Oxygen Sensor: Description and Operation

Typical Heated Oxygen Sensor:

This vehicle is equipped with both upstream and downstream Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S), as OBD II legislation mandates. The Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S 11) is used to control engine fuel flow. The sensor detects the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas and sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). In a rich condition, the HO2S will output a voltage of 0.6 volts or greater, and in a lean condition a voltage of 0.4 volts or less will be output.

The downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S 12) is used primarily for monitoring the efficiency of the catalytic converter system. The HO2S 12 works in a similar way to the HO2S 11 but only indicates to the PCM that the catalyst is functioning properly. In the event that the HO2S 11 fails, fuel control will be switched over to the HO2S 12 and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will be illuminated. This allows the vehicle to operate with fewer emissions, even with a sensor failure.