GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor


Object Number: 13578  Size: SH
(1)ECT Electrical Connector
(2)Connector Tab
(3)Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor (a resistor that changes value based on the temperature) mounted in the engine coolant stream. Low coolant temperature produces a high resistance (100,000 ohms at -40°C/-40°F) while high temperature will cause a low resistance (70 ohms at 130°C/266°F).

The PCM supplies a 5 volt signal to the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor through a resistor in the PCM and measures the voltage. The voltage is high when the engine is cold and low when the engine is hot. By measuring the voltage, the PCM knows the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature affects the fuel control and the glow plug system.

Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor


Object Number: 13643  Size: SH
(1)Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor
(2)Electrical Harness Connector

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a thermistor--a resistor that changes value based on temperature--mounted in the intake manifold.

Low temperatures produce high resistance (100,000 ohms at -40°C/-40°F) while high temperatures produce low resistance (70 ohms at 130°C/266°F).

The control module supplies a 5 volt signal to the sensor through a resistor in the control module and measures the voltage. The voltage will be high when the intake air is cold, and low when the air is hot. By measuring the voltage, the control module knows the intake air temperature.

The IAT signal is used by the control module in order to control the fuel.

Optical/Fuel Temperature Sensor


Object Number: 27619  Size: SH

The optical sensor sends the high resolution signal and a pump cam signal to the PCM.

Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Module


Object Number: 27618  Size: SH

The APP module (1) contains 3 potentiometers. Each of the APP sensors send a varying voltage to the PCM. By monitoring the output voltage from the accelerator pedal position (APP) module, the PCM can determine the fuel delivery based on the accelerator pedal position (driver demand).

High Resolution Signal (256X)

The high resolution signal is an optical device that generates 64 equally spaced pulses per cylinder combustion stroke from the slotted disc mounted on the injection pump timing cam ring. The pulses are counted by the PCM and are used for measuring angular pump displacement. Fuel is metered by using the angular indication. The timing is measured by counting the angular pulses between the pump cam signal and the crankshaft position sensor signal.

Injection Pump Cam Signal (4X)

The injection pump cam signal is an optical device which generates one pulse per cylinder combustion stroke from a slotted disc mounted on the injection pump timing rotor. The pulse is used to locate the start of the injection event for each cylinder (i.e., timing) with respect to the crankshaft position sensor. The number one cylinder is identified with a wider pulse (larger slot in disc). The PCM uses this information in order to adjust the idle fuel and timing. The injection pump cam signal is used in the diagnostics of the crankshaft position sensor, and to identify cylinder misfires.

Fuel Temperature Sensor


Object Number: 27619  Size: SH

The fuel temperature sensor is a thermistor--a resistor that changes value based on temperature--mounted in the injection pump.

The fuel temperature sensor is part of the optical/fuel temperature sensor. The resulting voltage is monitored by the PCM which uses the signal to minimize the fueling error that sometimes results from injection pump efficiency changes due to very hot fuel.

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor (4X)

The crankshaft position sensor is a hall effect device that generates one pulse per cylinder combustion stroke from a 4 tooth reluctor wheel attached to the engine crankshaft. The pulse is used in order to locate the cylinder reference event (top dead center) for each cylinder. The PCM uses this information in order to adjust the timing, trigger real time events and is used in the injection pump cam signal diagnostic.

Boost (BARO) Sensor


Object Number: 53789  Size: SH

The boost sensor measures the changes in the intake manifold pressure. The boost sensor converts the pressure into voltage output.

The PCM sends a 5 volt reference signal to the boost sensor. As the manifold pressure changes, the electrical resistance of the boost sensor also changes. By monitoring the sensor output voltage, the PCM detects the boost pressure. A high pressure (high voltage) requires more fuel. A lower pressure (low voltage) requires less fuel. The control module uses the boost pressure signal in order to control the fuel delivery.

The boost sensor is also used for BARO readings on vehicles that are not equipped with an EGR. The sensor reads the barometric pressure (BARO) under certain conditions, allowing the PCM to automatically adjust for different altitudes.

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)

The VSS is attached to the output shaft housing. This device contains a permanent magnet surrounded by a coil of wire that produces a magnetic field. This field is interrupted by rotor teeth pressed on an output shaft. As the rotor interrupts the magnetic field, an AC voltage is generated in the circuit.

Vehicle Speed Signal (VSS) Buffer Module


Object Number: 38008  Size: SH

The VSS buffer module (1) is an electronic device. The VSS buffer module processes inputs from the vehicle speed sensor and outputs various signals. The VSS buffer module outputs a 4000 pulse per mile signal. This signal is used by the PCM in determining the vehicle speed. The PCM uses the vehicle speed signal input for cruise control and fuel cutoff. The VSS buffer module is matched to the vehicle based on the transmission, the final drive ratio, and the tire size. The VSS buffer module is located behind the instrument panel.

Fuel Solenoid Driver

The fuel injector driver receives an inject command signal from the PCM and provides a current regulated output to the fuel solenoid that controls injection. The fuel injector driver also returns a fuel solenoid closure time signal back to the PCM that informs the fuel solenoid when the fuel solenoid actually seats.

Brake Switch

The TCC normally closed brake switch supplies a B+ signal to the PCM. The signal voltage is interrupted when the brakes are applied.

The cruise control normally open brake switch supplies a B+ signal to the PCM when the brake is applied. These signals are used by the PCM in order to control the transmission and the cruise control functions. The brake switches are part of the stoplamp switch.

Glow Plug System

The glow plug system provides the heat needed to begin combustion when starting the engine at cold ambient temperatures.

The glow plug relay switches voltage to the glow plugs and is commanded ON and OFF by the PCM. The glow plugs are heated before and during cranking, as well as during the initial engine operation. The PCM monitors glow plug relay output voltage in order to determine if the relay is following the PCM commands.

Cruise Control System

The cruise control switches are part of the multifunction turn signal lever. These switches enable the driver to control the cruise ON/OFF, the set/coast, and the resume/accel signals. These signals are inputs to the fuel control portion of the PCM and allow the PCM to maintain a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions.

A/C Signal

This signal indicates that the A/C compressor clutch is engaged. The PCM uses this signal in order to adjust the idle speed.