GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The boost pressure sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. Pressure in the intake manifold is affected by turbocharger output, engine speed, accelerator pedal input, air temperature, and barometric pressure (BARO). A diaphragm within the boost pressure sensor is displaced by the pressure changes that occur from the varying load and operating conditions of the engine. The sensor translates this action into electrical resistance. The boost pressure sensor wiring includes 3 circuits. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a regulated 5 volts to the sensor on a 5-volt reference circuit. The ECM supplies a ground on a low reference circuit. The boost pressure sensor provides a signal voltage to the ECM, relative to the pressure changes, on the boost pressure sensor signal circuit. The ECM converts the signal voltage input to a pressure value.

Under normal operation, the lowest pressure that can exist in the intake manifold is equal to the BARO. This occurs when the vehicle is operating at idle or when the ignition is ON, while the engine is OFF. Under these conditions, the ECM uses the boost pressure sensor to aid in diagnosis of the BARO sensor. The highest manifold pressures occur when the turbocharger output is high. Manifold pressure can range from 58 kPa (8 psi) when pressure are low, to more than 240 kPa (34 psi) when pressures are high, depending on the BARO. The boost pressure sensor has a range of 33-255 kPa (4-36 psi). The ECM also uses the boost pressure sensor to provide engine overboost protection. The ECM monitors the boost pressure sensor signal for pressure outside of the normal range. If the ECM detects a boost pressure sensor signal pressure that is excessively low, DTC P0237 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0237 Turbocharger Boost Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • The ignition voltage is more than 7 volts.
    • DTC P0237 runs continuously within the enabling conditions.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The boost pressure is less than 37 kPa (5 psi) for 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.
    • The ECM limits fuel delivery.

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 Control Module 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. Start the engine.
  2. Monitor the DTC Information with the scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0652 is also set?

--

Go to DTC P0652

Go to Step 3

3

Observe the boost pressure sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the pressure less than the specified value?

37 kPa (5 psi)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  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 5

Go to Intermittent Conditions

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the boost pressure sensor electrical connector. Refer to Turbocharger Pressure Sensor Replacement .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the boost pressure sensor to a good ground with a DMM.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

4.8 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit and the signal circuit of the boost pressure sensor.

Does the scan tool indicate that the pressure is more than the specified value?

254 kPa (36 psi)

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the boost pressure sensor for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

8

Test the signal circuit of the boost pressure sensor for a short to ground or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the boost pressure 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 13

Go to Step 11

10

Inspect for poor connections at the engine control module (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 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the boost pressure sensor. Refer to Turbocharger Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

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 13

--

13

  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 14

14

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