P2238

DTC P2238

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The wide band heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system and provides more information than the switching style HO2S. The wide band sensor consists of an oxygen sensing cell, an oxygen pumping cell, and a heater. The exhaust gas sample passes through a diffusion gap between the sensing cell and the pumping cell. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a voltage to the HO2S and uses this voltage as a reference to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system. An electronic circuit within the PCM controls the pump current through the oxygen pumping cell in order to maintain a constant voltage in the oxygen sensing cell. The PCM monitors the voltage variation in the sensing cell and attempts to keep the voltage constant by increasing or decreasing the amount of current flow, or oxygen ion flow, to the pumping cell. By measuring the amount of current required to maintain the voltage in the sensing cell, the PCM can determine the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust. The HO2S voltage is displayed as a lambda value. A lambda value of 1 is equal to a stoichiometric air fuel ratio of 14.7:1. Under normal operating conditions, the lambda value will remain around 1. When the fuel system is lean, the oxygen level will be high and the lambda signal will be high or more than 1. When the fuel system is rich, the oxygen level will be low, and the lambda signal will be low or less than 1. The PCM uses this information to maintain the correct air/fuel ratio. If the PCM detects that the pumping current control circuit voltage is less than a predetermined value, this DTC sets.

DTC DESCRIPTORS
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs.
- DTC P2238 HO2S Pumping Current Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1
- DTC P2241 HO2S Pumping Current Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
- The engine is operating for more than 85 seconds.
- The HO2S heater is commanded ON.
- The DTCs P2238 and DTC P2241 run continuously once the above condition is met.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
- The HO2S pumping cell voltage is 1.0 volt or less.
- The above condition is present for less than 1 seconds.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS
- The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
- The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC
- The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
- A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
- A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
- Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
- Use the J-35616 Connector Test Adapter Kit for any test that requires probing the PCM harness connector or a component harness connector.
- The Loop Status for the respective bank will default to Open when the DTC is current.
- The wide band sensors do not toggle or switch like a switching HO2S. The HO2S signals will be relatively stable for an idling engine.
- For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions. Intermittent Conditions




- The table illustrates the typical voltages for the HO2S circuits.

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1-10:

Steps 11-15:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. This step determines whether a condition currently exists. If the Lambda value fluctuates near 1.00 and Loop Status is Closed, the HO2S is operating correctly.
4. This step tests the input pump current circuit. Test the input pump current circuit for a short to ground if the voltage is less the specified value.
5. This step tests for a condition in the pump current circuit. If the voltage is less than 4.8 volts, test for a wire to wire short to the heater control circuit.
6. This step isolates the condition. Test for a wire to wire short between the heater control circuit and the input pump current circuit of the HO2S if the voltage on the heater control circuit is more than 1.0 volt.
10. Inspect the HO2S connector for water intrusion, corrosion, and bent or damaged terminals.
11. Inspect the PCM connectors for water intrusion, corrosion, and bent or damaged terminals.
13. After replacing the PCM, a new minimum throttle position and idle speed must also be established.