Circuit Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Hummer H2. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) must reach operating temperature to provide an accurate voltage signal. A heating element inside the HO2S minimizes the time required for the sensor to reach operating temperature. Voltage is provided to the heater by the ignition 1 voltage circuit through a fuse. With the engine running, ground is provided to the heater by the HO2S heater low control circuit, through a low side driver within the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM commands the heater ON or OFF to maintain a specific HO2S operating temperature range. The PCM determines the temperature by measuring the current flow through the heater. When the heater is in the ON state, the PCM will pulse the heater OFF for a duration of 50 ms, once per second. When the heater is in the OFF state, the PCM will pulse the heater ON for a duration of 50 ms, once per second. The PCM monitors the heater current with the engine running. If the PCM detects that the heater current is not within an expected range, DTC P0141 sets for HO2S bank 1 sensor 2, or DTC P0161 sets for HO2S bank 2 sensor 2.