GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The throttle body assembly contains an idle speed control (ISC) motor that is used to control the engine speed at idle. The engine control module (ECM) commands the ISC motor to adjust the throttle angle for idle speed control. The throttle position (TP) sensor and the ISC motor position sensor are also integrated into the throttle body assembly. Both of the position sensors share a common 5-volt reference circuit and a common low reference circuit. Each position sensor has an individual signal circuit, which provides the ECM with a signal voltage proportional to throttle plate movement. If the ECM detects the ISC motor position sensor signal voltage is too low, this DTC sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0222 Idle Speed Control (ISC) Motor Position Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON or the engine is operating.
    • The ignition 1 voltage is more than 10 volts.
    • This DTC runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the ISC position sensor voltage is less than 0.275 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets - European Emissions

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
    • A history DTC is stored.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets - Non European Emissions

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate when the diagnostic runs and fails.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC - European Emissions

    • The MIL will turn OFF after 4 consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.
    • Disconnect the ECM battery feed for 10 seconds.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC - Non European Emissions

    • The MIL will turn OFF when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.
    • Disconnect the ECM battery feed for 10 seconds.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connect End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the ISC motor position sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

0.3 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the throttle body harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Notice: Do NOT use the low reference circuit in the component harness connector for this test. Damage to the control module may occur due to excessive current draw.

  5. Connect a test lamp between the 5-volt reference circuit of the ISC motor position sensor and a good ground.
  6. Connect a DMM to the probe of the test lamp and a good ground. Refer to Measuring Voltage Drop in Wiring Systems.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

4.8 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the 5 volt reference circuit of the ISC motor position sensor. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the ISC motor position sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Important: The 5-volt reference circuits are internally connected within the controller. Other sensors that share the 5-volt reference circuit may also have DTCs set. Disconnecting a sensor on the shared 5-volt reference circuit may isolate a shorted sensor. Review the electrical schematic and diagnose the shared circuits and sensors.

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the ISC motor position sensor and all shared 5-volt reference circuits for the following:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • High resistance

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

7

Test the signal circuit of the ISC motor position sensor for the following:

    • A short to ground
    • An open
    • High resistance

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

8

Test for shorted terminals and for poor connections at the throttle body. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Test for shorted terminals and for poor connections at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the throttle body assembly. Refer to Throttle Body Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 13

13

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK