GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is a pressure sensor. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies about 5 volts on the MAP sensor reference voltage circuit. The PCM also supplies a ground circuit to the MAP sensor. When the manifold vacuum is low, the MAP signal voltage rises to near 4.5 volts. As the manifold vacuum increases, the MAP signal voltage drops to around 1 volt. The PCM and the AF ECM monitor the MAP signal circuit voltage and determine the vacuum within the intake manifold.

Certain vehicle models will also use the MAP sensor in order to determine the barometric pressure (BARO) when the ignition switch is turned ON and the engine is NOT cranked. This BARO reading may also be updated whenever the engine is operated at wide open throttle (WOT).

The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies about 5 volts on the TP sensor reference voltage circuit. The PCM also supplies a ground circuit to the TP sensor. When the throttle is depressed, the TP signal voltage rises to near the supplied 5 volts. As the throttle is released, the TP signal voltage drops to around 0.6 volts. The PCM and the Alternative Fuels ECM monitor the TP signal circuit voltage and determine the angle of the throttle blade.

This DTC is used to indicate a MAP sensor signal voltage that does not change when TP sensor voltage changes.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is operating on alternative fuel.
    • The engine has been operating for greater than 5 seconds.
    • No AF ECM DTCs are set. DTCs P1215, P1432, and P1433 may be set.
    • The TP sensor angle is less than 70 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The AF ECM monitors that the MAP sensor pressure changes less than 6 kPa when the TP sensor angle changes by greater than 20 percent.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Alternative Fuels ECM will illuminate the MIL and store the DTC as History during 1 drive trip in which the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The Alternative Fuels ECM will record operating conditions at the time the DTC sets. This information will be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The Last Test Failed status will clear when the DTC runs and passes.
    • The Alternative Fuels ECM will turn OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips that the DTC runs and passes.
    • The History status will clear after 40 consecutive WARM-UP cycles with NO failures of ANY DTC.
    • All DTC Information can be cleared with a scan tool.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the MAP sensors ability to correctly indicate BARO.

    In order to determine the correct MAP sensor display of BARO for any elevation, perform either of the following:

  2. • Compare the recorded MAP sensor display value to the BARO display on a known good vehicle.
    • or
    • Obtain the local weather service barometer reading (in Hg). Multiply the barometer reading by 3.4 . The result indicates the correct BARO value for your area.
  3. This step tests the MAP sensors ability to correctly indicate engine vacuum.

  4. This step indicates this sensor is currently functioning correctly. If you were sent to this diagnostic procedure from other service information return to that procedure now.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check Alternative Fuels - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Alternative Fuels (Engine Controls)

2

  1. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. With a scan tool, establish communication with the Alternative Fuels ECM.
  3. Observe and record the MAP sensor kPa display.

Is the MAP sensor kPa greater than the specified value?

75 kPa@altitude

95 kPa@sea level

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 8

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the MAP sensor from the vacuum source, but do not disconnect the electrical harness.
  3. Connect a J 23738-A Vacuum Pump to the MAP sensor.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Observe the MAP sensor kPa as you SLOWLY apply 1 inch HG of vacuum at a time. Each inch of vacuum should result in a 3-4 kPa drop in the MAP sensor display.
  6. Observe the MAP sensor kPa display for a abrupt change while increasing vacuum up to 20 inches Hg.

Does the scan tool indicate that the MAP sensor value change smoothly through the entire range of the test?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 8

4

Observe the MAP sensor kPa display with 20 inch Hg. of vacuum applied to the MAP sensor.

Is the value less than the value shown?

34 kPa

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

Disconnect the MAP sensor from the Hand Vacuum Pump. The MAP sensor display should return to the value recorded in step 2.

Does the MAP sensor display return to the recorded value?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the TP sensor voltage parameter with a scan tool.
  3. Press the accelerator pedal from a closed throttle position, to a wide open throttle position.

Does the TP sensor voltage parameter go from below the specified value to above the specified value?

Below 1.0 V to above 4.0 

Go to Step 7

Go to DTC P0121

7

The fault is not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Are any DTCs stored that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Symptoms - Engine Controls

8

  1. Inspect for proper terminal contact.
  2. Inspect the MAP sensor ground circuit for an open or high resistance between the MAP sensor connector and the PCM connector terminal.
  3. Repair the connections or circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the MAP sensor. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs from the following control modules:
  2. • Alternative Fuels ECM
    • PCM
  3. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11

With a scan tool, select Capture Info in order to observe the stored information.

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

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK