GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to

Ignition Control and the Knock Sensor System


Object Number: 30372  Size: FS
Engine Controls Components
Information Sensors
Fuel Injectors
MIL, Instrument Panel, and the DLC
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The 24X reference signal is used to improve idle spark control at low engine speeds. The PCM uses the 24X reference signal to calculate engine rpm and crankshaft position at engine speeds below 1200 rpm. The PCM constantly monitors the number of pulses on the 24X reference circuit and compares the number of 24X reference pulses to the number of 3 X reference pulses and CAM signal pulses being received. If the PCM receives an incorrect number of pulses on the 24X reference circuit, DTC P0336 will set and the PCM will use the 3X reference signal circuit for fuel and ignition control. The engine will continue to start and run using the 3X reference and CAM signals only.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The engine is running (3X reference pulses are being received).
    • The ratio of 24X reference pulses to 3X reference pulses received by the PCM is incorrect.
    • Above conditions for 450 occurrences.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
    • The History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC P0336 can be caused by secondary components leaking high voltage into the ignition module. Check for the following conditions:

    • Incorrect harness routing near secondary ignition components.
    • Ignition coil arcing to wiring harness or Ignition Control Module (check ignition coils for cracks, carbon tracking, or other signs of damage).
    • Secondary ignition wire(s) arcing to wiring harness.

An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation or a wire broken inside the insulation. Check for:

    • Poor connection. Inspect the PCM harness and connectors for improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.
    • Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, disconnect the PCM, turn the ignition on and observe a voltmeter connected to the 24X reference circuit at the PCM harness connector while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the 24X Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor. The 24X and Camshaft Position sensors share the same sensor feed from the PCM. A change in voltage will indicate the location of the fault.

It also may be helpful to monitor the 24X rpm on the scan tool, to look for erratic rpm fluctuations.

Reviewing the Fail 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

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed. Refer to PCM Replacement and Programming Procedures in Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Sensors.

DTC P0336 - 24X Reference Signal Circuit

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain OBD System Check

2

Attempt to start the engine.

Does engine start?

--

Go To Step 3

Go To Engine Cranks but Will Not Run

3

  1. Clear DTC P0336.
  2. Start the engine and idle.
  3. Observe DTC(s).

Is DTC P0336 set?

--

Go To Step 4

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

4

With DVM Check for voltage at Crankshaft Position and Camshaft Postion Sensor Feed circuit.

Does the DVM display a voltage near the specified value?

B+

Go To Step 5

Go To Step 6

5

Disconnect PCM.

  1. With fused jumper apply B+ to Sensor Feed circuit.
  2. Check for voltage at Reference Signal circuit.

Does the DVM display a voltage near the specified value?

B+

Go To Step 12

Go To Step 7

6

Check for the following circuit conditions:

    • Open or short to ground in Sensor Feed circuit.
    • Check connection at PCM.
    • Check connections at 24X Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor.

If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis).

Was a problem found?

--

Go To Step 7

Go To Step 8

7

Check connections at the PCM and replace terminals if necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis).

Did any terminals require replacement?

--

Go To Step 15

Go To Step 8

8

Check connections at the Crankshaft Position Sensor at Reference Signal circuit and replace terminals if necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis).

Did any terminals require replacement?

--

Go To Step 15

Go To Step 9

9

  1. Check Reference Signal circuit for open or short to ground.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis).

Was a problem found?

--

Go To Step 15

Go To Step 10

10

  1. Disconnect 24X Crankshaft Position and Camshaft Position Sensors.
  2. • Check for continuity from CMP harness Reference Low to CKP harness Reference Low circuit.
    • Check for continuity from CKP harness Reference Low and PCM 3X Reference Low circuit.

Does DVM indicate continuity?

0 ohms

Go To Step 12

Go To Step 11

11

Check for the following circuit conditions:

    • Open in 3X Reference Low circuit for 24X Crankshaft Position Sensor.
    • Open in splice for Reference Low circuit.
    • Check connections at PCM and sensors.

If a problem is found, repair as necessary (refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis).

Was a problem found?

--

Go To Step 15

Go To Step 12

12

  1. Ignition Off.
  2. Disconnect 24X Crankshaft Position Sensor connector.
  3. Ignition On.
  4. Probe Reference Low circuit at sensor harness connector with test light to battery voltage.

Is test light On?

--

Go To Step 13

Go To Step 14

13

Replace 24X crankshaft Position Sensor.

Is action complete?

--

Go To Step 15

--

14

Replace the PCM.

Important: Replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to On-Vehicle Service in Powertrain Control Module and Sensors for procedures.Is action complete?

--

Go To Step 15

--

15

  1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTCs.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor SPECIFIC DTC info for DTC P0336 until the DTC P0336 test runs.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0336 failed this ign?

--

Go to Step 2

Repair Complete