Important: Do not perform this diagnostic if no driveability concern exists. A driveability condition includes all PCM controlled systems and components.
The Powertrain OBD System Check is an organized approach to identifying a concern created by an electronic engine control system malfunction. The Powertrain OBD System Check is the starting point for any driveability concern diagnosis. The Powertrain OBD System Check directs the service technician to the next logical step in diagnosing a concern. Understanding and using the table correctly will reduce the diagnostic time and prevent the replacement of good parts.
Important: For automatic transmission DTCs, refer to
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
in Automatic Transmission-4L60E
for diagnosis procedures. The DTCs associated with the automatic transmission
are:
• DTCs P0502 and P0503. • Any 700 (except P0704, P0705 and P0706) and 1800 series DTCs (i.e.,
DTC P07XX and P18XX).
Important: For Domestic and Export DTC Types, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type .
Important:
• When the body control module (BCM) is replaced, the PCM password
Learn procedure must be performed. Refer to
DTC P1631 Theft Deterrent Start Enable Signal Not Correct
for the
learn procedure. • This vehicle is equipped with a powertrain control module (PCM)
utilizing an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
Program the new PCM when diagnostics call for replacement of the
PCM. When the PCM is replaced the following must be performed: - The PCM must be programmed. Refer to
Powertrain Control Module Replacement
. - The PCM Password learn procedure must be performed. Refer to
DTC P1631 Theft Deterrent Start Enable Signal Not Correct
for procedure. - The Idle Learn Procedure must be performed. Refer to
Idle Learn
.
This vehicle has a column lock system. This system is necessary because of the location of the ignition lock cylinder. The BCM controls a motor mounted on the steering column. The purpose of the motor is to unlock the steering wheel. The PCM will disable the fuel if the BCM is unable to determine if either the column is unlocked or vehicle speed is present. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control Systems for more information on the column lock system.
Important: If an intermittent condition exists, inspect the PCM wiring harnesses for improper installation of electrical components. Inspect for aftermarket theft deterrent devices, lights, and cellular phones. Ensure that no aftermarket equipment is connected to the Class 2 circuit. A cellular phone signal communication may cause an intermittent condition.
If multiple DTCs are set, inspect the IGN relay for proper operation. Refer to Ignition Relay Diagnosis .
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Use a properly functioning scan tool with the diagnostic tables in this section. DO NOT use the Clear Info function unless instructed by a diagnostic procedure.
This step verifies that the scan tool communicates with the PCM.
This step tests for DTCs associated with the Vehicle Theft Deterrent system which prevents the engine from starting.
This step inspects for a condition that may indicate a concern with the Column Lock system.
If multiple DTCs are stored, diagnose in the following order of priority:
1. | PCM/TAC failure DTCs (P0601, P0602, P0604, P0606, P1517, P1518) |
2. | System Voltage DTCs |
3. | Component level DTCs (Sensors, Solenoids, Relays , etc.) |
Multiple DTCs within this category should be diagnosed in numerical order starting with the lowest numbered DTC.
4. | System level DTCs (Misfire, Fuel Trim, etc.) |
Capturing the stored information preserves data that the PCM loses when you are instructed to use the clear information function, or if you disconnect the PCM, or replace the PCM for a diagnostic procedure. The scan tool stores the data in the scan tools memory. Review the Captured Information at the end of the diagnostic procedure in order to catch the next DTC in the event there are multiple DTCs stored.
It is beneficial to review the Freeze Frame data and/or Failure Records data. Use this information in order to determine how frequently and how recently the DTC set. This information and the other operating conditions when the DTC set may help you diagnose an intermittent condition.
This step is for states that have an Inspection/Maintenance (Emission Testing) program. The testing facility found one or more I/M status flags not set.
Compare actual control system data with the values in the Engine Scan Tool Data List to determine if any parameter is not within limits. Keep in mind that a base engine condition (i.e., advanced cam timing) may substantially alter sensor values.
Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Important:
Does the scan tool power-up? | Go to Scan Tool Does Not Power Up in Data Link Communications | ||||||||||||||||||
Attempt to establish communications with the powertrain control module (PCM). Does the scan tool communicate with the PCM? | Go to Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Class 2 Device in Data Link Communications | ||||||||||||||||||
3 | Attempt to start the engine. Does the engine start and continue to operate? | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | Did the starter engage? | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical | |||||||||||||||||
With a scan tool, observe the Vehicle Theft Deterrent System parameters in the body control module (BCM) data list. Does the scan tool display Inactive? | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent | ||||||||||||||||||
Monitor the following Column Lock parameters on the scan tool.
Does any of the Column Lock parameters indicate a malfunction with the column lock system? | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control System or Diagnostic Starting Point in Data Link Communications or Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System | ||||||||||||||||||
With a scan tool, observe the DTC information. Does the scan tool display any DTCs? | |||||||||||||||||||
8 | Is the Customers concern with the Automatic transmission? | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission | |||||||||||||||||
With a scan tool, save or capture (Store Information) the DTC Information. Did you complete this action? | -- | ||||||||||||||||||
Important: This step is for the United States only. Is the customers concern with Inspection/Maintenance testing? | |||||||||||||||||||
Are the scan tool data values within typical ranges? | Go to Intermittent Conditions | Go to Symptoms |