Monitor Description

The ECM uses the sensors mounted in front of and behind the three-way catalyst converter to monitor its efficiency. The first sensor, an air fuel ratio sensor, sends pre-catalyst air fuel ratio information to the ECM. The second sensor, a heated oxygen sensor (O2S), sends post-catalyst information to the ECM. The ECM compares these 2 signals to judge the efficiency of the catalyst and the catalyst's ability to store oxygen. During normal operation, the three-way catalyst converter stores and releases oxygen as needed. The capacity to store oxygen results in a low variation in the post-three-way catalyst converter exhaust stream.

If the catalyst is functioning normally, the waveform of the heated oxygen sensor slowly switches between RICH and LEAN. If the catalyst is deteriorated, the waveform will alternate frequently between RICH and LEAN. As the catalyst efficiency degrades, its ability to store oxygen is reduced and the catalyst output becomes more variable. When running the monitor, the ECM compares sensor 1 signals (air fuel ratio sensor) over a specific amount of time to determine catalyst efficiency. The ECM begins by calculating the signal length for both sensors (for the rear oxygen sensor, the ECM uses the output voltage signal length). If the oxygen sensor output voltage signal length is greater than the threshold (threshold is calculated based on the air fuel ratio sensor signal length), the ECM concludes that the catalyst is malfunctioning.

The ECM will turn on the MIL and a DTC will be set.

HINT:

• Bank 1 refers to the bank that includes cylinder No. 1.
• Bank 2 refers to the bank that does not include cylinder No. 1.
• Sensor 1 refers to the sensor closest to the engine assembly.
• Sensor 2 refers to the sensor farthest away from the engine assembly.