GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

Circuit Description

The PCM uses the 5 Volt Reference A circuit as a sensor feed to the following sensors:

    •  The TP sensor.
    •  The MAP sensor.
    •  The EGR Valve Pintle Position sensor.
    •  Fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor

The PCM monitors the voltage on the 5 Volt Reference A circuit. If the voltage is out of tolerance, the PCM will set DTC P1635.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    •  The PCM detects a voltage out of tolerance condition on the 5 Volt Reference A circuit.
    •  Above condition for longer than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has run and passed.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

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 numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. Important: :  DTC must have failed this ignition to be properly diagnosed.

    The 5 Volt Reference circuits have multiple PCM pins, be sure to test all components on the 5 Volt Reference A circuits only.

  2. The 5 Volt Reference circuits have multiple PCM pins, be sure to test all components on the 5 Volt Reference A circuits only.

  3. 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

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

Important:: The DTC must have failed this ignition to be diagnosed correctly.

    • Turn ON the ignition , with the engine OFF.
    • With a DMM, Measure the voltage from the 5 Volt Reference circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5.0V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

With a DMM observe the voltage while disconnecting all components connected to the 5 Volt Reference circuit one at a time.

Does voltage change when one of the components is disconnected?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value?

4.9V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

5

    • Reconnect the component tested earlier.
    • Test another 5 Volt Reference circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5.0V

Go to Step 9

Go to step 8

6

Test all 5 Volt Reference A circuits for a short to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in wiring systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

7

Test all 5 Volt reference A circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Wiring Repairs in wiring systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the affected component. Refer to appropriate component replacement.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Important: : The replacement PCM must be programmed.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs

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