GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Vehicle Theft Deterrent system consists of the following components:

    • Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
    • Body Control Module (BCM)
    • Ignition Lock and Key

After the Body Control Module (BCM) has confirmed the key resistor pellet, the BCM sends a password to the PCM via the Class 2 Serial Data circuit. When this password matches the password stored in the PCM, the system enables the fuel. If the BCM does not send a password or if the PCM does not receive it, the vehicle will not start unless the PCM is in VTD Fail-Enabled mode. If the BCM and PCM loose communications with each other after the system has received the correct password, the PCM goes into VTD Fail-Enable mode. This allows the driver to restart the vehicle on future ignition cycles until communications between the BCM and PCM are restored. If the BCM and PCM loose communications before the PCM receives the BCM password, the PCM disables the fuel until communications is restored in order to prevent vehicle theft. In both cases DTC P1626 sets. The PCM will not disable the fuel injection once the PCM enabled the fuel within a given ignition cycle in order to prevent stalling as a result of VTD system faults.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The system has reached fuel enable decision point.
    • The PCM is in Failed Enable Mode due to loss of communications with the BCM after the system received the correct password earlier in the ignition cycle.
    • The PCM does receive the password message from the BCM prior to the VTD Fuel Decision Point.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM enables the fuel on future ignition cycles only if the PCM is in Failed Enable Mode.
    • The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

The most likely cause of DTC P1626 is a loss of serial data communication from the BCM. Check for a loss of power to the BCM or for other causes of communication loss. Check for the following intermittent conditions on the class 2 circuit:

    • Open Circuit
    • Grounded Circuit
    • Shorted to a voltage

DTC P1626 Theft Deterrent System Fuel Enable Circuit

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Does the engine start and idle?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Body Control Module (BCM) Diagnosis

3

Important: : Monitor all the DTC status parameters and observe any additional DTCs before Clearing the DTCs.

  1. Clear the PCM DTCs using a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for one minute.
  3. Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and idle?

--

Intermittent Condition. Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go To Step 4

4

Is DTC P1626 set?

--

Go to Body Control Module (BCM) Diagnosis

Intermittent Condition. Go to Diagnostic Aids