 or P0038

    • The ECM detects a short to voltage in the heater circuits of the HO2S when the heater is commanded ON.
    • The above condition exists for greater than 4 seconds, or for a cumulative of 50 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0030, P0031, P0032, P0036, P0037, and P0038 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0030, P0031, P0032, P0036, P0037, and P0038 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

The following table illustrates the ECM connector locations:

ECM Connector Location

X2

X1

Front of Vehicle

    • The front wide band sensor does not toggle or switch like a switching HO2S. The front HO2S signal will be relatively stable for an idling engine.
    • Inspect the sensor pigtail or the harness for contacting the exhaust system.
    • If the condition is intermittent, move the related harnesses and connectors with the engine operating. Monitor the scan tool Circuit Test Status parameters for the component. The Circuit Test Status parameter will change from OK or Not Run to Fault if there is a condition with the circuit or a connection.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector 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. Engine idling at operating temperature for at least 30 seconds. Observe the scan tool DTC information. DTCs P0030, P0031, P0032, P0036, P0037, or P0038 should not set.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate HO2S.
  2. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the ignition voltage circuit and ground.
  3. • HO2S 1 terminal 3
    • HO2S 2 terminal E
    If less than the specified range, repair the ignition voltage circuit for a short to ground, or an open/high resistance.
  4. Test for 4.6-5 volts between the heater control circuit and ground.
  5. • HO2S 1 terminal 4
    • HO2S 2 terminal D
    If less than the specified range, test the heater control circuit for a short to ground, or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the heater control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Connect a test lamp between the heater control circuit and B+. Engine idling, the test lamp should illuminate, or flash.
  7. • HO2S 1 terminal 4
    • HO2S 2 terminal D
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, or flash, replace the ECM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the appropriate HO2S.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor 1 Replacement
    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming