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2013 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L Engine P2271 & P2273 Oxygen Sensor Codes: PCM or Cat Issues?

Model: GMC Sierra 1500 Fault Code: P2271 Posted: 2020-05-17 09:04

I own a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L V8 engine and 210,000 miles. The vehicle intermittently sets diagnostic trouble codes P2271 and P2273, which relate to post-oxygen (O2) sensor performance. I've taken it to the dealership multiple times, where they consistently recommend replacing the oxygen sensors. I have already replaced the O2 sensors twice, along with the EVAP solenoid, fuel injectors, MAF sensor, and thoroughly checked for vacuum leaks, coolant leaks, and exhaust system issues. The only components not yet replaced are the catalytic converters (cats) and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The codes appear sporadically—sometimes setting after days or even weeks of normal driving—and then disappear without warning. During these episodes, only the post-O2 sensors read at full rich (high voltage), while the pre-O2 sensors operate normally. The issue seems to worsen during prolonged deceleration. This behavior is leading me to suspect a potential PCM fault rather than failing catalytic converters. If the cats were truly faulty, I would expect the codes to appear continuously, not intermittently. Given that the vehicle runs fine most of the time and only triggers issues under specific driving conditions (like long deceleration), I believe the root cause may lie in the PCM's ability to manage oxygen sensor feedback properly.

Related fault codes
P2271P2273
Comments (6)
Anonymous 2020-05-17 09:10

GMC Sierra 5.3L P227-1 and P2273 codes — common issue with intermittent O2 sensor readings.

Anonymous 2020-05-17 14:53

Were the replacement oxygen sensors OEM or after-market? This could affect reliability.

Anonymous 2020-05-18 06:03

All replaced parts were original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacements, including O2 sensors.

Anonymous 2020-05-18 09:45

"The issue appears more frequently during long deceleration." This is consistent with known behavior in some 5.3L Sierra models — after key cycle at DFCO (Duty Cycle Feedback Offset), rear O2 sensors are expected to briefly dip to around 100mV. To verify, you can graph the front and rear O2 sensor voltages during quick throttle snaps or deceleration events. If available, use a scan tool to record live data during a full drive cycle while performing these maneuvers for better insight.

Anonymous 2020-05-18 18:39

I’ll try that — I just received my scan tool and am still learning how to capture real-time sensor data.

Anonymous 2020-05-18 19:26

If the scan tool isn’t available, monitoring live O2 sensor voltage during driving cycles can still provide useful trends without requiring advanced equipment.