GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P1171: HO2S Signal Biased Lean Bank 1

DTC P1174: HO2S Signal Biased Lean Bank 2

Circuit Description

The heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the engine is started, the control module operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage while calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. The control module supplies the HO2S with a reference, or bias voltage of about 450 mV. While the engine runs, the HO2S heats up and begins to generate a voltage within a range of 0-1,000 mV. This voltage will fluctuate above and below the bias voltage. Once sufficient HO2S voltage fluctuation is observed by the control module, Closed Loop is entered. The control module uses the HO2S voltage to determine the air-to-fuel ratio. An HO2S voltage that increases above bias voltage toward 1,000 mV indicates a rich fuel mixture. An HO2S voltage that decreases below bias voltage toward 0 mV indicates a lean fuel mixture.

The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the control module to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.

The HO2S utilizes the following circuits:

    • A signal circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • An ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • A heater control circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0261, P0262, P0264, P0265, P0267, P0268, P0270, P0271, P0276, P0277, P0400, P0401, P0402, P0403, P0404, P0405, P0406, P0444, and P0445 are not set.
    • The engine is operating.
    • The engine speed is between 608-3,800 RPM.
    • The mass air flow (MAF) is more than 69 g/s.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more 50°C (122°F).
    • The fuel system is in closed loop.
    • The DTCs run continuously when the above conditions are met for 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The Short Term fuel trim cell is more than 49 percent for 29 seconds.

Action Taken when the DTC Sets

DTCs  P1171 and P1174 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs  P1171 and P1174 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, observe the scan tool HO2S voltage parameter. The reading should fluctuate above and below the range of 350-550 mV.
  2. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool TP Sensor percentage parameter. The reading should be within 2-10 percent.
  2. If not within the specified range, refer to DTC P0121, P0122, P0123, P0222, or P0223 for further diagnosis.
  3. Compare the scan tool MAP sensor parameter to the barometric pressure table. Refer to Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure .
  4. If the reading does not display the correct barometric pressure, refer to DTC P0106 for further diagnosis.
  5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate HO2S.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that the scan tool HO2S parameter is between 350-500 mV.
  7. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the engine control module (ECM).
  8. Verify that none of the following conditions exist:
  9. • Lean fuel injectors--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool .
    • Water intrusion in the HO2S harness connector
    • Low fuel system pressure--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Fuel that is contaminated--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Exhaust leaks near the HO2S
    • Contaminated HO2S - Silicon
    • Engine vacuum leaks
         ⇒If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.
  10. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the applicable HO2S.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming