Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - 8.1l (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 Engine Controls Diagnostic Check 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 Signal (if equipped)Eng 2Enabled/DisabledDisabled
4WS Low Signal (if equipped)Eng 2Enabled/DisabledDisabled
A/C Clutch Feedback SignalEng 2Relay ON/Relay OFFRelay OFF
A/C Compressor Cycling SwitchEng 2Low Pressure/NormalNormal
A/C High Pressure Recirculation SwitchEng 2High Pressure/NormalNormal
A/C Relay CommandEng 1, Eng 2, EGR, MFON/OFFOFF
A/C Request SignalEng 2Yes/NoNo
AIR Relay CommandFTOn/OFFVaries
APP AverageTACCountsVaries
APP Indicated AngleEng 1, Eng 2, EE, EGR, FT, HO2S, TAC, CC0-100%0%
APP Sensor 1TAC0-100%0%
APP Sensor 1TAC0-5 V0.4-0.9 V
APP Sensor 2TAC0-100%0%
APP Sensor 2TAC5-0 V4.5-4.1 V
APP Sensor 1 and 2TACAgree/DisagreeAgree
BAROEng 1, EE, EGR, FTKPa65-104 kPa varies w/altitude
CMP Sensor-High to LowEng 2CountsVaries
CMP Sensor-Low to HighEng 2CountsVaries
Cold StartupEng 2, EEYes/NoVaries
Coolant Level SwitchEng 2OK/LowOK
Cruise Control ActiveEng 1, TAC, CCYes/NoNo
Cruise Disengage 1-8 HistoryCCHistory/No HistoryVaries
Cruise On/Off SwitchTAC, CCON/OFFOFF
Cruise Release Brake Pedal SwitchCCApplied/ReleasedReleased
Cruise Resume/Accel. SwitchTAC, CCON/OFFOFF
Cruise Set/Coast SwitchTAC, CCON/OFFOFF
Current Gear (4 speed only)Eng 1, Eng 2, EGR, FT0-41
Cycles of Misfire DataMF0-100 CountsVaries
Decel. Fuel CutoffHO2SActive/InactiveInactive
Desired EGR PositionEng 1, EGR, MF0-100%0%
Desired EGR PositionEGR0-5 VLess than 1.3 V
Desired Idle SpeedEng 1, Eng 2, TAC, EERPMPCM Controlled
DTC Set This IgnitionEng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2S, CCYes/NoNo
ECT SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EE, EGR, FT, HO2S, MF39 to +140°C (-38 to +284°F)88-105°C (190-221°F)
EGR Learned Minimum PositionEGR0-5 VVaries
EGR Position SensorEGR0-5 VLess than 1.3 V
EGR Position SensorMF, EGR, Eng 10-100%0%
Engine LoadAll0-100%1-4% @ Idle 7-10% @ 2,500 RPM
Engine Oil Level Switch (if equipped)Eng 2OK/LowOK
Engine Oil Life RemainingEng 20-100%Varies
Engine Run TimeAllHrs, Min, SecVaries
Engine SpeedAll0-10,000 RPM500-700 RPM
EVAP Purge Solenoid CommandEng 1, EE, FT0-100%0-25%
EVAP Test ResultEEPassed/Failed/No ResultVaries
EVAP Vent Solenoid Command (if equipped)Eng 1, EE, FTNot Venting/VentingVenting
Fuel Level SensorEE0-5 V0.7-2.5 V
Fuel Level Sensor Rear Tank (if equipped)EE, Eng 10-5 V0.7-2.5 V
Fuel Tank Level RemainingEEGal/LVaries
Fuel Tank Level RemainingEE0-100%Varies
Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor (if equipped)Eng 1, EE32.7 to +13.96 mm/Hg (-17.4 to +7.5 in/H2O)Varies
FTP Sensor (if equipped)EE0-5 VVaries
Fuel Tank Rated CapacityEE98 L (25.9 Gal), 128 L (34 Gal), or 178L (47 Gal)Varies with fuel tank option
Fuel Trim CellEng 1, EE, FT0-2316, 20
Fuel Trim LearnEng 1, EE, FTEnabled/DisabledEnabled (may toggle)
Generator F Terminal SignalEng 2%Varies
Generator L Terminal Signal CommandEng 2ON/OFFON
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1Eng 1, EE, FT, HO2SMV10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 (if equipped)Eng 1, EE, FT, HO2SMV10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1Eng 1, EE, FT, HO2SMV10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 2 (if equipped)Eng 1, EE, FT, HO2SMV10-1,000 mV and Varying
HO2S Heater Bn 1 Sen. 1HO2SAmps0.72-0.78 amps
HO2S Heater Bn 1 Sen. 2HO2SAmps0.72-0.78 amps
HO2S Heater Bn 2 Sen. 1HO2SAmps0.72-0.78 amps
HO2S Heater Bn 2 Sen. 2HO2SAmps0.72-0.78 amps
IAT SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EE, EGR, FT, HO2S39 to +140°C (-38 to +284°F)Depends on ambient temperature
Ignition 1 SignalEng 1, Eng 2, EE, EGR, FT, TAC, CC0-25.5 V11.5-14.5 V
Inj. PWM Bank 1 AverageEng 2, FT, MFMs2-6 ms
Inj. PWM Bank 2 AverageEng 2, FT, MFMs2-6 ms
Knock RetardEng 1, EGR0-16°
Long Term FT Avg. Bn1FT%Near 0%
Long Term FT Avg. Bn2FT%Near 0%
Long Term FT Bank 1Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2S%Near 0%
Long Term FT Bank 2Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT%Near 0%
Loop StatusEng 1, Eng 2, EE, EGR, FT, HO2SOpen/ClosedClosed
Low Oil Lamp Command (if equipped)Eng 2ON/OFFOFF
MAF SensorEng 1, Eng 2, EGR, FT, HO2S, MF, EE, TAC0-665 g/s1-9 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, EGR, FT, HO2S, MF, EE, TAC10-105 kPa20-48 kPa
MAP SensorEng 1, Eng 20-5 V1.0-2.0 V Varies with altitude
MIL CommandEng 2ON/OFFOFF
Mileage Since DTC ClearedEng 2Miles/KmVaries
Misfire Current Cyl. 1-8MF0-255 Counts0
Misfire History Cyl. 1-8MF0-65,535 Counts0
PCM ResetEng 1, Eng 2, EGR, EE, FTYes/NoNo
PCM/VCM in VTD Fail Enable (if equipped)Eng 1Yes/NoNo
PNP Switch (5 speed only)Eng 2, EGR, FTPark/Neutral/In gearVaries
Power EnrichmentEng 1, Eng 2, HO2SYes/NoNo
PTO Enable (if equipped)TACYes/NoNo
Reduced Engine PowerEng 1, EGR, TAC, CCActive/InactiveInactive
Short Term FT Avg. Bn1FT%Near 0%
Short Term FT Avg. Bn2FT%Near 0%
Short Term FT Bank 1Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2S%Near 0%
Short Term FT Bank 2Eng 1, Eng 2, EE, FT, HO2S%Near 0%
SparkEng 1, Eng 2, FT, HO2S, MFDegrees15-20°
Start Up ECTEng 2, EE, FT°C/°FVaries
Stop Lamp Pedal SwitchEng 2, TAC, CCApplied/ReleasedReleased
TAC/PCM Communication SignalEng 1, TAC, CCOK/FaultOK
TCC Brake Pedal SwitchEng 1, Eng 2Applied/ReleasedReleased
TCC Enable Solenoid Command (4L80E only)Eng 1, Eng 2, MF, FF/FRON/OFFOFF
TCC PWM Solenoid Command (4L80E only)Eng 2ON/OFFOFF
TFP Sw. (4L80E only)Eng 2, EGR, FTTransmission Gear PositionVaries
TP Desired AngleEng 1, Eng 2, EE, EGR, TAC, CC0-100%3-4.5%
TP Indicated AngleAll0-100%3-7%
TP Sensor 1TAC0-100%3%
TP Sensor 1TAC0-5 V0.4-0.9 V
TP Sensor 2TAC0-100%3%
TP Sensor 2TAC5-0 V4.8-4.3 V
TP Sensors 1 and 2TACAgree/DisagreeAgree
TR Switch (4L80E only)Eng 2, EGR, FTTransmission Gear PositionPark
Vehicle Speed SensorAllKm/h mph0
VTD Auto Learn Timer (if equipped)Eng 1Active/InactiveInactive
VTD Fuel Disable (if equipped)Eng 1Active/InactiveInactive
VTD Fuel Disable Until Ign. Off (if equipped)Eng 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 Special FunctionAdditional 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 the 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.
EGR SolenoidEngine Output ControlsActivates the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid that controls EGR valve position. The normal commanded state is None. The system will increase or decrease the amount of EGR opening by 10 percent increments within a range of 0-100 percent. The system remains in the commanded state for a maximum of 30 seconds, or until cancelled by the scan tool. Once the 30 second timer has expired output control is not allowed for 60 seconds. If the engine is running, too much EGR will result in a rough idle and/or stalling.
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 System SealEngine Output Controls/EVAP SystemCommands the purge valve OFF, closed, and the vent valve ON (closed). The system will remain in the commanded state until commanded off with the scan tool.
EVAP TestService Bay TestActivates the Service Bay Test to verify the integrity of the EVAP system. The scan tool initiates the test when the following conditions are met: All instruction on the scan tool have been completed ECT is less than a specified value No DTCs are set
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 GraphGraphs 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