Circuit Description

A Three-Way Catalytic (TWC) converter controls exhaust emissions of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Oxides Of Nitrogen (NOx). The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction which oxidizes the HC and the CO that is present in the exhaust gas. This process will convert the HC and CO into water vapor and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and will reduce the NOx, converting the NOx into nitrogen. The catalytic converter also stores oxygen. The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors this process by using a Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) which is in the exhaust stream past the TWC in each bank. The HO2S produces an output signal which indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst. This in turn indicates the catalysts ability to convert the exhaust emissions effectively. The ECM monitors the catalyst efficiency by first allowing the catalyst to heat, then waiting for a stabilization period while the engine is idling. The ECM then adds and removes fuel while monitoring the reaction of the HO2S. When the catalyst is functioning properly, the HO2S 2 response to the extra fuel is slow compared to the HO2S 1. When the HO2S 2 response is close to that of the HO2S 1, the oxygen storage capability or efficiency of the catalyst is considered to be degraded below an acceptable threshold. If ECM detects the degraded condition, DTC P0421 for bank 1 or P0431 for bank 2 sets.