GM Code 13 Oxygen Sensor
CODE 13 - Oxygen Sensor
Trouble Code 13 indicates that the exhaust stream oxygen content sensor (O2 sensor) is not responding as expected. When cold, the sensor is 'biased' by the ECM to about 450 millivolts. Before it warms to at least 600 deg F (315 deg C) it acts as an open circuit and when the ECM reads it, it reads the 450 mV bias. The ECM expects the sensor to warm in a short period of time and begin sending its own voltages.
The conditions for setting this code are:
- engine running at least 40 seconds and
- no code 21 or 22 (TPS errors) present, and
- coolant temperature is at least 118 deg F (48 deg C), and
- O2 sensor voltage not fluctuating (i.e. steady between 350 and 557 mV), and
- TPS signal indicates above idle (over 6%), and
- all the above conditions met for more than 8 seconds
Typical causes for this code include:
1) Defective or degraded O2 sensor
2) Deposit contaminated O2 sensor (running leaded fuel, RTV silicone deposits etc.)
3) Corroded/defective O2 sensor connection
4) Defective sensor ground circuit
5) Defective connection at ECM
6) Defective ECM
