GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) system is incorporated within the Body Control Module (BCM). The PCM monitors the state of health serial data message from the VTD system to ensure that the PCM to BCM communications is established. If the PCM detects a loss of the state of health message while the engine is running, DTC P1626 will be set. DTC P1626 can cause a no-start condition or normal operation depending on when the loss of VTD system communication was detected. The engine will continue to start and run if the condition that set DTC P1626 occurred after the PCM received a valid VTD password from the BCM and already allowed fuel during the ignition cycle. The engine will start and immediately stall if the condition that set DTC P1626 occurred before the PCM received a valid VTD password. With this condition present, the PCM will inhibit fuel delivery and disable the starter until a valid VTD password is detected. Refer to Vehicle Theft Deterrent System for further information regarding the VTD system.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The VTD system has allowed fuel delivery.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM has detected a loss of the state of health serial data message from the VTD system.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function.

Diagnostic Aids

For complete serial data line schematics and VTD system diagnosis, refer to Electrical Diagnosis.

An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation or a wire broken inside the insulation. Check for the following conditions:

Important: Several BCM diagnostic procedures call for disconnecting the BCM and then turning the vehicle ignition to the RUN position. These procedures will result in the PCM setting DTC P1626. Therefore, DTC P1626 stored in history may be the result of previous BCM diagnostic work.

    • Intermittent short circuit on the serial data circuit. Refer to Data Link Connector (DLC) System Check in Electrical Diagnosis. Be sure to check all related wiring for an intermittent short to ground or short to voltage.
    • Poor connection. Inspect the PCM and BCM harness and connectors for improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.
    • Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. Check for an intermittent short or open circuit in the wiring harnesses related to the BCM, including the ignition, battery feed, ground, and serial data circuits. Refer to troubleshooting procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

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.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: If a loss of DLC data has already been diagnosed using the DLC Diagnosis table, clear this DTC and continue diagnosis with Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Important: If BCM diagnostic procedures have been performed, clear this DTC and continue diagnosis with Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Attempt to select Vehicle Theft Deterrent system data with the scan tool.

Can Vehicle Theft Deterrent system data be displayed?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM and the BCM.
  3. Check the serial data circuit for an open between the BCM and the PCM. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Data Link Communications .
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Check the serial data circuit for poor connections at the PCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , Repairing Connector Terminals and Connector Repairs .

problem found?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

  1. Check the serial data circuit for poor connections at the BCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , Repairing Connector Terminals and Connector Repairs .

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) System Check

6

  1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTC P1626.
  3. Attempt to start the vehicle.

Does the vehicle start and continue to run?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK