GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The CNG fuel gage system consists of the following components:

    • The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor
    • The fuel tank temperature (FTT) sensor
    • The pulse width modulated (PWM) output circuit
    • The dash mounted fuel gage
    •  The dash mounted fuel gage select switch - KL6 only

The alternative fuels Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the fuel pressure and fuel temperature in the CNG fuel tank. The volume of CNG varies with pressure and temperature. In order to display an accurate fuel gage reading, the alternative fuels ECM will perform a calculation based upon fuel pressure and temperature and determine the correct amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. The alternative fuels ECM converts the calculated fuel level into a PWM signal that is monitored by the PCM. The PCM sends the fuel level information to the instrument panel fuel gage via the Class 2 serial data circuit. Vehicles that are equipped with Bi-fuel option KL6 also utilize a fuel gage select switch. The fuel gage select switch is monitored by the PCM. When the switch is pressed, the PCM will display the fuel level for the non-operating fuel system, for about 10 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids

If the customers concern is related to fast filling the fuel tank refer to the following:

    • Fast-filling the CNG fuel tank causes the fuel to heat-up and expand.
    • The fuel temperature may remain hotter than the ambient (IAT) temperature for up to 3 hours after filling.
    • The fuel tank pressure may decrease by up to 800 psi within 3 hours of fast filling.

The fuel tank will not completely fill during a fast fill, due to the expansion of the fuel. The fuel gage will display full as long as the fuel is hot. The fuel gage display reading will decrease as the fuel cools.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

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

Important: Verify that the customers concern is not a normal operating condition. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Is the customers concern a normal operating condition?

--

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the Alternative Fuel Level data display from the alternative fuel ECM with a scan tool.
  3. Observe the instrument panel (IP) fuel gage.

Does the IP fuel gage accurately display the Alternative Fuel Level?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 4

4

  1. With the scan tool, communicate with the alternative fuels ECM and observe the AFO Signal and AFO Signal Command data parameters.
  2. Observe the data parameters as you crank and start the engine.

Do both data parameters indicate that the AF ECM is in control of engine fueling?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Fuel System Unwanted Switch to Gasoline in Engine Controls

5

  1. With the scan tool, communicate with the IP.
  2. Command the fuel gage between Full and Empty.

Does the fuel gage operate as commanded?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console in the C/K Pickup Service Manual

6

Is this vehicle equipped with the Bi-fuel KL6 option?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 15

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the Fuel Gage Selected data display from the PCM with a scan tool.
  3. Press the fuel gage select switch.

Does the Fuel Gage Selected data display change when the switch is Pressed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connectors. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the Fuel Gage Select Switch Signal circuit with a test lamp connected to B+.

Is the test lamp illuminated?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 9

9

Press the fuel gage select switch while observing the test lamp.

Does the test lamp illuminate when the switch is pressed?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 18

10

Observe the Fuel Temperature Sensor voltage display.

Does the display indicate a voltage greater than the specified value?

4.8 V

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

11

Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor voltage display.

Does the display indicate a voltage greater than the specified value?

4.8 V

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 12

12

Important: Fast-filling the CNG fuel tank causes the fuel to heat-up and expand.

The fuel temperature may remain hotter than the ambient (IAT) temperature for up to 3 hours after filling.

  1. Observe the Fuel Temperature Sensor and the IAT Sensor data displays with a scan tool.
  2. Compare the temperature displays.

Does each sensor indicate the same temperature plus or minus the specified value?

20°C (35°F)

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 25

13

Important: Fast-filling the CNG fuel tank causes the fuel to heat-up and expand.

The fuel tank pressure may DECREASE by up to 800 psi within three hours of fast filling.

  1. Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor data display with a scan tool.
  2. Verify the amount of CNG fuel pressure in the fuel tank by filling the CNG fuel tank at a CNG dispensing station.
  3. Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor data display after the tank is filled.

Does the FTP sensor indicate fuel pressure near the value specified?

24,820 kPa (3600 psi) @ 21°C (70°F)

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 26

14

  1. Start and idle the engine.
  2. Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor data display with a scan tool.
  3. Command the high pressure lock-off solenoid OFF while monitoring the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor data display.
  4. Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor data display until the engine stalls or switches to gasoline operation.

Does the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor data display smoothly indicate the fuel pressure decrease and also indicate fuel pressure less than the value specified?

1379 kPa (200 psi)

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls

Go to Step 26

15

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the alternative fuels ECM. Refer to Alternative Fuels Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls.
  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage between the Alternative Fuel Level Control circuit and ground with the J 39200 DMM.

Is the voltage between the value specified?

4.8-5.2V

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 19

16

  1. Connect the Alternative Fuel Level Control circuit to ground with a fused jumper.
  2. On Bi-fuel KL6 vehicles press the fuel gage select switch.
  3. Observe the fuel gage immediately after jumpering the circuit or pressing the switch.

Does the fuel gage display near empty?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 27

17

  1. Disconnect the cargo/fuel gage select switch. Refer to Fuel Gage Selector Switch Replacement - Alternative Fuels .
  2. Probe the Fuel Gage Select Switch Signal circuit with a test lamp connected to B+.

Is the test lamp illuminated?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 29

18

Test the Fuel Gage Select Switch Signal circuit between the PCM connector terminal and the switch for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 29

19

Test the Alternative Fuel Level Signal circuit between the PCM connector terminal and the alternative fuels ECM for an open, short to ground or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 23

20

Test the Fuel Tank Temperature Sensor Siganl circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 25

21

Test the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 26

22

Repair the Fuel Gage Select Switch Signal circuit for a short to ground condition . Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

--

23

Inspect for proper terminal contact at the PCM connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 27

24

Inspect for proper terminal contact at the alternative fuels ECM connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 28

25

Replace the fuel tank temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor is not Serviceable separately from the HPL. Refer to High Pressure Lock-Off Solenoid Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 30

--

26

Replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 30

--

27

Important: KL6 models require a switchover to gasoline with a scan tool in order to perform the Crankshaft Position Variation Learn Procedure.

KL8 models do not require the Crankshaft Position Variation Learn Procedure.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls in the C/K Pickup Service Manual.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 30

--

28

Replace the alternative fuels ECM. Refer to Alternative Fuels Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 30

--

29

Replace the fuel gage select switch. Refer to Fuel Gage Selector Switch Replacement - Alternative Fuels .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 30

--

30

  1. Connect any disconnected components, fuses, etc.
  2. With the scan tool, clear DTC Information from the alternative fuels ECM and the powertrain control module (PCM).
  3. Turn the ignition OFF and wait 30 seconds.
  4. Start the engine and operate the vehicle.
  5. Observe the MIL and the Fuel Indicator Lamp -- KL6 only.
  6. Observe vehicle performance and driveability.
  7. After operating the vehicle inspect the alternative fuels ECM and the PCM for stored DTCs.

Does the vehicle operate on CNG with normal driveability, no FIL/MIL illumination and no stored DTCs?

--

System OK

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