GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to

Engine Grounds, Serial Data, MIL Control


Object Number: 23173  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Data Link Connector Diagnosis
Ignition Control Module
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
.

Circuit Description

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check must be the starting point for any driveability complaint diagnosis. Before using this procedure, you should perform a careful visual and physical check of the PCM and the engine grounds for being clean and tight. The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check is an organized approach to identifying a problem created by an electronic engine control system malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation or a wire broken inside the insulation. Check for poor connections or a damaged harness. Inspect the PCM harness and connectors for improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal to wire connection, and damaged harness.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the Step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table:

  1. The MIL should be ON steady with the key ON / engine OFF. If not, the No Malfunction Indicator Lamp table should be used to isolate the malfunction.

  2. This test ensures that the PCM is capable transmitting Class 2 serial data to the DLC and that the Class 2 data circuit is not open or shorted. If a problem is encountered and a faulty scan tool is suspected, try the scan tool on another vehicle to verify operation. If a DLC problem exists, the DLC Diagnosis table should be used to diagnose the condition.

  3. If the engine will not start, the Engine Cranks But Will Not Run table should be used to diagnose the condition.

  4. The scan tool may display DTC(s) which are diagnosed in 4T60-E Automatic Transaxle Diagnosis. Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for a complete list of DTC(s) supported by this vehicle application. If multiple DTCs are stored, diagnose each DTC according the the following priority:

  5. • PCM Error DTCs (P0601, P0602).
    • System Voltage (P0560).
    • Component Level DTCs (Switches, sensor range/ performance, sensor high voltage, sensor low voltage, ODMs, ect).
    • System level DTCs (Fuel trim, Misfire, EGR flow, TWC System, Idle Control System, HO2S Response or HO2S Transition Time Ratio).
  6. A scan tool parameter which is not within the typical range may help to isolate the area which is causing the problem.

Powertrain On - Board Diagnostic System Check

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Observe the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

Is the MIL ON?

 

Go to Step 2

Go to Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Attempt to display PCM data with the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display PCM data?

 

Go to Step 3

Go to Data Link Connector Diagnosis

3

Attempt to start the engine.

Did the engine start and continue to run?

 

Go to Step 4

Go to Engine Cranks but Does Not Run

4

Display the following DTC Statuses using the scan tool DTC Info feature. If any DTCs are stored, save the freeze frame and fail record information using the Capture Info feature on the scan tool:

    • Last Test Fail.
    • Fail This Ign.
    • MIL Request.
    • History.

Are any DTCs stored?

 

Go to the applicable DTC table.

Go to Step 5

5

Compare PCM data values displayed on the scan tool to the Engine Scan Tool Data List .

Are the displayed values normal or close to the typical values?

 

No trouble found

Go to indicated Component System Checks