GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    •  Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0641: 5-Volt Reference 1 Circuit

DTC P0642: 5-Volt Reference 1 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0643: 5-Volt Reference 1 Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0651: 5-Volt Reference 2 Circuit

DTC P0652: 5-Volt Reference 2 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0653: 5-Volt Reference 2 Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0697: 5-Volt Reference 3 Circuit

DTC P0698: 5-Volt Reference 3 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0699: 5-Volt Reference 3 Circuit High Voltage

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) has 3 5-volt reference circuits. The ECM provides the 5-volt reference to various sensors. Each reference circuit provides a 5-volt reference for greater than one sensor. An open, short to ground, or short voltage on one of the 5-volt reference circuits can affect all the components connected to that 5-volt reference circuit. The ECM monitors the voltage on the 5-volt reference circuits.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON for greater than 2 seconds.
    • DTCs P0641, P0642, P0643, P0651, P0652, P0653, P0697, P0698, and P0699 run continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The 5-volt reference circuit voltage is greater or less than a predetermined threshold. The condition exists, then a 5 second delay for MIL ON.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0641, P0642, P0643, P0651, P0652, P0653, P0697, P0698, and P0699 are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0641, P0642, P0643, P0651, P0652, P0653, P0697, P0698, and P0699 are Type A DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The 5-volt reference 1 circuit provides 5 V to the following sensors:
       - The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor
       - The engine oil pressure (EOP) sensor
       - The fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor-LLT only
    • The 5-volt reference 2 circuit provides 5 V to the following sensors:
       - All four camshaft position (CMP) sensors
       - Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1
    • The 5-volt reference 3 circuit provides 5 V to the following sensors:
       - Throttle position sensor (TPS) 1 and 2
       - Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
       - Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 2
       - A/C pressure sensor
    • If the condition is intermittent, move the related harnesses and connectors with the engine operating. Monitor the scan tool 5-volt Reference Circuit Test Status parameters for the affected components. The circuit test status parameter will change from OK or Not Run to Fault if there is a condition with the circuit or a connection.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC P0641, P0642, P0643, P0651, P0652, P0653, P0697, P0698, or P0699 should not set.
  2. Observe the appropriate scan tool 5-volt Reference Circuit Status parameter. The parameter should display OK or Not Run.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

    Note: Additional DTCs will set when disconnecting the components.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of all appropriate sensors for the applicable DTC. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 4.6-5.2 V between one of the affected 5-volt reference circuits and ground.
  3. If the voltage is less than the specified range, test for an open between the ECM and the splice for all of the affected components. Or, test for a short to ground on the 5-volt reference circuit for each of the affected components. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
    If the voltage is greater than the specified range, test for a short to voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit for each of the affected components. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.

    Note: A short to voltage on the signal circuit of certain components may cause this DTC to set.

  4. Connect each component associated with the affected 5-volt reference circuit one at a time while monitoring the appropriate scan tool 5-Volt Reference Circuit Status parameter. The parameter should continue to display OK.
  5. If the parameter displays Fault when a component is connected, test the signal circuit of that component for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the component.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Fuel Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Sensor and/or Switch Replacement
    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust
    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 (Left Side) Intake
    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 (Right Side) Exhaust
    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 (Right Side) Intake
    •  Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Throttle Body Assembly Replacement
    •  Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming