Method for operating a gas sensor and device for carrying out the method

In a process to operate a heated automotive exhaust gas sensor, the sensor is operated from time to time at a temperature which is below the nominal operating value at which there is thermodynamic equilibrium in the catalytic components (31, 33). An Independent claim is included for a heated (46) catalytic converter in which the reduction in temperature is effected either by a reduction in heating power supply, or by a variable supply of heating power. The reduction in temperature is determined the actual value (41) detected by the gas sensor (21, 22).