GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The main relay provides ignition positive voltage to many engine control components anytime the ignition is ON. One side of the coil of the main relay is always grounded. The relay is energized when the ignition switch applies voltage to the other side of the coil. The switch side of the main relay receives powered from the main fuse in the underhood fuse block. When the coil is energized, a magnetic field closes the switch side of the relay, supplying power to engine components.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Test the condition of the main relay circuits. Measure for 75-95 ohms at 20°C (68°F) continuity across the relay coil, terminal 85 to terminal 86. Measure for infinite resistance across the relay switch, terminal 30 to terminal 87.
    • The main relay electrical contacts may be pitted or sticking. Replace the main relay if tapping gently on the relay or wiggling the relay causes a change in the relay's operation.
    • The performance of the main relay may be affected by temperature. Check the main relay after sitting outside overnight and after running the engine 30 minutes.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views and 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

Are DTCs P0562, P0563, P1610 or P1611 also set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

Important: This procedure assumes there are no open fuses. Perform any necessary repairs and replace the open fuse before using this procedure.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the cover from the Underhood Fuse Block.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.
  4. With a test light connected to ground, probe both terminals of both ECM fuses.

Did the test lamp illuminate on at least one terminal for both fuses?

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 4

4

Did the test lamp illuminate for at least one fuse?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Remove the main relay.
  2. Connect the test lamp between the B+ circuit of the main relay and ground.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Did the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 11

6

Connect the test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the main relay and ground.

Did the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 12

7

Connect the test lamp between the ground circuit of the main relay and B+.

Did the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 13

8

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connections at the main relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the main relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

--

10

Repair the open or poor connection in the load circuit of the main relay between the relay and the applicable fuse. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 14

--

11

Repair the open or poor connection in the B+ circuit of the main relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 14

--

12

Repair the open or poor connection in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the main relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 14

--

13

Repair the open or poor connection in the ground circuit of the main relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 14

--

14

Operate the vehicle within the conditions under which the original concern was noted.

Does the system operate properly with no DTCs?

System OK

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List