Conditioning For Sensor Testing

2012 Toyota Prius ThreeSECTION Conditioning For Sensor Testing

HINT: 

Perform the operation with the engine speeds and time durations described below prior to checking the waveforms of the air fuel ratio and heated oxygen sensors. This is to activate the sensors sufficiently to obtain appropriate inspection results.

Fig 1: Sensor Testing / Scantool Operation Graph
GTY230260Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  • (a) Connect the Techstream to the DLC3 [A].
  • (b) Turn the power switch on (IG) and turn the Techstream on [B].
  • (c) Put the engine in inspection mode (maintenance mode). Refer to INSPECTION MODE PROCEDURE [C].
  • (d) Start the engine and warm it up with all the accessories switched off until the engine coolant temperature stabilizes [D].
  • (e) Run the engine at an engine speed of 2500 rpm for at least 3 minutes [E].

    HINT: 

    During charging control, the engine speed is set at idle. Therefore, the engine speed does not increase when depressing the accelerator pedal. In this case, perform step [E] after charging control has completed.

  • (f) While running the engine at 2500 rpm for 2 seconds and 1500 rpm for 2 seconds, check the waveforms of the air fuel ratio and heated oxygen sensors using the Techstream [F].

HINT: 

  • If either of the voltage outputs of the air fuel ratio or heated oxygen sensor does not fluctuate, or there is noise in the waveform of either sensor, the sensor may be malfunctioning.
  • If the voltage outputs of both the sensors remain lean or rich, the air fuel ratio may be extremely lean or rich. In such cases, perform the Control the Injection Volume Active Test using the Techstream.
  • If the three-way catalytic converter has deteriorated, the heated oxygen sensor (located behind the three-way catalytic converter) voltage output fluctuates up and down frequently, even under normal driving conditions (active air fuel ratio control is not performed).
Fig 2: Identifying Active Air Fuel Ratio Control Waveforms
GTY180176Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.