GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) provides a 5-volt reference to the following sensors:

    • The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
    • The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1
    • The fuel level sensor 2

The ECM monitors voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit. If the ECM detects that the voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit is outside a calibrated range, DTC P0641 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects a voltage that is out of range on the 5-volt reference circuit.
    • The above condition is present for longer than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step will determine if the APP sensor 1 is at fault, or if another device or circuit condition is at fault.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module (ECM) Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the accelerated pedal position (APP) sensor electrical connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the APP sensor 1 harness connector to a good ground with a DMM.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Step  5

Go to Step 4

4

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

5.2 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Connect the APP sensor electrical connector.
  2. Disconnect the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.
  3. Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the MAP sensor harness connector to a good ground with a DMM.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Monitor the DMM while disconnecting all other devices connected to this 5-volt reference circuit one at a time.
  2. If the voltage changes when one of the components is disconnected, replace the component. Refer to the appropriate replacement procedure.

Was a component replaced?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Test this 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or a short to any sensor low reference circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

8

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Test the following circuits for a short to voltage:
  3. • All circuits on this 5-volt reference circuit
    • The MAP sensor signal circuit
    • Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

9

Replace the APP sensor. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 12

12

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK