GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Description

The purpose of this test is to satisfy the enable criteria necessary to execute I/M readiness diagnostics for the oxygen sensor (O2S, HO2S) system. The test may be used to set the I/M System Status to YES. Ensure the vehicle meets the requirements listed in Conditions for Running before performing this test. Failure to meet the necessary requirements may produce inaccurate test results.

Conditions for Running

    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 70°C (158°F).
    • The ignition 1 voltage is more than 10 volts.
    • The engine is operating for more than 60 seconds.
    • The evaporative emission (EVAP) purge command is less than 20 percent.
    • The engine speed is between 1,500-3,000 RPM.
    • The airflow into the engine is between 9-30 g/s. This requires that the vehicle be driven and then allow the engine to idle.

Diagnostic Aids

If the status does not update, repeat this test until the I/M System Status updates to YES.

The I/M System Status does not indicate whether the test has passed or failed, only that a decision was made. When all of the diagnostics for a specific system have run and passed, the I/M System Status will update to YES. If a test for a specific system has failed, the I/M System Status will update to YES, indicating a determination was made, even if all of the required tests have not run. When a failure occurs, the Emission Related DTC portion of the I/M System Status display will indicate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is requested. The I/M System Status also registers the number of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

The first failure of a type B DTC does not constitute a final determination of pass or fail, and will not update the I/M System Status to YES. A second trip is required, and all the conditions to run must be met in order for the test to run again. These conditions may include a partial to complete engine cool down.

The I/M System Status will update only when an emission related DTC fails the second time, or when all of the tests pass.

If there is an impending failure, the system may require more time to run the diagnostic than was allotted in the set procedure. If the test does not run after numerous attempts and no DTC is set, review the appropriate scan tool data list and the service information for an indication of why the test does not complete. Some tests may abort due to changes in the conditions while the test is running. For example, changes in engine load, such as a cooling fan or an A/C compressor clutch turning ON, may cause the test to abort.

If a diagnostic test is difficult to run, maintain necessary enable conditions until the system status updates to YES.

Test Description

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

  1. Make sure you perform the I/M System Check before performing this test. Failure to do so may result in difficulty updating the status to YES.

  2. The oxygen sensor tests begin shortly after the indicated speed is achieved. The engine speed may be too low in overdrive on manual transmission vehicles. If difficulty is encountered updating the status, operate the vehicle in the recommended gear during the test.

  3. This step is to identify a first failure of a type B DTC. A DTC only appears on the I/M System Status display when it becomes a MIL illuminating DTC. This occurs on the second failure of a type B DTC. A first failure of a type B DTC will not allow the I/M System Status to update to YES. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

  4. This step is to help identify any unique or unusual criteria required to run the diagnostic test in the event the universal set procedure does not. This information is located in the service information under Conditions for Running the DTC.

  5. The I/M System Status only reports on whether or not a diagnostic has run, not what the outcome of the test was. If any Emission Related DTC sets after the tests are complete, the DTC will require diagnosis.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System Check

2

  1. Verify that the vehicle is within the Conditions for Running this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF all of the accessories. For example, the A/C system and the blower fan.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Allow the engine to idle for 10 minutes.
  5. Caution: Road test a vehicle under safe conditions and while obeying all traffic laws. Do not attempt any maneuvers that could jeopardize vehicle control. Failure to adhere to these precautions could lead to serious personal injury and vehicle damage.

    Important:  In order for this test to run, the vehicle must operate in the following conditions:

       • Acceleration at part throttle to 72-80 km/h (45-50 mph) with this speed maintained until the engine reaches operating temperature. This may be up to 8-10 minutes depending on the start up coolant temperature.
       • Continued operation under these conditions for an additional 6 minutes.

  6. With a scan tool, review the I/M System Status display.

Did the HO2S/O2S System Status update to YES?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

With a scan tool, observe the DTC Information.

Does the scan tool indicate any failed DTCs?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) System DTC Table to determine which DTCs are required to run in order to complete this test.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the Not Ran Since Code Cleared display.
  3. Determine which of the DTCs required for a YES status has not run.
  4. Enter the DTC number in the Specific DTC menu of the scan tool.
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, located in the supporting text for the diagnostic table of the DTC.
  6. Repeat the procedure until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic test has run.
  7. Repeat steps 4-6 for any additional required DTCs that have not run.
  8. With a scan tool, observe the I/M System Status display.

Did the HO2S/O2S System Status update to YES?

Go to Step 5

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

With a scan tool, observe the Emission Related DTC portion of the I/M System Status display.

Does the scan tool indicate any Emission Related DTCs set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK