GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: DTC P0032 or DTC P0038 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage

Circuit 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. If the ECM detects the control circuit voltage is more than a predetermined value when the circuit is commanded ON, this DTC sets.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC P0032 HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Sensor 1
    • DTC P0038 HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition 1 voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The engine speed is more than 80 RPM.
    • DTC P0032 and P0038 run continuously once the above conditions are met for less than 1 second.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects a short to voltage in the heater circuits of the HO2S when the heater is commanded ON.
    • The condition exists for more than 4 seconds.

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 4 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.

Diagnostic Aids

The following table illustrates the ECM connector locations:

ECM Connector Location

C2

C1

Front of Vehicle

    • Use the J 35616-A/BT-8637 GM Approved Terminal Test Kit for any test that requires probing the ECM harness connector or a component harness connector.
    • If the condition is intermittent, move the related harnesses and connectors, with the engine operating, while monitoring the circuit status for the component with a scan tool. The circuit status parameter changes from OK or Indeterminate to Fault if there is a condition with the circuit or a connection. The ODM information is in the output driver module (ODM) data list.
    • Inspect the sensor pigtail or the harness for contacting the exhaust system.
    • For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

  1. The engine must be running for the ECM to operate the control circuit.

  2. Inspect the HO2S connector for water intrusion, corrosion, and bent or damaged terminals.

  3. Inspect the HO2S connector for water intrusion, corrosion, and bent or damaged terminals.

DTC P0032 or DTC P0038 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds.
  3. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Does DTC P0032 or DTC P0038 fail this ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

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 Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Important: The ignition must be OFF when disconnecting or connecting the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.

  3. Disconnect the appropriate HO2S.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the heater control circuit of the HO2S and the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the HO2S.
  5. Start the engine.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine control module (ECM).
  3. Test the heater control circuit between the HO2S and the ECM for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Test for shorted terminals and poor connections at the HO2S. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Test for shorted terminals and poor connections at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the HO2S. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

9

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

10

  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 11

11

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK