Circuit Description
The rough road sensor is a vertical low G-acceleration sensor. By sensing vertical acceleration caused by rough road conditions, the engine control module (ECM) can determine if the changes in crankshaft speed are due to engine misfire or are driveline induced. If the rough road sensor detects a rough road condition, the ECM misfire detection diagnostic will be de-activated. The rough road sensor at rest output should be between 2.35-2.65 volts. During a rough road condition, the voltage output can vary between 0.5 volts and 4.5 volts. The rough road sensor is a capacitive type sensor with 3 circuits:
| • | A 5-volt reference circuit |
| • | A low reference circuit |
| • | A signal circuit |
The ECM provides the rough road sensor with 5 volts on the 5-volt reference circuit and a ground on the low reference circuit. Vibration to the rough road sensor from rough road conditions in the road, provides the ECM with a signal voltage from less than 1 volt to more than 4 volts. If the ECM detects an excessively low signal voltage, this DTC sets.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P1392 Rough Road Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running. |
| • | DTC P1392 runs continuously once the above condition is met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects that the rough road sensor voltage is less than 0.10 volts for more than 10 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate. |
| • | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records. |
| • | The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | 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 non-emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Clear the DTC with a scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection at the ECM--Inspect the harness connections for backed-out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and a poor terminal-to-wire connection. |
| • | A damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the rough road sensor display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault. |
Since the rough road sensor shares the ECM 5-volt reference and ground terminals with the A/C pressure sensor, a damaged A/C pressure sensor harness or sensor could cause a rough road sensor DTC to set.
The rough road sensor will give correct voltages only if it is level and mounted securely to its bracket.
Reviewing the Failure 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.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views | ||||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||
Is the voltage less than the specified value? | 0.10 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 | |||||||
3 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Intermittent Conditions | ||||||
4 |
Is the voltage within the specified range? | 4.8-5.2 V | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
5 |
Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 4.8 V | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||
6 | Measure the resistance between the low reference circuit of the rough road sensor and the engine control module (ECM) housing with a DMM. Is the resistance less than the specified value? | 2 ohms | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 9 | ||||||
7 |
Important: The 5-volt reference circuits are internally and externally connected at the controller. Other sensors that share the 5-volt reference circuit may also have DTCs set. Disconnecting a sensor on the shared 5-volt reference circuit may isolate a shorted sensor. Review the electrical schematic and diagnose the shared circuits and sensors. Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the rough road sensor for the following conditions:
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 signal circuit of the rough road sensor for the following conditions:
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 | ||||||
9 |
Important: The ECM and/or the rough road sensor may be damaged if the low reference circuit is shorted to battery positive voltage. Test the low reference circuit of the rough road sensor for the following conditions:
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 shorted terminals and for a poor connection at the rough road sensor. 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 shorted terminals and for a poor connection at the ECM. 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 13 | ||||||
12 | Replace the rough road sensor. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||||
13 | Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 14 | -- | |||||||
14 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 15 | ||||||
15 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | System OK | |||||||
