Circuit/System Description

In order to maintain a reasonably low emission level of hydro-carbon, carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) a 3-way catalytic converter is used. The catalyst within the converter promotes a chemical reaction that oxidizes the hydro-carbon and CO present in the exhaust gas. This reaction converts the gases into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst also reduces the NOx, converting the NOx into nitrogen. The engine control module (ECM) monitors this process using the post catalyst heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) signal. The post-catalyst HO2S located in the exhaust stream after the 3-way catalytic, produces an output signal that indicates the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst. The oxygen storage capacity determines the ability of the catalyst to convert the exhaust emissions effectively. If the catalyst is functioning correctly, the post-catalyst HO2S signal will be far less active than the signal produced by the pre-catalyst HO2S.

To determine oxygen storage capacity, the ECM commands a rich air/fuel mixture until all oxygen is removed from the catalyst. The ECM then commands a lean air/fuel mixture and monitors the rear heated oxygen sensor to calculate the oxygen storage capacity. The catalyst is operated in this mode until one of the following conditions occur:

• The oxygen stored in the catalyst exceeds a calibrated threshold, which is determined from the rear HO2S signal.
• The rear HO2S indicates the catalyst to be completely saturated with oxygen, which is determined from the rear HO2S signal.