GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 397321  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: Electronic Throttle Actuator Control Module, PCM, Throttle Stepper Motor
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The TAC Module and the PCM communicate via a dedicated serial data circuit. This serial data circuit is separate from any other serial data circuit on the vehicle. Accurate transmitting and receiving of serial data requires not only good circuit integrity, but also adequate system voltage. This diagnostic monitors the accuracy of the serial data transmitted between the TAC Module and the PCM. If a loss of data or invalid data is detected, this DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Ignition switch is in the crank or run position.
    • Ignition voltage greater than 5.23 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Invalid or missing serial data messages are detected for a predetermined amount of time.
    • All above conditions met for less than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the MIL and the Reduced Engine Power light will be on when this diagnostic fails.
    • The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records.
    • If no other TAC System DTCs are set, the TAC System will operate in Reduced Engine Power mode, and this DTC will be stored. If certain TAC System DTCs are set at the same time, the TAC System will either default to a more tightly restricted mode of operation if it is determined that limited safe operation is possible, or command engine shut down.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn the MIL off after three consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A History DTC will clear after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • A last test failed (Current DTC) will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • PCM battery voltage is interrupted.

       Important: The clear DTC info function may have to be performed twice in order to clear a Throttle Actuator Control System DTC.

    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent may be caused by the following:

    • Check the TAC Module power and ground circuits and the TAC Module/PCM serial data circuits for intermittent connections.
    • Poor connections. Check for adequate terminal tension. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    • Corrosion
    • Mis-routed harness
    • Rubbed through wire insulation
    • Broken wire inside the insulation
    • Inspect the TAC module connectors for signs of water intrusion. When this occurs, multiple DTCs should be set and no circuit or component problems can be located.
    • Refer to Intermittents under service category Symptoms .
    • If a repair is completed and the DTC was cleared using a scan tool on the same ignition cycle, the default action will not clear until an ignition cycle has occurred.

Test Description

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

  1. If this DTC does not Fail This Ignition, continue to monitor this DTC status while moving related harnesses and connectors. Refer to Diagnostic Aids if the harness movement causes this DTC to set.

  2. At this point you have ruled out the harness as the cause of the problem. Since there is no method to verify the transmission of serial data with commonly available tools, it is most cost effective to replace the TAC Module first. Refer to Electronic Throttle Actuator Control Module Replacement If the fault is still present after replacing the TAC Module, reinstall the original TAC Module and replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

  3. When a problem is detected within the TAC System, more than one TAC System related DTC may set. This is due to the many redundant tests run continuously on this system. It is possible that locating and repairing one individual problem may correct more than one DTC. Keep this in mind when reviewing captured DTC info.

DTC P1518 - PCM to TAC Module Serial Data Circuit

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Monitor the Fail This Ignition option under the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option using the scan tool.

Did this DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the TAC Module harness connector that contains the serial data circuits.
  3. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the TAC Module ignition feed circuit in the TAC Module harness connector to battery ground using a DMM J 39200 .

Does the DMM indicate the specified voltage?

B+

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Check the continuity of the TAC Module ground circuit from the TAC Module harness connector to chassis ground using a DMM J 39200 .

Is there continuity?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Measure the voltage from both of the serial data circuits in the TAC Module harness connector to battery ground using a DMM J 39200 .

Is the voltage within the specified range on both circuits?

1.0-4.0 V

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Leave the TAC Module disconnected.
  3. Disconnect the PCM connector. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .
  4. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  5. Check the harness for a voltage on both of the serial data circuits using a DMM J 39200 .

Is any voltage present?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Check both of the serial data circuits for continuity from the TAC Module harness connector to the PCM harness connector using a DMM J 39200 .

Is continuity indicated on both circuits?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 12

8

Check for continuity between each of the serial data circuits and a ground using a DMM J 39200 .

Is continuity indicated on either circuit?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 16

9

Repair the open in the TAC Module ignition feed circuit.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

10

Repair the open in the TAC Module ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

11

Repair the short to voltage on the affected serial data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

12

Repair the open/high resistance on the affected serial data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

13

Repair the short to ground on the affected serial data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

14

Check for poor connections/terminal tension at the TAC Module harness connector. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for the proper procedure.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

15

Replace the TAC Module. Refer to Electronic Throttle Actuator Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

16

  1. Replace the TAC Module with a known good unit.
  2. Select the Clear DTC Information option under the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option using a scan tool.
  3. Idle the engine at normal operating temperature.
  4. Select the Specific DTC option under the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option using a scan tool.
  5. Enter DTC P1518.
  6. Operate vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 17

17

Re-install the original TAC Module.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 18

--

18

Check for poor connections/terminal tension at the PCM harness connector. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring System for the proper procedure.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 19

19

Important: Program the replacement PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 20

--

20

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) option and the Clear DTC Information option using the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 2

21

Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

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

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK