Method for heating a gas sensor

A method for heating a gas sensor on successive start-ups, comprising the steps of:

• ascertaining a first temperature of the gas sensor during a first start-up;
• comparing the ascertained first temperature to a pre-defined value;
• if the ascertained temperature is less than the pre-defined value, heating the gas sensor based at least in part on a first pilot-control value;
• ascertaining a second temperature of the gas sensor;
• calculating a temperature gradient based on the ascertained first temperature and the ascertained second temperature;
• comparing the calculated temperature gradient to a predefined limit;
• if the calculated temperature gradient is less than the predefined limit, setting the pilot-control value at a higher second value for a second start-up;
• and
• if the calculated temperature gradient is greater than the predefined limit, setting the pilot-control value at a lower second value for a second start-up.