GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 154512  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Power, Ground, DLC and MIL
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The Data Link Connector (DLC) allows the scan tool to interface with the PCM. The DLC provides the power and ground circuits to enable the scan tool. The Class 2 serial data circuit to the DLC allows bi-directional communication between the PCM and the scan tool. If communication between the scan tool and the PCM cannot be established, the procedure in the DLC Diagnosis table should be used to diagnose the condition.

Diagnostic Aids

Check the following items:

    • For the PCM to establish communication with the scan tool, system voltage must be between 9.0 and 16.0 volts. If system voltage is not within this range, refer to Charging System for diagnosis.
    • Ensure that the correct application (model year, carline, VIN code) has been selected on the scan tool; if communication still cannot be established try the scan tool on another vehicle to ensure that the scan tool or cables are not the cause of the condition.
    • 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

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table:

  1. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

DLC Diagnosis

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step  2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Disconnect the scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  3. Use a test lamp connected to ground in order to probe the datalink communications (DLC) B+ circuit (cavity 16).

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step  3

Go to Step  10

3

Use a test lamp connected to B+ in order to probe both of the DLC ground circuits (cavities 4 and 5).

Does the test lamp illuminate at both CKTs?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector C1.
  3. Use a test lamp connected to ground in order to probe the class 2 serial data circuit in the PCM connector.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step  5

Go to Step  6

5

Locate and repair the short to voltage in the class 2 serial data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

6

  1. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  2. Use the appropriate jumper wires from the J 35616 Connector Test Adapter Kit in order to jumper between terminal 2 and terminal 16 of the DLC connector.
  3. Use a test lamp connected to ground in order to probe the class 2 serial data circuit in the PCM connector.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step  7

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Test for faulty terminal connections at the PCM and the DLC connectors.
  2. If a problem if found, repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Go to Step11

8

Locate and repair the open in the Class 2 serial data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

9

Locate and repair the open in the affected DLC ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

10

  1. Locate and repair the fault in the following circuits:
  2. • An open or a short to ground in the DLC B+ CKT
    • A shorted component using the DLC CKT
  3. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  4. If the problem resulted in a blown fuse, replace the fuse.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

11

Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--