GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in the Preface section.

Disable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module when performing this diagnostic table. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.

The cruise control switch is an input to the engine control module (ECM). The ECM monitors the cruise control set/coast and resume/accelerate switch signal circuit in order to detect when a cruise control function has been requested. The ECM detects a specific voltage signal on the cruise control set/coast and resume/accelerate switch signal circuit when a cruise control function switch is activated, with each switch having a different predetermined voltage value.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0581 Cruise Control Multifunction Switch High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The cruise control ON/OFF switch is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

This DTC sets when the ECM detects that the voltage on the cruise control set/coast and resume/accelerate switch signal circuit is greater than 3.5 volts for greater than 1.5 seconds.

The ECM runs this diagnostic every 0.05 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The cruise control is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A last test failed, or the current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if failures are not reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

With a scan tool, observe the cruise control function switch parameters, in the Body and Accessories, Cruise Control data list, while rotating the steering wheel to both steering stops and individually activating each cruise control function switch separately. This will help eliminate the possibility of an internally shorted inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil.

For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Cruise Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Cruise Control Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views in Engine Controls - 3.6L (LY7)

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  3. Disconnect C277.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. With a DMM, measure the voltage of the cruise control set/coast and resume/accelerate switch signal circuit between C277 and the engine control module (ECM).

Does the voltage measure at or greater than the specified value?

3.5 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Test the cruise control set/coast and resume/accelerate switch signal circuit for a short to voltage between C277 and the ECM. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

4

Test the cruise control set/coast and resume/accelerate switch signal circuit for a short to voltage between C277 and the cruise control switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the cruise control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the cruise control switch. Refer to Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. install the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR.
  2. Enable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module when performing this diagnostic table. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR.
  3. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK