P2A00
DTC P2A00
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P2A00
- Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Circuit Closed Loop (CL) Performance Sensor 1
Diagnostic Fault Information
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit Description
The heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 1 is a wide band or wide range design. The wide band HO2S measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system, but provides more information than the typical 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 input signal is displayed as a voltage within the range of 1-5 volts, with a steady value of 3.2-3.3 volts equal to the air fuel ratio of 14.7:1. If the HO2S 1 input voltage is lower than the specified reference voltage, the PCM determines that the air/fuel ratio is richer than the theoretical air/fuel ratio and reduces the fuel. If the input voltage from the HO2S 1 is higher than the specified reference voltage, the PCM determines that the air/fuel ratio is leaner and increases the fuel. By repeating these operations, the PCM can adjust the air/fuel ratio in order to be closer to the theoretical air/fuel ratio. Control of the fuel delivery system as just described is known as Closed Loop operation.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* DTCs P0031, P0032, P0037, P0038, P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0110, P0112, P0113, P0115, P0117, P0118, P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0171, P0172, P0220, P0222, P0223, P0300-P0304, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0341, P0441, P0443, P0455, P0456, P0500, P2135, P2195, P2196, P2237, P2238, P2239, P2252, P2253 are not set.
* The engine run time is greater than 2 minutes.
* The vehicle speed is between 60-120 km/h (38-75 mph).
* Engine speed is between 1,400-3,200 RPM.
* The engine is operating in Closed Loop.
* The DTCs run once per drive cycle when the above conditions have been met.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
* The response time necessary for the HO2S voltage to change from rich-to-lean, or from lean-to-rich, is too slow.
* The above condition is present for greater than 1 minute.
Action Taken when the DTC Sets
DTC P2A00 is a Type B DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTC P2A00 is a Type B DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
* A lean condition during a high fuel demand situation due to a fuel pump that does not deliver enough fuel, a plugged fuel filter, or a restricted fuel pipe can set a DTC P2195.
* Test for a contaminated oxygen sensor. Silicone and other contaminants can cause the oxygen sensor to provide false exhaust oxygen content readings. If contamination is found, determine the cause and correct the condition before replacing the HO2S.
* Test for exhaust leaks near the HO2S 1-An exhaust leak may cause outside air to be pulled into the exhaust gas stream and past the HO2S causing DTC P2A00 to set.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. Verify no other DTCs are set.
• If other DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle).
2. Engine running at normal operating temperature, observe the scan tool HO2S 1 voltage parameter. The reading should fluctuate between 3.2-3.4 V.
3. Command the Fuel Injector Modification Commanded State to +25 percent with a scan tool. The HO2S 1 voltage parameter should decrease to less than 3.0 V.
4. Command the Fuel Injector Modification Commanded State to -11 percent with a scan tool. The HO2S 1 voltage parameter should increase to greater than 3.35 V.
5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the HO2S 1.
2. Ignition ON, test for 3.4-3.6 V between the HO2S 1 input circuit terminal 3 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the HO2S 1 input circuit for an open/high resistance or a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the HO2S 1 input circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
3. Test for the following conditions:
* Fuel contamination-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis).
* Splits, kinks, or improper connections at the vacuum hoses
* The fuel system operating pressure is incorrect-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis (Fuel System Diagnosis).
* The fuel injectors are operating lean or rich-Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) (Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F)).
* Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, manifold fittings, or throttle body
* Faulty crankcase ventilation system-Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis (Testing and Inspection).
* A collapsed or restricted air intake duct and a restricted or dirty air filter
* The incorrect operation of the evaporative emission control system-Refer to Evaporative Emission Control System Diagnosis (Evaporative Emission Control System Diagnosis).
4. If all conditions test normal, test or replace the HO2S 1.
Component Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the HO2S 1.
2. Test for 1.8 to 3.4 ohm at 20°C (68°F) between the ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal 2 and the heater control circuit terminal 1 of the oxygen sensor connector.
• If not within the specified range, replace the HO2S 1.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Sensor 1 (Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Sensor 1)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for control module replacement, setup, and programming