A vehicle control apparatus and methodology relate to an exhaust gas
sensor and sensor heater associated with an exhaust passage of a vehicle
engine. The exhaust gas sensor is selectively heated to an applicable
activation temperature by the heater so that the sensor may output a
normal and accurate sensing signal. The heating must take place, however,
without causing damage to the sensor such as that resulting from
condensation that may occur within the exhaust passage as a result of
engine operation and environmental conditions.