GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Circuit Description

The PCM controls engine idle speed by adjusting the position of the idle air control (IAC) motor pintle. The IAC is a bi-directional motor driven by two coils. The PCM pulses current to the IAC coils in steps (counts) to extend the IAC pintle into a passage in the throttle body to decrease air flow. The PCM reverses the current pulses to retract the pintle, increasing air flow. This method allows highly accurate control of idle speed and quick response to changes in engine load.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

    •  Restricted air intake system. Inspect for a possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted air filter element, or foreign objects blocking the air intake system.
    •  Throttle body. Inspect for objects blocking the IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle bore and on the throttle plate.
         Inspect for a sticking throttle plate. Also inspect the IAC passage for deposits or objects which will not allow the IAC pintle to fully extend.
    •  Vacuum leak. Inspect for a condition that may cause a vacuum leak, such as disconnected or damaged hoses, leaks at EGR valve and EGR pipe to intake manifold, leaks at throttle body, faulty or incorrectly installed PCV valve, leaks at intake manifold brake booster hose disconnected, etc.

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.

Many situations may lead to an intermittent condition. Perform each inspection or test as directed.

Important: :  Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

    • Loose terminal connection
       -  Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
       -  Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
    • Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.
    •  Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.

If the condition is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Snapshot or Freeze Frame/Failure Records may be useful in determining when the DTC or condition was identified.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number 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 being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Turn all accessories OFF (A/C, Rear defroster etc.)
  3. Using a scan tool, command RPM up to 1500, down to 650, and then up to 1500 while monitoring engine speed on the scan tool.

Does the engine speed remain within the specified value of Desired Idle for each RPM command?

50 RPM

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the IAC.
  2. Install a J 37027-A IAC system motor analyzer to the IAC harness connector.
  3. With the engine running, command RPM up to 1500, down to 650, and then up to 1500 while observing the J 37027-A IAC system motor analyzer lights.

Does J 37027-A IAC system motor analyzer light cycle red and green, NEVER OFF?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Test the following circuits for an open, short to voltage, or short to ground:
  2. •  IAC A Low
    •  IAC A High
    •  IAC B Low
    •  IAC BA High
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

5

Was a low idle symptom or rich condition noticed?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Visually/physically inspect for the following conditions:

    • Throttle body tampering.
    • Restricted air intake system.
    • Collapsed air intake duct.
    • Restricted air filter element.
    • Foreign objects blocking the air intake system.
    • Throttle body. Test for objects blocking the IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle bore and on the throttle plate.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

7

Visually and physically inspect for the following conditions:

    • Vacuum leaks--Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
    • Throttle body tampering
    • Throttle plate or throttle shaft for binding
    • Accelerator and cruise control cables for being misadjusted or for binding--Refer to Accelerator Control Cable Replacement .
    •  Faulty, missing, or incorrectly installed PCV valve--Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Description .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8

Test for a poor connection at the IAC harness connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the IAC valve. Refer to Idle Air Control Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

10

Test for a poor connection at the PCM harness connector. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Important :  The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Clear DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. All accessories OFF (A/C, Rear defroster etc.)
  4. Using a scan tool, command RPM up to 1500, down to 650, and then up to 1500 while monitoring engine speed on the scan tool.

Does the engine speed remain within the specified value of Desired Idle for each RPM command?

50 RPM

System OK

Go to Step 3