GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to

Cell 20: Engine Controls -- PCM PNP Switch and Starter Enable Control


Object Number: 542905  Size: FS
Ground Distribution Schematics
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Cell 20: Engine Controls - PCM Cruise Control Module and VSS Control
Powertrain Control Module Description
Engine Controls Components
for a wiring diagram.

Circuit Description

The PCM has the ability to disable starter operation if conditions inappropriate for starter operation exist. The PCM disables the starter if the engine is running, if a correct VTD password is not received from the VTD module or if the vehicle operator attempts to engage the starter for an extended period of time.

The PCM controlled starter system consists of the following components:

    • Starter enable relays.
    • The Transaxle Range / Park Neutral Position switch.
    • The ignition switch.
    • The starter solenoid.
    • The PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

The PCM Controlled Starter Diagnosis table is intended to identify electrical malfunctions that can occur with the system. For additional system diagnosis, refer to Starting System Description . For starter motor diagnosis and on-vehicle service, refer to Starting System Check .

Check for the following conditions:

    • Poor connection at the PCM , the starter enable relay, the Transaxle Range / PNP switch, the ignition switch or the starter solenoid.
        Inspect harness connectors for the following conditions:
       - Backed out terminals.
       - Improper mating.
       - Broken locks.
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals.
       - Poor terminal to wire connection.
    • Damaged harness.
        Inspect the wiring harness for damage.
    • Either of the following conditions can cause the PCM to disable starter operation:
       - The engine has been running for longer than 10 seconds.
       - The starter has been continuously engaged for longer than 15 seconds.
       - A correct VTD password has not been received from the VTD module.

Test Description

Numbers below refer to step numbers in the diagnostic table.

  1. Verifies that the condition is present.

  2. Checks for battery positive voltage at starter enable relay #1

  3. For wiring harness service, refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. For starter solenoid diagnosis and repair, refer to Engine Electrical.

  4. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

PCM Controlled Starter Diagnosis

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

Important: If any of the following DTCs are set, diagnose the DTC first:

Attempt to start the vehicle.

Does the engine crank?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Remove starter enable relay #1 from the underhood BEC.
  2. Probe starter enable relay #1 cavity 30 with a test lamp to ground.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 11

4

  1. Connect the test lamp between starter enable relay #1 cavity 85 and ground
  2. Observe the test lamp while turning the ignition switch to the crank position.

Is the test lamp ON with the ignition switch in the crank position?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 13

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Probe starter enable relay #1 cavity 86 with a test lamp to battery positive voltage.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 18

6

  1. Reinstall starter enable relay #1.
  2. Remove starter enable relay #2
  3. Connect the test lamp between starter enable relay #2 cavity 30 and ground.
  4. Observe the test lamp while turning the ignition switch to the crank position.

Is the test lamp ON with the ignition switch in the crank position?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 25

7

  1. Connect the test lamp between starter enable relay #2 cavity 85 and ground
  2. Observe the test lamp while turning the ignition switch to the crank position.

Is the test lamp ON with the ignition switch in the crank position?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 28

8

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Probe starter enable relay #2 cavity 86 with a test lamp to battery positive voltage.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 29

9

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Disconnect the starter solenoid wire (CKT 6) from the starter motor S terminal.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the starter solenoid wire and ground.
  4. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
  5. Probe starter enable relay #2 cavity 87 with a fused jumper to battery positive voltage while observing the test lamp.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 30

10

  1. Remove the jumper.
  2. Reinstall starter enable relay #2.
  3. Observe the test lamp while turning the ignition switch to the crank position.

Is the test lamp ON with the ignition switch in the crank position?

--

Go to Step 33

Go to Step 31

11

  1. Check the 30 amp start solenoid fuse in the underhood BEC.
  2. If the fuse is blown, locate and repair short circuit. Inspect the circuit for the following conditions:
  3. • CKT 542 shorted to ground.
    • CKT 906 shorted to ground.
    • CKT 6 shorted to ground
    • Starter solenoid windings shorted. Refer to Starting System Check .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 12

12

Locate and repair open in CKT 542.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

13

  1. Check the 5 amp crank fuse in the rear BEC.
  2. If the fuse is blown, locate and repair short circuit. Inspect the circuit for the following conditions:
  3. • CKT 806 shorted to ground.
    • Starter enable relay #1 coil shorted.
    • Starter enable relay #2 coil shorted.
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 14

14

  1. Connect a test lamp between CKT 5 at the 5 amp crank fuse terminal cavity and ground.
  2. Observe the test lamp while turning the ignition switch to the crank position.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Locate and repair open in CKT 806 to starter enable relay #1.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

16

  1. Check for an open in CKT 5 between the ignition switch and the rear BEC.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 17

17

Replace the ignition switch and lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement - On Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column-Tilt.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

18

  1. Disconnect the transaxle range / park neutral position switch 7-way harness connector.
  2. Probe the starter enable circuit (CKT 625) at the transaxle range / park neutral position switch harness with a test lamp to battery positive voltage.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 22

19

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Check for the following conditions:
  5. • CKT 575 open between the transaxle range / park neutral position switch and starter enable relay #1.
    • CKT 575 shorted to voltage.
  6. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 20

20

  1. Check for poor terminal connections at the transaxle range / park neutral position switch.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 21

21

Replace the transaxle range / park neutral position switch.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

22

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Check for the following conditions:
  5. • Starter enable circuit (CKT 625) open between the PCM and the transaxle range / park neutral position switch
    • Starter enable circuit (CKT 625) shorted to voltage.
  6. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 23

23

  1. Check the starter enable circuit for a poor terminal connection at the PCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 24

24

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

25

  1. Check CKT 906 for an open between starter enable relay #2 and starter enable relay #1.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 26

26

  1. Check for poor terminal connections at starter enable relay #1.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 27

27

Replace starter enable relay #1.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

28

Locate and repair open in CKT 806 to starter enable relay #2. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

29

Locate and repair open in CKT 575 to starter enable relay #2. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

30

Locate and repair open in CKT 6 between starter enable relay #2 and the starter motor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

31

  1. Check for poor terminal connections at starter enable relay #2.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 32

32

Replace starter enable relay #2.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

33

  1. Check for poor connections at the starter terminals.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 35

Go to Step 34

34

Service the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 35

--

35

Attempt to start the vehicle.

Does the engine crank?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3