GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to

Cell 21: Ignition Controls


Object Number: 364348  Size: FS
Engine Controls Component Views
Information Sensors/Switches Description
Cell 21: Fuel Controls
Cell 21: Power, Ground, MIL, and DLC
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Ground Distribution Schematics

Circuit Description

The Ignition Control (IC) Module sends signals that the PCM requires for fuel control and spark advance calculations. At the start of engine crank the IC Module controls spark advance. When the second 3X reference pulse is recognized by the PCM, the PCM applies 5.0 volts to the Bypass circuit. The 5 volts on the Bypass circuit commands the IC Module to switch spark advance to PCM control. At this time, the IC Module will remove the ground it has applied to the IC circuit. When the IC pulses are not grounded, the IC Module can use the IC pulses to control spark advance. A short in the IC circuit or an open or short to ground in the Bypass circuit will cause the PCM to set DTC P1361. The engine may be started but will run with the ICM controlling spark timing.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    •  Engine speed greater than 600 rpm.
    •  No DTC P1351 set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    •  The PCM does not monitor IC pulses while IC mode spark advance is commanded.
    • The conditions is present for 300 3X reference periods (100 crankshaft revolutions).

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

Check for the following conditions:

    •  Poor connection at PCM. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.
    •  Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, disconnect the IC Module, turn the ignition on and observe a voltmeter connected between the IC circuit and battery positive voltage while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the IC Module. A change in voltage will indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

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.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain OBD System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Start the engine and let idle for 2 minutes.
  2. Observe DTCs.

Did DTC P1361 set?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Install a test lamp between battery positive voltage and the bypass circuit at the PCM harness connector.

Is the test lamp on?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the ignition ON.
  2. With the test lamp installed between battery positive voltage and the bypass circuit, measure the resistance between the IC circuit and the reference low circuit using a DMM.

Is the resistance more than the specified value?

6Kohms (6,000ohms)

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the IC Module connector.
  3. Probe IC circuit with a test lamp to battery positive voltage.

Is test lamp on?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Test the bypass circuit for an open.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Test the bypass circuit for a poor terminal connection at the IC Module.
  2. If a problem is found, replace faulty terminal. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , Repairing Connector Terminals and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

8

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the IC Module connector.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Observe test lamp connected between the bypass circuit and battery positive voltage.

Is the test light on?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 14

9

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the Ignition Control Module.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Test the IC circuit for a short to voltage.
  5. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

10

Locate and repair short to ground in the IC circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

11

Locate and repair short to ground in the bypass circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

12

  1. Test the Bypass circuit for a poor terminal connection at the PCM.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , Repairing Connector Terminals and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Important: Replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the IC Module. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement .

Is the 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 P1361.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P1361 failed?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK