GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 397420  Size: LF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 23: Ignition Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) monitors the crankshaft position (CKP) and the camshaft position (CMP) signals to determine if they are synchronized. If both signals are not observed by the control module within a narrow time window, the vehicle control module (VCM) will determine that an error has occurred.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The falling edge of the CMP sensor signal is more than 15 degrees out of phase with the falling edge of the CKP sensor.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) the first time the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module will set the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores the failure information in the scan tools Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.
    • A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Check the following items:

    • A loose or missing distributor hold-down bolt
    • A loose CMP sensor causing a variance in the sensor signal
    • An incorrectly installed distributor - one tooth off in either advance or retard positions
    • A loose distributor rotor on the distributor shaft
    • Excessive free play in the timing chain and gear assembly

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

    • A poor connection
    • Rubbed through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. This test will determine if this DTC is intermittent.

  2. When the engine speed is raised to 2000 RPM the camshaft retard offset should not vary more than 2 degrees.

  3. If excessive pressure is used when performing this test unintentional damage to the distributor shaft could result.

  4. If the distributor is one tooth off in either the advanced or retard positions the vehicle may run but 0 degrees camshaft retard offset will not be obtained.

  5. If 0 degrees cannot be obtained during this procedure refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The control module's data is deleted once the Clear Info function is used.

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. Install the scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to monitor the engine speed.

Does the engine speed fluctuate (up to twice the desired RPM)?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor. Refer to Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

4

Perform the Camshaft Retard Offset test procedure as follows:

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Important: The camshaft retard reading will not be accurate below 1000 RPM.

  4. Raise the engine speed to the first specified value.
  5. Monitor the camshaft retard with the scan tool.

Is the camshaft retard reading within the second specified value?

1000 RPM

-2° to 2°

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Note the camshaft retard reading from the previous step.
  2. Raise the engine speed to the first specified value.

Does the camshaft retard reading change more than the second specified value?

2000 RPM

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

With the engine at operating temperature and the engine OFF, perform the following procedure:

  1. Remove the distributor cap.
  2. Grasp the distributor rotor and gently attempt to rotate the rotor.

Does the rotor turn on the distributor shaft?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

Check for proper installation of the distributor. Repair as necessary. Refer to Distributor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Perform the Camshaft Retard Offset adjustment procedure as follows:

  1. With the engine OFF slightly loosen the distributor hold down bolt.
  2. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 1000 RPM.
  3. Using the scan tool monitor the camshaft retard offset.
  4. Rotate the distributor as follows:
  5. • To compensate for a negative reading rotate the distributor in the counterclockwise direction.
    • To compensate for a positive reading rotate the distributor in the clockwise direction.
  6. Repeat step 4 until 0° offset is obtained.
  7. When 0° has been obtained turn OFF the ignition and tighten the distributor hold down bolt.

Did you obtain 0° camshaft retard?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Diagnostic Aids

9

Replace the distributor. Refer to Distributor Replacement in Engine Electrical.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  4. Select DTC and the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number that was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle, within the Conditions for Setting this DTC, until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic Ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK