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 P0131: HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 1

DTC P0137: HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

HO2S Sensor 1 Signal

P0131

P0131

P0132

P0133

HO2S Sensor 2 Signal

P0137

P0137

P0138

P0140

Low Reference

--

P0131, P0137

P0132, P0138

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

HO2S 1 or 2

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop

Parameter Normal Range: Fluctuates above and below 350-500 mV

Sensor Signal

0-60 mV

400-415 mV

5000 mV

Low Reference

--

400-415 mV

5000 mV

Circuit/System Description

The heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the engine is started, the control module operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage while calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. The control module supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias voltage of about 450 mV. While the engine runs, the HO2S heats up and begins to generate a voltage within a range of 0-1,000 mV. This voltage will fluctuate above and below the bias voltage. Once sufficient HO2S voltage fluctuation is observed by the control module, Closed Loop is entered. The control module uses the HO2S voltage to determine the air-to-fuel ratio. An HO2S voltage that increases above bias voltage toward 1,000 mV indicates a rich fuel mixture. An HO2S voltage that decreases below bias voltage toward 0 mV indicates a lean fuel mixture.

The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the control module to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.

The HO2S utilizes the following circuits:

    • A signal circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • An ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • A heater control circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0031, P0032, P0037, and P0038 are not set.
    • The fuel system is in closed loop.
    • The engine speed is less than 6016 RPM.
    • The DTCs run continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0131

    • The engine control module (ECM) detects that the HO2S 1 voltage is less than 20 mV for 20 seconds.
        OR
    • The ECM detects that the HO2S 1 voltage is between 352-499 mV for greater than 20 seconds.

P0137

    • The ECM detects that the HO2S 2 voltage is less than 24 mV for 40 seconds.
        OR
    • The ECM detects that the HO2S 2 voltage is between 352-499 mV for greater than 10 seconds.

Action Taken when the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0131 is a Type A DTC.
    • DTC P0137 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • DTC P0131 is a Type A DTC.
    • DTC P0137 is a Type B DTC.

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 running, observe the scan tool HO2S parameter. The reading should fluctuate above and below the range of 350-550 mV.
  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 you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate HO2S.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool HO2S parameter is between 350-550 mV.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit of the HO2S sensor for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the low reference circuit terminal 1. Verify the scan tool HO2S sensor parameter is less than 60 mV.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Verify the following conditions do not exist:
  9. • Lean fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .
    • Low fuel system pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Fuel that is contaminated--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Exhaust leaks near the HO2S
    • Engine vacuum leaks
         ⇒If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.
  10. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the H02S sensor.

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 ECM replacement, setup, and programming