Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - 4.8l, 5.3l & 6.0l (Diagnostic Information & Procedures) Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado 3500

Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Controls

Begin the system diagnosis with Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information. The Diagnostic System Check-Vehicle will provide the following information

  1. The identification of the control modules which command the system
  2. The ability of the control modules to communicate through the serial data circuit
  3. The identification of any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and the codes' statuses

The use of the Diagnostic System Check-Vehicle will identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

Scan Tool Data List

The Engine Scan Tool Data List contains all engine related parameters that are available on the scan tool. The list is arranged in alphabetical order. A given parameter may appear in any one of the data lists, and in some cases may appear more than once, or in more than one data list in order to group certain related parameters together.

Use the Engine Scan Tool Data List only after the following is determined

  1. The Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls is completed.
  2. No diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
  3. On-board diagnostics are functioning properly.

Scan tool values from a properly running engine may be used for comparison with the engine you are diagnosing. The Engine Scan Tool Data List represents values that would be seen on a normal running engine.

IMPORTANTA scan tool that displays faulty data should not be used. The scan tool problem should be reported to the manufacturer. Use of a faulty scan tool can result in misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacement.

Only the parameters listed below are referenced in this service manual for use in diagnosis. If all values are within the typical range described below, refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls for diagnosis.

The column labeled Data List indicates where a parameter can be located on the scan tool. Refer to the scan tool operating manual for the exact locations of the data lists. The following is a description of each term listed

