A control circuit of a fuel management control system for internal combustion engines monitors the operation of an exhaust line sensor. When the oxygen sensor is perceived to be inoperative, for example, due to low ambient temperature, the previously closed loop control process governing the fuel management control signals is interrupted and a direct forward control process is substituted therefor. The reference voltage is changed during this time for eventual adaptation to the changeover to closed loop feedback control after the oxygen sensor again becomes operational.