DTC P0138 or P0158. Cadillac CTS 2004

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2004 🢒 CTS 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 2.6L and 3.2L 🢒 DTC P0138 or P0158

Circuit Description

Heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the vehicle is first started the engine control module (ECM) operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage when calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. The ECM supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias, voltage of about 450 mV. The HO2S generates a voltage within a range of 0-1,000 mV that fluctuates above and below bias voltage once the sensor reaches operating temperature. High HO2S voltage output indicates a rich fuel mixture, low HO2S voltage output indicates a lean mixture. Heating elements inside the HO2S minimize the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature, and to provide an accurate voltage signal. The ECM monitors the rich-to-lean and lean-to-rich transition time. If the ECM detects an HO2S 2 voltage signal that remains above a calibrated voltage, DTCs P0138 or P0158 will set.

Each HO2S has the following circuits:

•	The HO2S high signal circuit

•	The HO2S low signal circuit

•	The HO2S heater ignition 1 voltage circuit

•	The HO2S heater low control circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	The engine is running.

•	The Calc Converter Temp parameter is less than 800°C (1,472°F).

•	The Battery Voltage parameter is more than 10.5 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the affected HO2S 2 voltage remains over 1,080 mV for more than 5 seconds.

The ECM detects that the affected HO2S 2 voltage signal remains above 200 mV during decel fuel cut-off (DFCO), for more than 3 seconds.

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.

Test Description

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

This test verifies whether or not the affected HO2S is internally shorted to voltage prior to replacing the ECM.

Both components must be replaced since the shorted HO2S has damaged the ECM low reference circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

Allow the engine to idle at operating temperature. Refer to Scan Tool Data List .
Observe the affected HO2S 2 parameter using a scan tool.
Clear the DTCs and record the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
Operate the engine at 2,000 RPM for at least 1 minute, then allow to idle.
Vary the engine speed from idle to 3,000 RPM several times within 5 seconds.

Does the voltage fluctuate above and below the specified range?

400-597 mV

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
Turn OFF the ignition and wait until scan tool communication is lost.
Start the engine.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the affected heated oxygen sensor (HO2S).
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Measure the voltage from the high signal circuit of the affected HO2S harness connector on the engine control module (ECM) side, to a good ground with a DMM.

Is the HO2S high signal voltage within the specified range?

425-475 mV

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

Turn OFF the ignition.
Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the affected HO2S high signal circuit of the ECM harness, and the affected HO2S low signal circuit of the ECM harness.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Observe the affected HO2S parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

25 mV

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

Test the HO2S high signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing , Wiring Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 7

Test the HO2S high signal circuit for an open or for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing , Wiring Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 8

Important: The ECM has been damaged if the circuit was shorted to a voltage source.

Test the HO2S low signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing , Wiring Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 9

Test the affected HO2S low signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing , Wiring Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 10

Test for continuity between the affected HO2S heater ignition 1 voltage circuit and the affected HO2S low signal circuit at the HO2S, sensor side.

Does continuity exist?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

Inspect for the following that may affect the HO2S operation:

Notice: Contamination of the oxygen sensor can result from the use of an inappropriate RTV sealant (not oxygen sensor safe) or excessive engine coolant or oil consumption. Remove the HO2S and visually inspect the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream in order to check for contamination. If contaminated, the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream will have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The control module will then reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Eliminate the source of contamination before replacing the oxygen sensor.

•	HO2S contamination--Inspect the HO2S for contamination.

Notice: Do not remove the pigtail from either the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) or the oxygen sensor (O2S). Removing the pigtail or the connector will affect sensor operation.

Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the HO2S. Keep the in-line electrical connector and the louvered end free of grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents of any type.

Do not repair the wiring, connector or terminals. Replace the oxygen sensor if the pigtail wiring, connector, or terminal is damaged.

This external clean air reference is obtained by way of the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, connectors, or terminals could result in the obstruction of the air reference and degraded sensor performance.

The following guidelines should be used when servicing the heated oxygen sensor:

•	Do not apply contact cleaner or other materials to the sensor or vehicle harness connectors. These materials may get into the sensor causing poor performance.

•	Do not damage the sensor pigtail and harness wires in such a way that the wires inside are exposed. This could provide a path for foreign materials to enter the sensor and cause performance problems.

•	Ensure the sensor or vehicle lead wires are not bent sharply or kinked. Sharp bends or kinks could block the reference air path through the lead wire.

•	Do not remove or defeat the oxygen sensor ground wire, where applicable. Vehicles that utilize the ground wired sensor may rely on this ground as the only ground contact to the sensor. Removal of the ground wire will cause poor engine performance.

•

Ensure that the peripheral seal remains intact on the vehicle harness connector in order to prevent damage due to water intrusion. The engine harness may be repaired using Packard's Crimp and Splice Seals Terminal Repair Kit. Under no circumstances should repairs be soldered since this could result in the air reference being obstructed.

•	Chafed, burnt, cut, pinched, or otherwise damaged HO2S wiring

•	The HO2S must have a clean air reference in order to function properly. This clean air reference is obtained by way of the HO2S wires. Obstruction of the air reference and degraded HO2S performance could result from any attempt to repair the above conditions.

•	Exhaust system leaks or restrictions

•	Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system malfunction--Inspect the EVAP control system. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance Evaporative Emission System Set .

•	Incorrect fuel pressure --Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 12

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the HO2S. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Connector Repairs , and Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM harness connectors. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

Replace the affected HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 17

Replace the affected HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 or Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 16

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 17

Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
Start the engine.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 18

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK