Ignition Relay Diagnosis. Chevrolet Tracker

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Tracker - 4WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Ignition Relay Diagnosis

Circuit Description

The ignition relay, also called the main relay, is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM provides a ground for the relays coil anytime the ignition switch is ON. The main relay supplies ignition positive voltage to many engine control systems and components. The following components receive power from the main relay:

•	The fuel pump relay

•	The fuel injectors

•	The mass air flow (MAF) sensor

•	The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system solenoids

•	The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve

•	The idle air control (IAC) valve

•	The powertrain control module (PCM)

Diagnostic Aids

Check for any of the following conditions:

•	Check the resistance of the main relay. The resistance across terminal 3 and terminal 5 is 79-95 ohms at 20°C (68°F). The resistance across terminal 1 and terminal 2 is infinite.

•	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 relays 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.

•	Check for a faulty electrical connection to the PCM.

An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the main relay electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for an intermittent condition. Refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Use the following relay cavity table in order to locate the correct cavities to probe during diagnosis. The table layout corresponds to the cavity layout of the relay block.

Relay Cavity Identification
Switch Power
Switch Load
Coil Power	Empty	Coil Ground

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

The Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

This step will verify whether the PCM is not providing a ground path for the main relay circuit. When terminal 2 of the main relay is grounded, the main relay turns ON.

This step checks for ignition positive voltage at the PCM. The PCM will not operate the main relay if there is no power to terminal 20.

This step checks for an open in the PCM electrical grounds. The PCM will not operate the main relay if there are no electrical grounds.

Step

Action

Yes

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

Check for an open in the following fuses:

•	The IG fuse

•	The FI fuse

Was an open fuse found?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 3

Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
Remove and reinstall the main relay several times while listening for a clicking sound from the relay.

Did the main relay click when being reinstalled into the relay box?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

Turn OFF the ignition.
Remove the main relay from the relay box.
Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
Probe the relay box side of terminal 1 using a test lamp connected to ground. Refer to the Relay Cavity Identification table in Diagnostic Aids.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 7

Probe terminal 3 of the main relay on the relay box side using a test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

Turn OFF the ignition.
Probe terminal 5 of the main relay using a test lamp connected to B+.
Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
Observe the test lamp.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

Repair the open in the ignition positive voltage circuit between the FI fuse and the main relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Check for an open in the main relay control circuit between the main relay and the PCM.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a repair necessary?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 9

Backprobe the PCM electrical connector C4, terminal 3, with a test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

Repair the open in the ignition positive voltage circuit between the IG fuse and the PCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Disconnect the PCM electrical connector C2 and connector C4.
Probe the harness side of the following PCM ground terminals with a test light connected to B+:

•	Terminal C2-25

•	Terminal C2-26

•	Terminal C4-2

•	Terminal C4-8

•	Terminal C4-9

Does the test lamp illuminate at each ground terminal?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

Repair all opens in the PCM ground circuits. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Repair the short to ground in the IG fuse circuit or the FI fuse circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Inspect the main relay circuit for an open or a poor connection, from terminal 2, to the component or system that is not receiving voltage.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a wiring problem?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

Replace the main relay.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

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