GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to

Ignition Control Module, CMP and CKP


Object Number: 378473  Size: FS
Cell 10: Underhood Accessory Wiring Junction Block
Fuel Pump and Fuel Level Sensors
Power, Ground, DLC and MIL
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) continuously sends ignition control (IC) spark timing pulses to the ignition control module (ICM) on the IC circuit. However, during start-up, the ICM grounds the IC spark timing pulses and maintains spark timing fixed at 10° BTDC. The fixed spark timing is maintained until the engine speed is above a specific RPM and the PCM receives a calibrated number of 3X reference pulses from the ICM (Bypass Mode). Once the PCM receives the 3X reference pulses, the PCM applies 5 volts to the ICM on the bypass circuit. The bypass voltage signals the ICM to transfer IC spark timing to the PCM (IC Mode). The ICM switches the IC pulses from ground allowing the PCM to control spark timing. If the PCM detects a short to voltage in the IC circuit, DTC P1361 is set. A short to ground in the IC circuit or bypass circuit causes both DTC P1361 and DTC P1362 to set. The engine starts and may run in Bypass mode timing (spark timing fixed at 10° BTDC).

Condition for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects a short to voltage in the IC circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has run and failed.
    • The PCM stores the conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Fail Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns the MIL off during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has run and passed.
    • The history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC may be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • A faulty connection at the PCM. Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connections.
    • Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, disconnect the ICM, turn the ignition on, and observe a digital multimeter connected between the IC circuit and B+ while moving the connectors and wiring harnesses related to the ICM. A change in voltage indicates the location of the malfunction.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

DTC P1361 - IC Circuit Not Toggling

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

Is DTC P1362 also set?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step  3

3

  1. Turn off the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn on the ignition switch.
  4. Use a test lamp connected to ground in order to probe the IC circuit.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step  4

Go to Step 13

4

  1. Turn off the ignition switch.
  2. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  3. Disconnect the ignition control module (ICM) connector.
  4. Turn on the ignition switch
  5. Use a test lamp connected to ground in order to probe the IC circuit.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step  5

Go to Step 12

5

Locate and repair the short to voltage in the IC circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step  14

--

6

  1. Turn off the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Disconnect the ICM.
  4. Use a test lamp connected to B+ in order to probe the IC circuit.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step  7

Go to Step 8

7

Locate and repair the short to ground in the IC circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step  14

--

8

  1. Leave the ignition switch off.
  2. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  3. Leave the ICM disconnected.
  4. Use a test lamp connected to B+ in order to probe the bypass circuit.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

Locate and repair the short to ground in the bypass circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step  14

--

10

  1. Leave the ignition switch off.
  2. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  3. Leave the ICM disconnected.
  4. Test for a short between the bypass and the following circuits:
  5. • The IC control circuit
    • The 3X reference circuit
    • The camshaft position sensor to PCM input circuit.
  6. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step  14

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Leave the ignition switch off.
  2. Reconnect the ICM.
  3. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  4. Turn on the ignition switch.
  5. Use a digital multimeter (DMM) in order to measure the resistance between the IC and reference low circuits while probing the bypass circuit with a test lamp connected to B+.

Does the resistance switch from below the first value to above the second value?

500 ohms

5K ohms

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the ICM. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step  14

--

13

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

Replace the PCM.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step  14

--

14

  1. Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear any DTC(s).
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Fail Records conditions.
  4. Use the scan tool in order to monitor the Specific DTC Info for DTC P1361.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC 1361 Failed This Ign?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK