GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) will have high resistance with low engine oil temperature, and low resistance with high engine oil temperature. The IPC supplies a 5 volt reference signal to the oil temperature sensor. When the engine oil is cold, the sensor resistance will decrease, and the IPC reference voltage level will drop. The IPC measures the reference voltage change and displays the calculated value on the gage.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The IPC detects oil temperature above 190°C (374°F).
    • The above condition must be present for 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The IPC stores DTC B1542.
    • The IPC displays the oil temperature over 190°C (374°F).
    • The IPC displays the HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE REDUCE ENGINE RPM message in the DIC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The IPC detects that the oil temperature is less than 190°C (374°F).
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • The code is cleared using on-board diagnostics.
    • The IPC receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:

    • An intermittent short to ground in the oil temperature sensor signal circuit.
    • An internal short to ground in the oil temperature sensor.
    • For intermittents and poor connections refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests the oil temperature normal operating range data using a scan tool.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1

Did you perform the IPC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Oil Temp parameter in the IPC data 1 list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Oil Temp parameter is within the specified range?

-10 to +190°C (14-374°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the oil temperature sensor connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Oil Temp parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Oil Temp parameter is less than the specified value?

-10°C (14°F)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the oil temperature sensor and the ground circuit of the oil temperature sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Oil Temp parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Oil Temp parameter is greater than the specified value?

190°C (374°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

5

Test the signal circuit of the oil temperature sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the oil temperature sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the oil temperature sensor. Refer to Engine Oil Temperature Gage Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK