GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 105445  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: Auto Transmission Controls and VSS Output
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

Various components apply a voltage to the Vehicle Speed Output circuit. The PCM creates the Vehicle Speed Output signal by rapidly grounding this circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The driver operates at the same rate as the VSS signal input. The various components recognize the voltage being pulled to ground as an indication of vehicle speed.

The driver supplies the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low (near 0 volts). When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage). If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status changes causing the DTC to set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The engine speed is greater than 600 RPM.
    • The PCM detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do not match.
    • The condition must be present for a minimum of 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The powertrain control module (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 MIL/DTC

    • A last test failed, or the current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if failures are not reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL/DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

This DTC will not report a pass. The scan tool status for this DTC will never report a pass, so it will appear that the diagnostic never runs.

Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can aid in determining how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid determining how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.

For an intermittent, refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Important: If the I/P is completely inoperative, refer to Body and Accessories for further diagnosis.

    Further circuit diagnosis may require I/P removal. The circuit from the PCM to the speedometer must be checked for being open, shorted to ground or, voltage. If you do not find any trouble, follow the appropriate I/P diagnostic procedure.

  2. This DTC will not report a pass. The scan tool status for this DTC will never report a pass. The scan tool will only display when the diagnostic fails. The repair is not complete if the scan tool indicates that the diagnostic ran and failed.

DTC P0608 - Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Output 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

Important:: Do Not perform this test without supporting the lower control arms so that the drive axles are in a normal horizontal position. Running the vehicle with the wheels hanging down at full travel may damage the drive axles.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Raise the drive wheels.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Disable the ASR/TCS systems (if so equipped).
  5. Allow the engine to idle in gear.

Does the vehicles speedometer indicate vehicle speed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector located on the opposite side of the manufacturer's logo.
  3. Install the Signal Generator Tester J 33431-B to PCM harness connector terminal containing the VSS output circuit and the other connector to ground.
  4. Turn ON the ignition.
  5. Turn ON the Signal Generator Tester.
  6. Set the Signal Generator Tester to generate a vehicle speed signal.

Does the vehicle's speedometer indicate vehicle speed?

--

Go to Step 4

Further diagnosis of circuit required. Go to Body and Accessories/Wiring Systems.

4

Check for faulty connections at the PCM.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Important: Program the replacement PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module/Throttle Actuator Control Module Replacement .

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC option using the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
  4. Operate vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test failed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 7

7

Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK