Heated Oxygen Sensors

The ECM operates in two run modes, open-loop and closed-loop. In open-loop, the ECM relies on a set of rules located in PROM to make fuel delivery decisions. It is constantly monitoring the oxygen sensor to enter closed-loop. In closed-loop, the ECM relies on input from the O₂ sensors and other sensors to calculate the air-fuel ratio.

Oxygen sensors are located in the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe of the engine's exhaust system. The sensor measures the oxygen content in the exhaust stream and sends an analog voltage signal to the ECM that varies between 0 and 1 volt. The ECM uses this signal to control and adjust the engine's air-fuel ratio while in closed-loop.

An oxygen sensor produces a reliable voltage signal after it reaches 600° F. This is due to the design and materials used to create the sensor. The most common type, the zirconia sensing element, is a conductor of voltage when it's hot and a resistor when it's cold. Oxygen passing through the element affects the voltage signal. It produces a high voltage signal (.90) when the air-fuel mixture is rich and a low signal (.10) when the air-fuel mixture is lean.

The sensor can have one to four wires. A one-wire or two-wire sensor does not contain a heater circuit and does not send a voltage signal until it reaches operating temperature. Three-wire and four-wire O₂ sensors have a heater that brings the sensor to operating temperature to produce a voltage signal sooner. The only difference between the two is that the three-wire sensor shares a common ground between the heater and sending circuits. Therefore, a heated oxygen sensor is more efficient than an unheated sensor.