Scan Tool ParameterData ListParameter Range/UnitsTypical Data Values
Engine Idling/Radiator Hose Hot/Closed Throttle/Park or Neutral/Closed Loop/Accessories OFF
4WD SignalEng 2Enabled/DisabledDisabled
4WD Low SignalEng 2Enabled/DisabledDisabled
A/C Pressure SensorEng 2Volts0.98 Volts/Varies
A/C Pressure SensorEng 2PSI90 PSI/Varies
A/C Relay CommandEng 1, 2, MFOn/OffOff
A/C Request SignalEng 2Yes/NoNo
APP AverageTAC0-100%0%
APP Indicated AngleEng 1, Eng 2, EE, CC, FT, TAC, HO2SCounts0
APP Sensor 1TAC0-5.0 Volts0.4-0.9 Volts
APP Sensor 2TAC5.0-0 Volts4.5-4.1 Volts
APP Sensor 1TAC0-100%0%
APP Sensor 2TAC0-100%0%
APP Sensor 1 and 2TACAgree/DisagreeAgree
BAROEng 1, EE, FTKPa50-104 kPa/ Varies w/Altitude
CMP Sensor-High to LowEng 2CountsVaries
CMP Sensor-Low to HighEng 2CountsVaries
Clutch Pedal SwitchEng 2Released/AppliedReleased
Coolant Level SwitchEng 2OK/LowOK
Cruise Control ActiveEng 1, TAC, CCYes/NoNo
Cruise Disengage 1 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 2 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 3 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 4 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 5 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 6 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 7 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Disengage 8 HistoryCCVariesVaries
Cruise Inhibit Signal CommandEng 1On/OffOn
Cruise On/Off SwitchCC, TACOn/OffOff
Cruise Release Brake Pedal SwitchCCReleased/AppliedReleased
Cruise Resume/Accel SwitchCC, TACOn/OffOff
Cruise Set/Coast SwitchCC, TACOn/OffOff
Current GearEng 1, 2, FT0-41
Cycles of Misfire DataMF0-100 CountsVaries
Decel Fuel CutoffHO2SActive/InactiveInactive
Desired IAC AirflowEng 10-64 g/sVaries
Desired Idle SpeedEng 1, Eng 2, TAC, EERPMPCM Controlled
DTC Set This IgnitionEng 1, 2, CC, EE, FT, HO2SYes/NoNo
ECT SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, MF, HO2S39 to +140°C (-38 to +284°F)88-105°C (190-221°F)
Engine LoadAll0-100%1-4% @ Idle 7-9% @ 2500 RPM
Engine Oil Level SwitchEng 2OK/LowOK
Engine Oil Life RemainingEng 20-100%Varies
Engine Oil Pressure SensorEng 2Volts1.5 Volts/Varies
Engine Run TimeAllHrs, Min, SecVaries
Engine SpeedAll0-10,000 RPM500-700 RPM
EVAP Purge Solenoid CommandEng 1, EE, FT0-100%10-25%
EVAP Test ResultEETest ResultVaries
EVAP Test StateEETest StateVaries
EVAP Vent Solenoid CommandEng 1, EE, FTNot Venting/VentingVenting
Fail CounterFFCountsVaries
Fuel Alcohol ContentEng 2%Varies
Fuel Comp. Sensor FrequencyEng 2HzVaries
Fuel Comp. Sensor On TimeEng 2MSVaries
Fuel Level SensorEng 1, EE0-5 Volts0.7-2.5 Volts
Fuel Level Sensor Rear Tank, if equippedEng 1, EE0-5 Volts0.7-2.5 Volts
Fuel Tank Level RemainingEEGallon/LiterVaries
Fuel Tank Level RemainingEE0-100%Varies
Fuel Tank Pressure SensorEng 1, EE32.7 to +14.0 mm/Hg (-17.5 to +7.5 in/H2O)Varies
Fuel Tank Pressure SensorEE0-5.0 voltsVaries
Fuel Tank Rated CapacityEE98 Liters (25.9 Gallons) or 129 Liters (34 Gallons)Varies with Fuel Tank Option
Fuel TemperatureEng 2°C/°FVaries
Fuel Trim CellEng 1, EE, FT0-2319
Fuel Trim LearnEng 1, EE, FTEnabled/DisabledEnabled, May Toggle
Generator F Terminal SignalEng 2PercentVaries
Generator L Terminal Signal CommandEng 2Off/OnOn
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1Eng 1, EE, FT, HO2SMillivolts10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2Eng 1, FT, HO2SMillivolts10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1Eng 1, EE, FT, HO2SMillivolts10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 2Eng 1, FT, HO2SMillivolts10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Heater BN 1 Sensor 1HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Heater BN 1 Sensor 2HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Heater BN 2 Sensor 1HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Heater BN 2 Sensor 2HO2SAmpsVaries
Hot Run CounterFFCountsVaries
IAT SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2S39 to +140°C (-38 to +284°F)35°C (91°F) Depends on Ambient Temperature
Ignition 1 SignalEng 1, Eng 2, CC, EE, FT, TAC0-25 Volts11.5-14.5 Volts
Inj. PWM Bank 1 AverageEng 2, FT, MFMilliseconds2-6
Inj. PWM Bank 2 AverageEng 2, FT, MFMilliseconds2-6
Knock RetardEng 10.0-16°
Long Term FT Avg. Bn1FTPercentageNear 0%
Long Term FT Avg. Bn2FTPercentageNear 0%
Long Term FT Bank 1Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2SPercentageNear 0%
Long Term FT Bank 2Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2SPercentageNear 0%
Loop StatusEng 1, 2, EE, FT, HO2SOpen/ClosedClosed
Low Oil Lamp CommandEng 2On/OffOff
MAF SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EE, MF, FT, TAC, HO2SGrams Per Seconds (g/s)1-9 g/s @ Idle, Depends on Altitude 15-26 g/s @ 2,500 RPM, Depends on Altitude
MAF SensorEng 20-31,999 Hz2,000-3,000 Hz
MAP SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, MF, TAC, HO2SKPa20-48 kPa
MAP SensorEng 1, Eng 2, FF/FRVolts1.0-2.0 Volts Varies with Altitude
MIL CommandEng 2Off/OnOff
Mileage Since DTC ClearedEng 2Kilometers/milesVaries
Mileage Since First FailureFFCountsVaries
Mileage Since Last FailureFFCountsVaries
Misfire Counter StatusMFNormal/InvalidNormal
Misfire Current Cyl. 1-8MF0-200 Counts0
Misfire History Cyl. 1-8MF0-65,535 Counts0
Pass CounterFFCountsVaries
PCM ResetEng 1, Eng 2, EE, FTYes/NoNo
PCM/VCM in VTD Fail EnableEng 1Yes/NoNo
Power EnrichmentEng 1, HO2SActive/InactiveInactive
Reduced Engine PowerEng 1, CC, TACActive/InactiveInactive
Short Term FT Avg Bn1FTPercentageNear 0%
Short Term FT Avg Bn2FTPercentageNear 0%
Short Term FT Bank 1Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2SPercentageNear 0%
Short Term FT Bank 2Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2SPercentageNear 0%
SparkEng 1, Eng 2, FT, MF, HO2SDegrees15-20°
Start Up ECTEng 2, EE, FTC°/F°Varies
Stop Lamp Pedal SwitchCC, TACApplied/ReleasedReleased
TAC/PCM Comm SignalTAC, CCOK/FaultOK
TCC Enable Solenoid CommandEng 1, Eng 2On/OffOff
TCC PWM Solenoid CommandEng 2On/OffOff
TFP SwitchEng 2, CC, FTTransmission Gear PositionVaries
Torque Delivered SignalEng 2, TACN.m lb ftVaries
Torque Request SignalEng 2, TACN.m lb ft406 N.m 299 lb ft
TP Desired AngleEng 1, Eng 2, EE, TAC, CC0-100%5.5%
TP Indicated AngleAll0-100%5.5%
TP Sensor 1TAC0-5.0 Volts0.4-0.9 Volts
TP Sensor 1TAC0-100%Varies near 0%
TP Sensor 2TAC5.0-0 VoltsVolts
TP Sensor 2TAC100-0%Varies
TP Sensors 1 and 2TACAgree/DisagreeAgree
TR SwitchCC, FTTransmission GearVaries
Traction Control SignalEng 2, CC, TACActive/InactiveInactive
Vehicle Speed SensorAllKm/h mph0
VTD Auto Learn TimerEng 1Active/InactiveInactive
VTD Fuel DisableEng 1Active/InactiveInactive
VTD Fuel Disable Until Ign. OffEng 1Yes/NoNo
Warm-Ups w/o Emission FaultsEng 20-255 CountsVaries
Warm-Ups w/o Non-Emission FaultsEng 20-255 CountsVaries

Scan Tool Data List

Scan Tool Data Definitions

The Engine Scan Tool Data Definitions contains a brief description of all engine related parameters available on the scan tool. The list is in alphabetical order. A given parameter may appear in any one of the data lists. In some cases, the parameter may appear more than once or in more than one data list in order to group certain related parameters together.

Scan Tool Output Controls

Scan Tool Output ControlAdditional Menu Selection(s)Description
Crankshaft Position Variation LearnEnables the powertrain control module (PCM) to learn the variations in the crankshaft position (CKP) system. The PCM will learn the variations once the following conditions are met: Engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than a specified value. All instructions on the scan tool have been completed. The accelerator pedal is smoothly applied until the fuel cut-OFF, as specified on the scan tool, is achieved, and then immediately released. The PCM learns the variation values on the deceleration from fuel cut-OFF.
Cylinder Power BalanceFuel SystemEnables/Disables a cylinder by turning OFF the fuel injector to the cylinder. The fuel injector is normally enabled. The PCM disables the fuel injector when the following conditions are met: All instruction on the scan tool are completed Stabilized engine speed The fuel injector is selected When Disable is selected the PCM turns the injector OFF for 30 seconds. During this period, the engine operates with a misfire.
Engine Speed ControlTAC SystemActivates the throttle activation control (TAC) system to change engine RPM. The normal commanded state is None. To enable the RPM control, all instruction on the scan tool must be completed. The system will increase or decrease the RPM within a range of 350-2000 RPM. The set step value changes the RPM by increments of 25 RPM, 100 RPM, and 500 RPM. The system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the scan tool.
EVAP Purge SolenoidEngine Output Controls/EVAP SystemActivates the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge valve. The normal commanded state is None. The system will increase or decrease the amount of EVAP purge valve opening by 10 percent increments within a range of 0-100 percent. The system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the tool or the fuel tank pressure (FTP) exceeds 32 mm Hg (17 in H20).
EVAP Purge/SealEngine Output Controls/EVAP SystemThis control enables two functions. One function increases or decreases the amount of purge by changing the duty cycle of the purge valve and commanding the vent ON, non-venting. The normal commanded state of both valves is None. The system will increase or decrease the amount of EVAP purge valve opening by 10 percent increments within a range of 0-100 percent. The second function seals the system after using the purge function to obtain a specific amount of FTP. When activated the purge valve is commanded to 0 percent and the vent valve is commanded ON, non-venting. Both functions remain in the commanded state until one of the following conditions occurs: Cancelled by the tool The FTP exceeds 32 mm Hg (17 in H20)
EVAP Vent SolenoidEngine Output Controls/EVAP SystemActivates the EVAP vent solenoid. The normal commanded state is None. When commanded ON, the vent valve switches to non-venting. The system remains in the commanded state until one of the following conditions occurs: Cancelled by the tool Purge is greater than 0 percent, and the fuel tank pressure exceeds 32 mm Hg (17 in H20)
Fuel Injector BalanceFuel SystemEnables the fuel injector in order to verify proper fuel injector flow. The PCM will pulse the selected injector when the following conditions are met: All instruction on the scan tool completed Fuel injector selected Key ON, engine OFF The selected fuel injector can only be flowed/pulsed once per ignition cycle.
Fuel PumpEngine Output ControlsControls the fuel pump relay. The normal commanded state is None. When commanded ON/OFF, the PCM turns the fuel pump ON/OFF. If the engine is running, and the fuel pump is commanded OFF, the engine will stall. The system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the scan tool.
Fuel Trim EnableFuel SystemDisables the PCMs ability to learn new fuel trim parameters. The system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the scan tool.
Fuel Trim ResetFuel SystemActivates the reset of fuel trim data in all of the fuel trim cells.
Loop StatusEngine Output ControlsControls the system loop status. The commanded states include None, Open, or Closed. The normal commanded state is None. When commanded Open or Closed, the system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the scan tool.
Malfunction Indicator LampEngine Output ControlsControls the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The commanded states include None, ON, and OFF. When commanded ON or OFF, the system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the scan tool.
Misfire GraphicGraphs the accumulated misfires occurring in each cylinder. The scan tool allows for a reset of the misfire graph.
O2S Heater ControlEngine Output ControlsActivates the HO2S Heater. The commanded states include None, ON, and OFF. The normal commanded state is None. On a cold engine, with the key ON, engine OFF, the HO2S signal will continue to drop below bias when commanded ON. The system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the tool.

Scan Tool Output Controls