DTC P0146: Heated Oxygen Sensor (3rd) Circuit No Activity Detected <California>

CIRCUIT OPERATION

A voltage corresponding to the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is sent to the ECM (terminal No. 54) from the output terminal (terminal No. 3) of the heated oxygen sensor (3rd).
Terminal No. 4 of the heated oxygen sensor (3rd) is grounded with ECM (terminal No. 55).
The ECM applies an offset voltage of 0.5 volt to terminal No. 4 of the heated oxygen sensor (3rd).

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The ECM checks for the heated oxygen sensor (3rd) output voltage.

DESCRIPTIONS OF MONITOR METHODS

MONITOR EXECUTION

MONITOR EXECUTION CONDITIONS (Other monitor and Sensor)

Other Monitor (There is no temporary DTC stored in memory for the item monitored below)

Heated oxygen sensor (front) monitor
Heated oxygen sensor heater (front) monitor
Heated oxygen sensor inactive (front) monitor
Heated oxygen sensor offset voltage monitor
Air/fuel ratio feedback monitor
Heated oxygen sensor heater (3rd) monitor

Sensor (The sensor below is determined to be normal)

Mass airflow sensor
Engine coolant temperature sensor
Intake air temperature sensor
Barometric pressure sensor

DTC SET CONDITIONS

Logic Flow Chart

Check Conditions

Engine coolant temperature is higher than 76°C (169°F).
The heated oxygen sensor (front) is active.
The cumulative mass airflow sensor output is higher than 2,900 g.
Repeat 3 or more times: drive^*1, stop^*2.

^*1

Engine speed is higher than 1,500 r/min.
Volumetric efficiency is higher than 40 percent.
Vehicle speed is higher than 30 km/h (19 mph).
A total of more than 10 seconds have elapsed with the above mentioned conditions, and more than 2 seconds have elapsed with the fuel shut off.

^*2

Vehicle speed is lower than 1.5 km/h (1 mph).

Judgement Criterion

Change in the output voltage of the heated oxygen sensor (3rd) is lower than 0.098 volt.

note Monitoring stops after fuel has been shut off for more than 64 seconds.

OBD-II DRIVE CYCLE PATTERN

TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS (The most likely causes for this code to be set are:)

Heated oxygen sensor (3rd) deteriorated.
Connector damage.
ECM failed.

DIAGNOSIS

Required Special Tools:

MB991958: Scan Tool (M.U.T.-III Sub Assembly)

MB991824: V.C.I.
MB991827: USB Cable
MB991910: Main Harness A

STEP 1. Using scan tool MB991958, check data list item B1: Heated Oxygen Sensor (3rd).

caution

To prevent damage to scan tool MB991958, always turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position before connecting or disconnecting scan tool MB991958.

(1)Connect scan tool MB991958 to the data link connector.
(2)Start the engine and run at idle.
(3)Set scan tool MB991958 to the data reading mode for item B1, Heated Oxygen Sensor (3rd).

Transaxle: 2nd speed (CVT: "L" range)
Drive with wide open throttle
Engine: 3,500 r/min

The output voltages should be between 0.6 and 1.0 volt.

(4)Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.

Q. Is the sensor operating properly?

It can be assumed that this malfunction is intermittent. Refer to GROUP 00, How to Use Troubleshooting/Inspection Service Points - How to Cope with Intermittent Malfunctions

Replace the heated oxygen sensor (3rd). Then go to Step 2.

STEP 2. Test the OBD-II drive cycle.

(1)Carry out a test drive with the drive cycle pattern. Refer to Diagnostic Function - OBD-II Drive Cycle - Pattern 13

(2)Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

Q. Is DTC P0146 set?

	Refer to DTC P0143 - Heated Oxygen Sensor (3rd) Circuit Low Voltage , DTC P0144 - Heated Oxygen Sensor (3rd) Circuit High Voltage .

	The inspection is complete.