P0146
Diagnostic Chart:
Diagnostic Chart (cont'd):
Electrical Diagram:
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, Throttle Position (TP) sensor, EVAP system, EGR, misfire, IAT sensor, MAP sensor, fuel trim, fuel injector circuit, EVAP solenoid 0DM, 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 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (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 fault.
- The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
Check for the following conditions:
- Corroded exhaust flange bolts - Using a DVM, 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 or damaged harness - Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal to wire connection, and damaged harness.
- Faulty HO2S heater or heater circuit - With the ignition ON the HO2S voltage displayed on a scan tool should gradually drop to below 250mV 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. If the test light lights and the HO2S signal and low circuits are OK, replace the HO2S.
- 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:
3. 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.
13. 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.