GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0685: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit

DTC P0690: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Battery Supply Voltage - Coil

P0685

P0685

--

--

Battery Supply Voltage - Armature

--

--

--

--

Relay Control Circuit

P0685, P0690

P0685, P1682

P0685, P0690, P1682, P2101

--

Relay Feedback Circuit

--

--

P0690

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

EC Ignition Relay Feedback Signal

Display Parameters

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF, powertrain relay commanded ON

EC Ignition Powertrain Relay Circuit Status

OK/Incomplete

Short to GRD/Open

Short to GRD/Open

Short to B+

EC Ignition Powertrain Relay Command

ON

ON

ON

ON

EC Ignition Powertrain Relay Feedback Signal

12-12.9 V

0.0 V

0.0 V

12-12.9 V

Circuit/System Description

The powertrain relay is a normally open relay. The relay switch is held in the open position by spring tension. Battery positive voltage is supplied directly to the relay coil and the relay switch contact at all times. The engine control module (ECM) supplies the ground path to the relay coil control circuit through an output driver module (ODM). The ODM for the powertrain relay also incorporates a fault detection circuit, which is continuously monitored by the ECM. When the ECM commands the powertrain relay ON, ignition 1 voltage is supplied to the fuses in the underhood fuse block.

The ignition 1 voltage that is supplied to the ECM through the ECM fuse, provides power to the internal ECM circuits associated with the throttle actuator control (TAC) operation. The ECM also monitors the voltage level on the ignition 1 voltage circuit to confirm that the powertrain relay contacts have closed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0685

    • The battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The powertrain relay has been commanded ON.

P0690

    • The battery voltage is between 9-16 volts.
    • The ignition is OFF.
    • The powertrain relay has been commanded ON or OFF.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0685

    • The commanded state of the ODM does not match and the actual state of the control circuit.
    • The condition is present for more than 5 seconds.

P0690

    • The ECM detects more than 2 volts on the ignition 1 voltage circuit to the ECM when the relay is commanded OFF.
    • The condition is present for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0685 and P0690 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0685 and P0690 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views for component and connector end views

Description and Operation

Engine Control Module Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, command the powertrain relay ON and OFF with a scan tool while observing the following powertrain relay coil control circuit status parameters:
  2. • Powertrain Relay Coil Control Ckt. Short Gnd Test Status
    • Powertrain Relay Coil Control Ckt. Open Test Status
    • Powertrain Relay Coil Control Ckt. Short Volts Test Status
    • Each parameter should toggle between OK and Not Run or Not Run and OK.
  3. Ignition ON, engine OFF, with a test lamp, probe both test points of all the fuses that are powered by the powertrain relay. The test lamp should illuminate ON for at least one test point of each fuse.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the powertrain relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the powertrain relay coil B+ terminal 85 and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the battery positive cable to the underhood fuse block.
  4. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the powertrain relay coil B+ circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
  5. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Remove the test lamp.
  7. Command the powertrain relay ON with a scan tool. Verify, with a scan tool, that the powertrain relay Ckt. Short Volts Test Status parameter is OK.
  8. If not the specified value, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  9. Test the coil side of the powertrain relay terminal 85 and 86 for 65-110 ohms.
  10. If not within the specified value, replace the relay.
  11. Ignition OFF, disconnect the ECM X1 connector.
  12. Test the powertrain relay control circuit X1-40 for an open/high resistance.
  13. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  14. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the relay ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal 87 and ground.
  15. If the test lamp illuminates, test the relay ignition 1 voltage circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  16. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ terminal 30 and ground.
  17. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the relay switch B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal and the fuse for the ignition 1 voltage circuit is open, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit to the ECM for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  18. Connect a 20 A fused jumper wire between the relay switch B+ terminal 30 and the relay ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal 87.
  19. Connect the ECM. Ignition ON, engine OFF, monitor the EC Ignition Relay Feedback parameter with a scan tool. The parameter should display B+.
  20. If the parameter does not display B+, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  21. If all circuits test normal, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

  1. Install any components that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
  2. Perform any adjustment, programming, or setup procedures that are required when a component or module is removed or replaced.
  3. Clear the DTCs.
  4. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
  5. Ignition ON, command the powertrain relay ON and OFF with a scan tool while observing the powertrain relay circuit status parameters. The circuit status parameters should change from OK to Not Run or Not Run to OK.
  6. If another DTC is present, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.