Oxygen Sensor: Description and Operation

Fig.30 Types Of O2 Sensors:

Fig.27 Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor 1/1:

O2 SENSOR
The upstream oxygen sensor threads into the outlet flange of the exhaust manifold.

Fig.28 Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor 1/2:

Fig.29 Heated Oxygen Sensor Systems:

The downstream heated oxygen sensor threads into the system depending on emission package. Federal package the O2S is mounted after the catalytic convertor, LEV package the O2S is mounted mid catalytic convertor, ULEV package is mounted between the catalytic convertor.

A single sensor ground is used for all O2 sensors (2 sensors on 4 cyl. vehicles and 4 sensors on 6 cyl. vehicles).

As vehicles accumulate mileage, the catalytic convertor deteriorates. The deterioration results in a less efficient catalyst. To monitor catalytic convertor deterioration, the fuel injection system uses two heated oxygen sensors. One sensor upstream of the catalytic convertor, one downstream of the convertor. The PCM compares the reading from the sensors to calculate the catalytic convertor oxygen storage capacity and converter efficiency. Also, the PCM uses the upstream heated oxygen sensor input when adjusting injector pulse width.

When the catalytic converter efficiency drops below emission standards, the PCM stores a diagnostic trouble code and illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

The O2S produce voltages from 0 to 1 volt, depending upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas in the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of oxygen is present (caused by a lean air/fuel mixture, can be caused by misfire and exhaust leaks), the sensors produces a low voltage. When there is a lesser amount of oxygen present (caused by a rich air/fuel mixture, can be caused by internal engine problems) it produces a higher voltage. By monitoring the oxygen content and converting it to electrical voltage, the sensors act as a rich-lean switch.

The oxygen sensors are equipped with a heating element that keeps the sensors at proper operating temperature during all operating modes. Maintaining correct sensor temperature at all times allows the system to enter into closed loop operation sooner. Also, it allows the system to remain in closed loop operation during periods of extended idle.

In Closed Loop operation the PCM monitors the O2S input (along with other inputs) and adjusts the injector pulse width accordingly. During Open Loop operation the PCM ignores the O2 sensor input. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on preprogrammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sensors.

The Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay supplies battery voltage to both the upstream and downstream heated oxygen sensors. The oxygen sensors are equipped with a heating element. The heating elements reduce the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. The PCM uses pulse width modulation to control the ground side of the heater to regulate the temperature on 4 cyl. upstream O2 heater only. All other 4 cyl. and 6 cyl. O2 heaters do not use pulse width modulation.

Upstream Oxygen Sensor
The input from the upstream heated oxygen sensor tells the PCM the oxygen content of the exhaust gas. Based on this input, the PCM fine tunes the air-fuel ratio by adjusting injector pulse width.

The sensor input switches from 0 to 1 volt, depending upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas in the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of oxygen is present (caused by a lean air-fuel mixture), the sensor produces voltage as low as 0.1 volt. When there is a lesser amount of oxygen present (rich air-fuel mixture) the sensor produces a voltage as high as 1.0 volt. By monitoring the oxygen content and converting it to electrical voltage, the sensor acts as a rich-lean switch.

The heating element in the sensor provides heat to the sensor ceramic element. Heating the sensor allows the system to enter into closed loop operation sooner. Also, it allows the system to remain in closed loop operation during periods of extended idle.

In Closed Loop, the PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on the upstream heated oxygen sensor input along with other inputs. In Open Loop, the PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on preprogrammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sensors.

Downstream Oxygen Sensor
The downstream heated oxygen sensor input is used to detect catalytic convertor deterioration. As the convertor deteriorates, the input from the downstream sensor begins to match the upstream sensor input except for a slight time delay By comparing the downstream heated oxygen sensor input to the input from the upstream sensor, the PCM calculates catalytic convertor efficiency. Also used to establish the upstream O2 goal voltage (switching point).