Circuit Description

Heated oxygen sensors are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the vehicle is first started, the Engine Control Module (ECM) operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage when calculating the air fuel ratio. The ECM supplies the HO2S with a reference voltage of about 0.45 V. The HO2S generates a voltage within a range of 0 - 1 V that fluctuates above and below bias voltage once in Closed Loop. A high HO2S voltage output indicates a rich fuel mixture. A low HO2S voltage output indicates a lean mixture. Heating elements inside the HO2S minimize the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature, and then provide an accurate voltage signal.