GM Code 44
A Code 44 indicates a lean mixture on a GM product. This is the description of a Code 44 as set on GM products. It is an indication of a lean mixture as indicated by the oxygen sensor readings.
Circuit description: The ECM supplies a voltage of about .45 volts between the appropriate terminals of the sensor. (If measured with a ten megohm DVM, this may read as low as .32 volt). The O2 sensor varies the voltage within a range of about one volt, if the exhaust is rich, down thru about .10 volt, if exhaust is lean.
The sensor is like an open circuit and produces no voltage, when it is below about 360 degrees C., 600 degree F. An open sensor circuit or a cold sensor circuit causes Open Loop operation.
Test description:
- Code 44 is set when the O2 sensor signal voltage remains below .3 volts for 50 seconds or more and the system is operating in "closed loop".
Diagnostic aides:
The code 44 for lean exhaust is most likely caused by one or more of the following:
- O2 sensor wire - Sensor pigtail may be mispositioned and contacting the exhaust manifold.
- Check for an intermittent ground wire between connector and sensor.
- Poor ECM to engine block ground.
- MAF Sensor - A MAF sensor that causes the ECM to sense a lower than normal airflow will cause the system to go lean. Disconnect the MAF sensor. If the lean condition is gone then replace the MAF sensor.
- Vacuum leaks can cause a lean condition and/or possibly a high idle. Check for cracked hoses a bad gasket or a faulty EGR or PCV Valve.
- Fuel pressure - system will go lean, if pressure is too low. It may be necessary to monitor fuel pressure while driving the car at various road speeds and/or loads to confirm.
- Clogged injector or lean injector - perform an injector balance test.
GM Code 45
A Code 45 indicates a rich mixture on a GM product. This is the description of a Code 45 as set on GM products. It is an indication of a rich mixture as indicated by the oxygen sensor readings.
Circuit description: The ECM supplies a voltage of about .45 volts between the appropriate terminals of the sensor. (If measured with a ten megohm DVM, this may read as low as .32 volt). The O2 sensor varies the voltage within a range of about one volt, if the exhaust is rich, down thru about .10 volt, if exhaust is lean.
The sensor is like an open circuit and produces no voltage, when it is below about 360 degrees C, 600 degreeF. An open sensor circuit, or a cold sensor, causes Open Loop operation.
Test description:
- Code 45 is set when the O2 sensor signal voltage remains above .7 volts for 30 seconds or more and in "closed loop".
- Engine time after start is one minute or more.
- Throttle position between 2 percent and 20 percent.
Diagnostic aides:
- The code 45 for rich exhaust is most likely caused by one or more of the following:
- fuel pressure - system will go rich, if pressure is too high. The ECM can compensate for some increase. However, if it gets too high, a code 45 will be set.
- Leaking injector or rich injector - perform an injector balance test. Check for fuel contamination in the oil.
- HEI shielding - an open ground ckt 453 may result in EMI, will result in induced electrical "noise". The ECM looks at this noise as reference pulses. The additional pulses result in a higher than actual engine speed signal. The ECM then delivers too much fuel, causing the system to go rich. The engine tachometer will, also, show higher than actual engine speed, which can help in diagnosing this problem.
- Canister purge - check for fuel saturation. If full of fuel, check canister control and hoses.
- MAP sensor - an output that causes the ECM to sense a higher than normal manifold pressure (low vacuum) can cause the system to go rich. Disconnecting the MAP sensor will allow the ECM to set a fixed value for the MAP sensor. Replace the sensor if the rich condition goes away when the sensor is disconnected.
- TPS - an intermittent TPS output will cause the system to go rich, due to a false indication of the engine accelerating.
- O2 sensor contamination - Inspect oxygen sensor for silicone contamination from coolant, lead contamination from fuel or improper RTV sealant. Silicone contamination will be indicated by a Code 45 and lean drivability conditions and a powdery white deposit on the sensor. The ECM will then reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine causing a severe surge drivability problem.
Check for a leaking fuel pressure regulator by checking the vacuum line to the regulator. If there is fuel in the vacuum line, replace the regulator.
