Patent attributes
An NOx catalyst of storage reduction type and an after-catalyst NOx sensor are provided in an exhaust passage in an internal combustion engine. The after-catalyst NOx sensor detects the NOx concentration on the downstream side of the NOx catalyst. The NOx concentration on the upstream side of the NOx catalyst is detected or estimated. The possible abnormality of the after-catalyst NOx sensor is determined by comparing the NOx concentration on the upstream side of the NOx catalyst detected or estimated and the NOx concentration detected by the after-catalyst NOx sensor, under the condition that the NOx catalyst does not substantially absorb NOx in exhaust gas. Abnormality diagnosis is performed with the possible impact of the NOx catalyst inhibited.
