GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) is a sensor used to detect oxygen-content in the exhaust. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies the sensor with a signal circuit and a ground circuit. The PCM supplies a bias voltage between the circuits. The sensor varies the voltage based on the oxygen content in the exhaust. When the exhaust stream is lean (more oxygen), the sensor produces a low voltage signal. When the exhaust stream is rich (less oxygen), the sensor produces a high voltage signal. The PCM monitors the HO2S signal during closed loop. To correct for rich or lean conditions, the PCM adjusts the injector pulse width. If the HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 remains too high for a calibrated period of time, DTC P0152 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0201-P0208, P0410, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P1415, P1416, or P1441 are not set.
    • The throttle position angle is between 3-25 percent.
    • The system voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • The closed loop fuel control is enabled.
    • The air/fuel ratio is between 14.40 and 14.90.
    • The conditions above met for 3 seconds.
    • The AIR diagnostic test is not active.
    • The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow diagnostic test is not active.
    • The catalyst diagnostic is not active.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 signal voltage remains above 900 mV deceleration fuel control.
        OR
    • The HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 signal voltage remains above 200 mV (0.2 V) during Deceleration Fuel Cut Off (DFCO) control.

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 3 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

Notice: Do not solder heated oxygen sensor wires. Soldering the wires will result in the loss of the air reference to the sensor. Refer to Engine Electrical for proper wire and connection repair techniques.

Notice: Use the connector test adapter kit J 35616-A for any test that requires probing the following items:

   • The PCM harness connectors
   • The electrical center fuse/relay cavities
   • The component terminals
   • The component harness connector
Using this kit will prevent damage caused by the improper probing of connector terminals.

Check the following items:

    • The HO2S wire routing--The sensor wiring may be routed incorrectly and contacting the exhaust system.
    • The fuel pressure--Fuel pressure that is too high will cause a rich condition. The PCM will compensate for some increase. However, if the fuel pressure is too high, DTC P0132 may set.
    • The fuel injector--If the fuel injectors deliver improper fuel volume at the specified pressure, DTC P0132 may set. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool and Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 .
    • The EVAP canister--Check the EVAP canister and hoses for fuel saturation.
    • Silicon contamination--Silicon contamination of the HO2S can also cause a high HO2S signal voltage. This condition is indicated by a powdery white deposit on the portion of the HO2S exposed to the exhaust stream.

Review the front and rear long term fuel trim values on the scan tool Failure Records. If both banks were rich, check for a condition that would cause a rich engine operation. If only the rear bank was rich, the rich condition is isolated to that bank, such as an intermittent open HO2S ground circuit or an intermittent short to voltage on the signal circuit.

If the condition is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

  1. This step verifies whether the HO2S voltage is switching from below 300 mV to above 600 mV, or remaining above 600 mV.

  2. This step verifies the bias voltage from the PCM and the condition of the circuit wiring. With the sensor disconnected, the scan tool should display a bias voltage near 450 mV.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. With the engine at operating temperature, operate the vehicle within the parameters specified in the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  2. Observe the HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 voltage display on the scan tool.

Does voltage remain above the value specified?

600 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, review and record the scan tool Failure Records.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  3. Using the scan tool, observe Specific DTC Information for DTC P0152.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0152 is current?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 voltage display on the scan tool.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

450 mV

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn the key to OFF and wait 30 seconds.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector.
  3. Check the HO2S bank 2 sensor 1 high signal circuit for a short to voltage.
  4. If a condition is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK