FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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P0431

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
- The signal from the rear heated oxygen sensor differs from the front heated oxygen sensor. That is because the catalytic converter purifies exhaust gas. When the catalytic converter has deteriorated, the signal from the front heated oxygen sensor becomes similar to the rear heated oxygen sensor.
- The ECM or PCM compares the output of the front and rear heated oxygen sensor signals.

DTC SET CONDITIONS

Check Conditions
- Engine speed is lower than 3,000 r/min.
- Volume air flow sensor output frequency is between 69 and 169 Hz.
- Intake air temperature is higher than -10°C (14°F).
- Barometric pressure is higher than 76 kPa (11 psi)
- The throttle valve is open.
- In the closed loop.
- Vehicle speed is 1.5 km/h (0.93 mph) or more.
- Monitoring time: 84 seconds.

Judgment Criteria
- The left bank heated oxygen sensor (rear) signal and left bank heated oxygen sensor (front) signal are similar.

TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS
The most likely causes for this code to be set are:
- Left bank side catalytic converter deteriorated.
- Left bank heated oxygen sensor failed.
- ECM failed.
- PCM failed.


DIAGNOSIS
Required Special Tool:
MB991502: Scan Tool (MUT-II)

STEP 1. Check the exhaust leakage.
1. Are there any cracks, etc., in the exhaust manifold or front exhaust pipe?

If no, go to Step 2.

If yes, repair or replace. Then go to Step 7.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to scan tool MB991502, always turn the ignition switch to "LOCK" (OFF) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool MB991502.




STEP 2. Using scan tool MB991502, check data list item 69: Heated Oxygen Sensor (rear).
1. Connect scan tool MB991502 to the data link connector.
2. Start the engine and run at idle.
3. Set scan tool MB991502 to the data reading mode for item 69, Heated Oxygen Sensor (rear).
4. Run in L range at wide open throttle.
- The output voltage should be between 0.6 and 1.0 volt after the engine is warmed.

If within specifications, go to Step 3.

If not within specifications, refer to DTC P0156 - O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (bank 2 sensor 2) .




STEP 3. Using scan tool MB991502, check data list item 39: Heated Oxygen Sensor (front).
1. Start the engine and run at idle.
2. Set scan tool MB991502 to the data reading mode for item 39, Heated Oxygen Sensor (front).
- The output voltage should be between 0.6 and 1.0 volt after revving the engine.

If within specifications, go to Step 4.

If not within specifications, refer to DTC P0150 - O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (bank 2 sensor 1) .




STEP 4. Using scan tool MB991502, check data list item 39: Heated Oxygen Sensor (front).
1. Start the engine and run at idle.
2. Set scan tool MB991502 to the data reading mode for item 39, Heated Oxygen Sensor (front).
3. Keep the engine speed at 2,000 r/min.
- 0 - 0.4 and 0.6 - 1.0 volt should alternate 15 times or more within 10 seconds.

If within specifications, go to Step 5.

If not within specifications, replace the left bank heated oxygen sensor (front). Then go to Step 7.

STEP 5. Test the OBD-II drive cycle.
1. Carry out a test drive with the drive cycle pattern.
Refer to Procedure 3 - Catalytic Converter Monitor.
2. Read the diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

If DTC P0431 is output, replace the left bank side catalytic converter. Then go to Step 6.

If DTC P0431 is not output, the inspection is complete.

STEP 6. Test the OBD-II drive cycle.
1. Carry out a test drive with the drive cycle pattern.
Refer to Procedure 3 - Catalytic Converter Monitor.
2. Read the diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

If DTC P0431 is output, replace the PCM. Then go to Step 7.

If DTC P0431 is not output, the inspection is complete.

STEP 7. Test the OBD-II drive cycle.
1. Carry out a test drive with the drive cycle pattern.
Refer to Procedure 3 - Catalytic Converter Monitor.
2. Read the diagnostic trouble code, and confirm that a diagnostic trouble code P0431 does not reset.