GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 52878  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Ignition Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

Circuit Description

In order to detect an engine misfire at higher engine speeds, the powertrain control module (PCM) must know of any variation between the crankshaft sensor pulses. Most variations are due to the machining of the crankshaft reluctor wheel, however, other sources of variation are also possible.

The PCM measures the variations and then calculates compensation factors needed in order to enable the PCM to accurately detect an engine misfire at all speeds and loads. A scan tool must be used to command the PCM to learn these variations. If for any reason the PCM is unable to learn these variations, or if the variations are out of an acceptable range, the PCM will set a DTC P1336.

Conditions For Running the DTC

The engine in running

Conditions For Setting the DTC

    • No active CKP DTCs
    • No active CMP DTCs
    • The PCM has not successfully learned the crankshaft position system variation.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The PCM will record the operating conditions at the time during which the diagnostic fails. This information will store in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
    • A history DTC stores.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault.
    • Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Caution: Before performing the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learning Procedure always set the vehicle parking brake and block the drive wheels in order to prevent personal injury. Release the throttle immediately when the engine starts to decelerate in order to eliminate over revving the engine. Once the learn procedure is completed, the control module will return engine control to the operator and the engine will respond to the throttle position.

DTC P1336 will set if the PCM has not learned the crankshaft position system variation. The PCM only needs to learn this variation once per life cycle of the vehicle unless the crank sensor to crankshaft relationship is disturbed. Removing a part for inspection and then reinstalling the same part is considered a disturbance.

The crankshaft position system variation learn procedure must be performed when replacing the PCM in order to clear the DTC P1336. The crankshaft position system variation learn procedure is also required when the following service procedures have been performed, regardless of whether or not DTC P1336 is set:

    • PCM replacement
    • Engine replacement
    • Crankshaft replacement
    • Crankshaft balancer replacement
    • Crankshaft position sensor replacement
    • Any engine repairs which disturbs the crankshaft/harmonic balancer to crankshaft position sensor relationship.

A fully warmed up engine is critical to learning the variation correctly. If a valid learn occurs, no other learns can be completed on that ignition cycle.

If the engine cuts out before the specified learn procedure engine speed or at normal fuel cut-off RPM, the PCM is not in the learn procedure mode. Review the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learning procedure and re-enable the learn procedure. Verify that the scan tool displays Test in Progress.

Excessive Crankshaft Variation Symptom

Scan Tool Display

Possible Causes

Factors out of range

The reluctor wheel-machining quality, a run out, or an incorrect air gap.

Opposing factors out of range

Disturbance-Noise on the crank sensor circuit. Reattempt the Learn Procedure.

Sum out of range

The engine is too cold. Reattempt the Learn Procedure.

Crank pulse count error.

Crank or Cam sensor DTCs is set. Repair the affected DTC first

Test Description

The numbers below refers to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. The engine temperature is critical in order to properly learn the crankshaft position system variation. Failure to properly warm the engine before performing this procedure will result in an inaccurate measurement of the crankshaft position system learn variation. The PCM learns this variation as the engine is decelerating and then allows the engine control to be returned to the operator. All accessories must be turned OFF when learn the crankshaft position system angle variation. If the A/C is not disabled when the learn procedure is enabled, the PCM will disable the A/C. When the PCM is ready to allow the learn procedure to run, the scan tool will display Test in Progress.

  2. If after the specified number attempts the PCM cannot learn the crankshaft position system learn variation, this indicates that the variation is too large and no further attempts should be made until you correct the variation problem.

  3. Being unable to learn the crankshaft position system learn variation indicates that the variation is out of range. Using the excessive crankshaft variation troubleshooting will help in order to diagnose the area where the problem lies.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

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

Important: When performing the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn Procedure, always set the vehicle parking brake and block the drive wheels. Release the throttle immediately when the engine starts to decelerate. Once the learn procedure is completed, the engine control will be returned to you and the engine will respond to the throttle position.

Perform the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn Procedure by using the following steps:

  1. Close the engine compartment hood.
  2. Block the drive wheels and set the vehicle parking brake.
  3. Put the vehicle in Park or Neutral.
  4. Turn OFF all of the accessories.
  5. Install a scan tool.
  6. Start and run the engine until the engine is above the specified temperature.
  7. With the engine still running, enable the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn Procedure with the scan tool.
  8. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly and raise the engine RPM to the specified value and releasing the throttle as soon as the engine cuts out.
  9. Verify with the scan tool that the crankshaft variation has been learned.

Does the scan tool indicate that the crankshaft position system variation has been learned?

85°C (185°F)

3,920 RPM

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

Attempt the crankshaft position system variation learn procedure as many times as the specified value.

Does the scan tool indicate that the crankshaft position system variation has been learned?

3

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Inspect for a problem with the crank sensor to crankshaft relationship.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to the Excessive Crankshaft Variation Symptom Table in the supporting text.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 2

--

5

  1. Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK