Buick P0154 A/F Sensor 21 Heater System Malfunction

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0154 Buick

O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0154 Buick definition:
The oxygen sensors are critical to the engine running properly. It basically informs the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) of oxygen content of the exhaust. The PCM then uses this information to regulate fuel into the engine and maintain proper air:fuel ratio. It is a four wire sensor, with the PCM providing a reference/signal voltage of about half a volt (0.5v) to the sensor. It usually provides a ground also. The other two wires are dedicated to the oxygen sensor heater element. This heater allows the sensor to warm up faster, which allows the engine to enter closed loop faster, reducing startup emissions. The heater element is supplied a 12v feed from the power distribution center (usually) and a ground. The oxygen content of the exhaust affects the O2 sensor resistance. This resistance produces a counter voltage on the reference/signal wire that the PCM will use to analyze oxygen in the exhaust. Lean exhaust produces low voltage, while rich exhaust produces high voltage. The oxygen sensor is capable of varying between 0.9v (rich) and 0.1v (lean). Once the engine reaches closed loop, the O2 sensor should begin switching rapidly between rich and lean voltages 2-3 times per second. If for some reason the O2 sensor doesn’t switch properly or “sticks”, P0154 Buick may set. This code indicates the O2 sensor isn’t operating.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0154 Buick
Symptoms of a P0154 Buick code may include: MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination Other codes indicating rich or lean condition may be present Poor idle, won’t idle Misfire at idle or at highway speed Engine may blow black smoke at tailpipe Fuel economy may decrease May start and stall

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0154 Buick
Potential causes of a P0154 Buick code include: Faulty bank 2,1 Oxygen sensor Holes in exhaust near oxygen sensor Short to voltage or ground on signal circuit Open or high resistance in signal circuit Wiring harness chafing/rubbing on exhaust components Water/oil intrusion at O2 sensor connector Broken lock or loose terminals on O2 sensor connector Oil/coolant fouled oxygen sensor

Possible Solutions

First start the engine and bring it up to operating temperature and ensure the engine reaches closed loop. Then, using the live data function on a scan tool, observe the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor voltage reading. Is it switching properly? If so, the problem may be an intermittently bad sensor or more likely a wiring problem. Visually check the O2 sensor wiring and repair as needed. Does the voltage for the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor appear to be “stuck” and not moving? If so, increase idle speed for 30 seconds or so. If the sensor begins switching after a period of elevated idle, visually check the exhaust for holes or rust near the O2 sensor that could be affecting the voltage reading If the exhaust checks out, suspect the sensor to be sluggish and replace it. If the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor appears to be not switching, turn the engine off, and unplug the Bank 2,1 oxygen sensor. With KOEO (Key on engine off) jumper the O2 sensor signal wire to the ground wire. Now the voltage reading should be low (about 0.1v). If it is, then check for a bad connection at the O2 sensor connector. Repair as necessary. If no bad connection is found, replace the O2 sensor and re-check. If when you jumper the signal wire to the ground wire the voltage reading isn’t low (about 0.1v), remove the jumper wire. Now check for voltage at the O2 sensor signal wire. It should have, with KOEO and O2 sensor unplugged, roughly 0.5 volts. If it does, check also for a good ground to the sensor as well. Repair as necessary Check for loose connections, water intrusion at PCM connector, etc. If you have no 0.5 volt reference voltage, unplug the PCM connector and ohm the signal circuit and ground circuits. There should be no resistance nor any voltage. Repair excessive resistance. If you still have no 0.5 volt reference voltage, recheck at the PCM connector. It may be necessary to clip the signal wire to eliminate the possibility of a short or open somewhere. If you now have reference voltage present coming out of the PCM, fix open/short in signal circuit. If you have no reference voltage coming out of the PCM, the PCM will have to be diagnosed for a fault. It may be the problem.


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Buick

2013 Buick Verano Turbo,2013 Buick Riviera Concept,2013 Buick Encore,2013 Buick Enclave,2012 Buick Verano,2012 Buick Regal GS,2011 Buick Regal,2011 Buick LaCrosse GL Concept,2011 Buick GL8,2011 Buick Envision Concept,2010 Buick Regal GS Concept,2010 Buick LaCrosse,2009 Buick Business Concept,2008 Buick Lucerne Super,2008 Buick LaCrosse Super,2008 Buick LaCrosse CXS,2008 Buick Invicta Concept,2008 Buick Enclave,2007 Buick Riviera Concept Coupe,2006 Buick Terraza,2006 Buick Rendezvous CXL,2006 Buick Rainier CXL,2006 Buick Lucerne CXS,2006 Buick Enclave Concept,2005 Buick Terraza CXL,2005 Buick Royaum,2005 Buick Rendezvous CX,2005 Buick Park Avenue,2005 Buick LeSabre Celebration Edition,2005 Buick LaCrosse CXS,2005 Buick LaCrosse CSX,2005 Buick Century,2004 Buick Velite Concept,2004 Buick Rendezvous Ultra,2004 Buick Regal Abboud GS,2004 Buick Rainier,2004 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2003 Buick Rendezvous,2003 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2002 Buick Rendezvous,2002 Buick Regal,2002 Buick LeSabre Custom,2001 Buick Regal,2001 Buick Park Avenue Ultra,2001 Buick Park Avenue,2001 Buick LeSabre,2001 Buick Blackhawk Concept,2001 Buick 2-2 Bengal Roadster Concept,2000 Buick Regal GNX Show Car,2000 Buick Regal Cielo Concept,2000 Buick Regal,2000 Buick Park Avenue,2000 Buick LeSabre Limited,2000 Buick Century

 

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