Hombre S Regular Cab 4WD V6-4.3L (1999)
Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation
Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) - 2 / Catalyst Monitoring
In order to control emissions of Hydrocarbons (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), a three-way catalytic converter is used. The
catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction which oxidizes the HC and CO present in the exhaust gas, converting them into harmless
water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst also reduces NOx, converting it to nitrogen.
The VCM has the capability to monitor this process using HO2S 2. HO2S 2, located in the exhaust stream past the three- way catalytic converter,
produces an output signal which indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst; this in turn indicates the catalyst's ability to convert exhaust
emissions effectively. A problem with the HO2S 2 electrical circuits should set DTC P0137, P0138 or P0140, depending on the specific condition.
If the catalyst is functioning correctly, the HO2S 2 signal will be far less active than that produced by HO2S 1. If a problem exists which causes the
VCM to detect excessive HO2S 2 activity outside of an acceptable range for an extended period of time, the VCM will set DTC P0420, indicating that
the three- way catalytic converter's oxygen storage capacity is below a threshold considered acceptable.
