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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2007 🢒 XLR 🢒 Driver Information and Entertainment 🢒 Cellular, Entertainment, and Navigation 🢒 DTC P1617

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 Descriptor

DTC P1617 : Engine Oil Level Switch Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Engine Oil Level Switch Signal Circuit

2

P1617

P1617

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Engine Oil Level Switch Ground Circuit

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P1617

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Circuit/System Description

The engine oil level sensor/switch is normally closed but opens when there is a low engine oil level condition. When the sensor/switch is open the engine control module (ECM) will detect a high signal voltage input. With the ignition switch turned ON and the engine OFF, the (ECM) should detect a full oil level or a low signal voltage input. When the engine speed is at least 2,000 RPM, the ECM should detect a transition from low voltage to a high voltage on the signal circuit of the engine oil level sensor/switch. The IPC displays the Low Engine Oil Level message in the DIC when a low engine oil level condition is present.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The vehicle is travelling at a speed greater than 5 km/h (3 mph).
    • The throttle position is greater than 5 percent.
    • The engine speed is at least 2,000 RPM.
    • The vehicle is cruising and is not accelerating.
    • The following DTCs are not set:
       - P0122
       - P0123
       - P0506
       - P0507

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The ECM does not detect a transition from a low voltage to a high voltage when the engine speed is at least 2,000 RPM.
    • The above condition is present for at least 5 minutes.
    • The condition may be present for up to 25 minutes before setting a DTC.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic test fails. The ECM displays this information in the Failure Records on the scan tool.
    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the low engine oil level message in the DIC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction-free warm-up cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 4.6L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 4.4L engine

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 4.6L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 4.4L engine

Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing (Switch)
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine oil level switch.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminals B and ground.
    3. ⇒If greater than 1 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Engine Oil Level Switch parameter is Low.
    4. ⇒If not Low, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the ground circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Level Switch parameter is OK.
    5. ⇒If not OK, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the engine oil level switch.

Circuit/System Testing (Sensor)
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the engine oil level sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit terminals C and ground.
    3. ⇒If greater than 1 ohm, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Engine Oil Level Switch parameter is Low.
    4. ⇒If not Low, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal C. Verify the scan tool Engine Oil Level Switch parameter is OK.
    5. ⇒If not OK, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the engine oil level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Oil Level Sensor and/or Switch Replacement for the 4.6L engine
    •  Engine Oil Level Sensor and/or Switch Replacement for the 4.4L engine
    •  Control Module References for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming