Circuit Description
To control emissions of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), a three-way catalytic converter is used. The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction which oxidizes the HC and CO present in the exhaust gas, converting them into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst also reduces NOx, converting it to nitrogen. The PCM has the ability to monitor this process using the Bank 1 HO2S 2 and the Bank 1 HO2S 3 heated oxygen sensors. The Bank 1 HO2S 2 sensor produces an output signal which indicates the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gas entering the three-way catalytic converter. The Bank 1 HO2S 3 sensor produces an output signal which indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst; this in turn indicates the catalyst's ability to convert exhaust gases efficiently. If the catalyst is operating efficiently, the Bank 1 HO2S 2 signal will be far more active than that produced by the Bank 1 HO2S 3 sensor. If the Bank 1 HO2S 3 signal voltage remains at or near the 450mV bias for an extended period of time, DTC P0146 will be set.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | No active transmission, TP sensor, EVAP system, EGR, misfire, IAT sensor, MAP sensor, fuel trim, fuel injector circuit, EVAP solenoid ODM, ECT sensor, or MAF sensor DTC(s) present. |
| • | Engine run time longer than 4 minutes. |
| • | Bank 1 HO2S 3 signal voltage remains between 425 mV and 475 mV for longer than 50 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM will illuminate the MIL during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed. |
| • | The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Fail Records data. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed. |
| • | The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction. |
| • | The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Information function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for the following conditions:
| • | Corroded exhaust flange bolts - Using a J 39200 Digital Multimeter, ensure that continuity exists between the engine block and the heated oxygen sensor shell. If resistance is excessively high, replace corroded exhaust flange attaching hardware as necessary. |
| • | Poor connection at the PCM - Inspect harness connectors for the following conditions: |
| - | Backed out terminals. |
| - | Improper mating. |
| - | Broken locks. |
| - | Improperly formed or damaged terminals. |
| - | Poor terminal to wire connection. |
| • | Faulty HO2S heater or heater circuit - With the ignition ON the HO2S voltage displayed on a scan tool should gradually drop to below 300mV or rise to above 600mV. If not, disconnect the HO2S and connect a test light between the HO2S ignition feed and heater ground circuits. If the test light does not light, repair the open ignition feed or sensor ground circuit as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis. If the test light lights and the HO2S signal and low circuits are OK, replace the HO2S. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement |
| • | Intermittent test - With the ignition ON, monitor the HO2S signal voltage while moving the wiring harness and related connectors. If the fault is induced, the HO2S signal voltage will change. This may help isolate the location of the malfunction. |
Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table:
-
If the DTC P0146 test passes while the Fail Records conditions are being duplicated, an intermittent condition is indicated. Review the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed. This may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs.
-
This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | ||
2 |
Does scan tool indicate Bank 1 HO2S 3 voltage varying outside the specified values? | 424-475 mV | ||
Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0146 failed this ignition? | -- | Refer to Diagnostic Aids | ||
4 |
Is Bank 1 HO2S 3 voltage below the specified value? | 150 mV | ||
5 |
Does Bank 1 HO2S 3 signal circuit voltage measure near the specified value? | 450 mV | ||
6 |
Was Bank 1 HO2S 3 low circuit problem found and corrected? | -- | ||
7 |
Was a problem found? | -- | ||
8 |
Was a problem found? | -- | ||
9 |
Was a problem found? | -- | ||
10 |
Was a problem found? | -- | ||
11 | Replace Bank 1 HO2S 3. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement . Is the action completed? | -- | -- | |
12 | Replace the PCM. Important: Replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | 100 ohms | ||
Check for poor Bank 1 HO2S 3 signal circuit terminal connection at the PCM and replace terminal if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repair in Electrical Diagnosis. Did the terminal require replacement? | -- | -- | ||
14 | Locate and repair cause of high resistance (corroded exhaust flange bolts, separated exhaust flange). Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
15 |
Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0146 failed this ignition? | -- | System OK |
