GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 Descriptors

DTC P0642: 5-Volt Reference 1 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0643: 5-Volt Reference 1 Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Crankshaft 58 X - 5-Volt Reference

P0642

P0335, P2453

P0335, P2453

P0341, P0401, P0643

Camshaft 4 X - 5-Volt Reference

P0642

P0340

P0340

P0340, P0401, P0643

Intake Air Flow Valve

P0642

P02E7

P02E8

P0401, P0643

Fuel Tank Level Sensor 2

P0642, P2067

P2068

P2068

P0643, P2068

EV Fan Sensor

P0117, P0462, P0522, P0642

--

P0526

P0118, P0455, P0533, P0643

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to components through 5-volt reference circuits. These 5-volt reference circuits are independent of each other outside the ECM, but are bussed together in three reference groups inside the ECM. Therefore, a circuit condition on one sensor 5-volt reference circuit may affect multiple components. The ECM monitors voltage on the 5-volt reference circuits.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The diagnostics run continuously.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0642

    • The ECM detects the 5-volt reference 1 circuit voltage is less than 4.7 volts.
    • The above condition is present for 2 seconds.

P0643

    • The ECM detects the 5-volt reference 1 circuit voltage is more than 5.2 volts.
    • The above condition is present for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0642 and P0643 are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0642 and P0643 are Type A DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. The engine starts and runs.
  2. Observe the 5-Volt Reference 1 Circuit Status parameter with a scan tool. The parameter should display OK.
  3. Engine running, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTCs P0642 or P0643 should not set.
  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 data.

Circuit/System Testing

Important: Additional DTCs will set when disconnecting the components.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of all appropriate sensors for the applicable DTC.
  2. Important: A short to voltage on the signal circuit of certain components may cause this DTC to set.

  3. Ignition ON, measure for 4.8-5.2 volts between one of the 5-volt reference circuits and ground.
  4. If the voltage is less than the specified range, test for a short to ground on all the 5-volt reference circuits. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
    If the voltage is greater than the specified range, test for a short to voltage on all the 5-volt reference circuits. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
  5. Connect each component associated with the 5-volt reference circuit, one at a time, while monitoring the voltage. The voltage should not change more than 1 volt.
  6. If the voltage display increases greater than the specified value when a component is connected, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
    If the voltage display decreases more than the specified value when a component is connected, replace the component.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement
    •  Intake Air Valve Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming