GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The DTC P2026 Fuel Vapor Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Voltage diagnostic monitors the fuel vapor temperature sensor signal. A thermistor is a resistor whose value varies with the temperature. The electrical resistance of the vapor temperature sensor is high when the fuel tank vapor temperature is cold, and the resistance is low when the vapor temperature is warm. The sensor is wired in series with a fixed resistor in the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM applies 5 volts to the vapor temperature sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage across the sensor and converts the voltage into a temperature reading. The voltage measured by the PCM will be high when the vapor temperature is cold, and low when the vapor temperature is warm.

Temperature

Sensor Resistance

Sensor Signal Voltage

Cold

High

High

Warm

Low

Low

Condition for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel vapor temperature signal voltage indicates a temperature of more than 133°C (271°F).
    • The above condition is met for at least 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL turns off after 3 consecutively passing cycles without a fault present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • Perform the scan tool clear DTC Information function in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for any of the following conditions:

    • A damaged wiring harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the fuel vapor temperature display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses related to the fuel vapor temperature sensor. A change in the fuel vapor temperature display will indicate the location of the fault.
    • When replacing the fuel vapor temperature sensor the Temperature to Resistance Value scale may be used to test the sensor at various temperature levels in order to evaluate the possibility of a shifted and incorrectly calibrated sensor. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance . A shifted sensor may result in poor driveability complaints.

An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the fuel vapor temperature sensor circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for an intermittent condition. Refer to Intermittent Conditions .

If the DTC P2026 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.

Test Description

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

  1. 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.

  2. This step will determine if a fault is present.

  3. Review the Freeze Frame data to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.

  4. This step determines if the fault is caused by a shorted signal return circuit or by a malfunctioning fuel vapor temperature sensor.

  5. Clearing the DTCs by removing the DOME fuse also clears the PCM long term memory. Using the scan tool to clear DTCs leaves the long term memory active. DTC emitting diagnostics may not run to completion as expected unless the long term memory is cleared. Removal of the DOME fuse also clears the time display of the radio. The DTC P2026 diagnostic can be monitored on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P2026 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the DTC P2026 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P2026 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the DTC P2026 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT illuminated, and there is no Pending DTC Status in DTC Information, the DTC P2026 diagnostic has passed. The DTCs MUST be cleared in order to view the Current Status of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT forget that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed or failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for Current or Pending status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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, leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Observe the fuel tank vapor temperature sensor on the scan tool data list.

Is the fuel vapor temperature at the specified value?

165°C (329°F)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Use the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions as noted or until the DTC P2026 diagnostic test has run.

Is DTC P2026 set?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the fuel vapor temperature sensor electrical connector.
  2. Observe the fuel vapor temperature parameter on the scan tool.

Is the fuel vapor temperature at the specified value?

-40°C

(-40°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Test the sensor signal circuit for a short to ground.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the fuel vapor temperature sensor. Refer to Fuel Vapor Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the DOME fuse for 30 seconds.
  3. Install the DOME fuse.
  4. Reset the radio clock time. Refer to Radio/Audio System Description and Operation in Entertainment.
  5. Start the engine.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text or until the DTC P2026 diagnostic test has run.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 2

9

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK