GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The ignition system uses individual ignition coil/module assemblies for each cylinder. The engine control module (ECM) controls the individual coils by transmitting timing pulses on the ignition control (IC) circuit of each ignition coil/module to enable a spark event. The ECM monitors each IC circuit for improper voltage levels. Each ignition coil/module has the following circuits:

    • An ignition voltage circuit
    • A ground
    • An IC circuit
    • A low reference circuit

If the ECM detects an open on the IC circuit of the ignition coil/module, it will set the corresponding DTC P0351-P0358.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC P0351 for Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0352 for Ignition Coil 2 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0353 for Ignition Coil 3 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0354 for Ignition Coil 4 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0355 for Ignition Coil 5 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0356 for Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0357 for Ignition Coil 7 Control Circuit
    • DTC P0358 for Ignition Coil 8 Control Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • DTC P0351-P0358 runs continuously once the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects an open on the IC circuit of the ignition coil/module for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the 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.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine Control Module 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 harness connector of the ignition coil/module for the affected cylinder.
  3. Disconnect the harness connector of the fuel injector of the affected cylinder.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Measure in DC Hertz between the ignition control (IC) circuit and the low reference circuit of the ignition coil/module with a DMM.

Is the frequency within the specified range?

3-20 Hz

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Measure in DC Hertz between the IC circuit of the ignition coil/module and a good ground with a DMM.

Is the frequency within the specified range?

3-20 Hz

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect the harness connector of the fuel injector of the affected cylinder.
  3. Exchange the ignition coil/module of the affected cylinder with the ignition coil/module of a known good cylinder.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Observe the Misfire counter parameters with a scan tool.

Does the cylinder misfire transfer with the suspected ignition coil/module?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

6

Test the IC circuit of the ignition coil/module for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

7

Test the low reference circuit of the ignition coil/module for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

8

Test the IC circuit of the ignition coil/module for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

9

Test the low reference circuit of the ignition coil/module for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

10

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ignition coil/module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

11

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the ignition coil/module. Refer to Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 1 or Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 2 .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  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 3

Go to Step 15

15

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