GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 1 produces an output signal which indicates the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gas entering the three-way catalytic converter. The HO2S 2 produces an output signal which indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst, this in turn indicates the catalysts ability to convert exhaust gases efficiently. If the catalyst is operating efficiently, the HO2S 1 signal will be far more active than that produced by the HO2S 2. If the HO2S 2 signal voltage remains excessively low for an extended period of time, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0137 will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206, P0440, P0410, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, or P1441 are not set.
    • The Closed Loop commanded air/fuel ratio is between 14.5-14.8.
    • The throttle angle is between 3-35 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • HO2S  2 signal voltage remains below 10 mV during normal Closed Loop operation.
        OR
    • HO2S 2 signal voltage remains below 600 mV during power enrichment mode fuel control operation
    • VIN K - The condition is present for up to 5 minutes.
        VIN 1 - The condition is present for up to 8 minutes.

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

Check for the following conditions

    • Heated oxygen sensor wiring--The sensor pigtail may be mispositioned and contacting the exhaust system.
    • Poor PCM to engine grounds-Refer to

PCM Power and Ground


Object Number: 561242  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module Description
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
MIL and Data Link Connector (DLC)
Underhood Fuse Block, PCM, ABS, HAZARD, FUEL PUMP, PARKLMP Fuses And Fuel Pump Relay
Underhood Fuse Block, PCM, SDM and INJ Fuses
Underhood Fuse Block, CRANK, PCM/CRUISE AND SBM Fuses
Underhood Fuse Block, CRANK, PCM/CRUISE AND SBM Fuses
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G100, G101, G102, G103
.
    • Fuel pressure--A condition which causes a lean exhaust can cause DTC P0137 to set. The system will go lean if pressure is too low. The PCM can compensate for some decrease. However, if fuel pressure is too low, a DTC P0137 may be set.
    • Fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Vacuum leaks--Check for the following conditions:
       - Disconnected or damaged vacuum hoses--Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
       - Incorrectly installed or malfunctioning crankcase ventilation valve.
       - Vacuum leaks at the throttle body, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, and intake manifold mounting surfaces.
    • Exhaust leaks--An exhaust leak may cause outside air to be pulled into the exhaust gas stream past the HO2S, causing the DTC P0137 to set. Check for exhaust leaks near the HO2S 2.
    • Mass air flow (MAF) sensor--Disconnect the MAF sensor and see if the condition is corrected. If so, replace MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .
    • Fuel contamination--Water, even in small amounts, can be delivered to the fuel injectors. The water can cause a lean exhaust to be indicated. Excessive alcohol in the fuel can also cause this condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. DTC P0137 failing during power enrichment operation (throttle position (TP) angle above 60 percent) may indicate a condition described in Diagnostic Aids. If the DTC P0137 test passes while the Failure Records conditions are being duplicated, an intermittent condition is indicated. Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

DTC P0137 - HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Sensor 2

Step

Action

Value(s)

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

Important: During this step, observe all HO2S voltage parameters. If all parameters remain below the specified value refer to Diagnostic Aids.

  1. Engine at operating temperature, operate vehicle within parameters specified under DTC P0137 Conditions For Setting DTC.
  2. Monitor HO2S 2 voltage display on the scan tool HO2S data list.

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value?

10 mV

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Review and record scan tool Failure Records.
  3. Operate vehicle within Failure Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, observe specific DTC info for DTC P0137 until the DTC P0137 test runs.

Does the DTC set?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Disconnect HO2S 2 and jumper the HO2S 2 low signal circuit (PCM side) to ground.

Does scan tool indicate HO2S 2 voltage near the specified value?

450 mV

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Check the HO2S 2 high signal circuit for a short to ground or a short to the sensor ground circuit.
  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.

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