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Engine Control System (Diagnosis Information & Procedures) - 3.5l (lx9) Chevrolet Malibu VI

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 Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#vehicle-dtc-information__diagnostic-trouble-code-dtc-list) in Vehicle DTC Information is completed
  2. No diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
  3. On-board diagnostics are functioning properly

The 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 normally running engine.

IMPORTANTA scan tool that displays faulty data should not be used. The scan tool concern 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 ListUnits DisplayedTypical Data Value
Engine Idling/Radiator Hose Hot/Closed Throttle/Park or Neutral/Closed Loop/Accessories Off/Brake Pedal Released
24X Crank SensorIgnitionRPM0-6,400
A/C Relay Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
A/C Relay Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
A/C Relay CommandEng, Misfire, EGR, TACOn/OffOff
Air Fuel RatioEng, Fuel Trim, HO2SRatio14.2:1-14.7:1
APP Indicated AngleEng, EGR, EVAP, HO2S, Ignition, Misfire, TAC, Fuel TrimPercent0
APP Sensor 1TACVoltsVaries
APP Sensor 1 CircuitTACOK/Not OKOK
APP Sensor 2TACVoltsVaries
APP Sensor 2 CircuitTACOK/Not OKOK
APP Sensor 1TACPercentVaries
APP Sensor 2TACPercentVaries
APP Sensor 1 and 2TACAgree/DisagreeAgree
BAROEng, EGR, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2S, IgnitionKPa65-110 kPa
Catalytic Converter Protection ActiveFuel Trim, HO2SYes/NoNo
CMP SensorIgnitionRPMVaries
CMP Sensor Signal PresentIgnition, MisfireYes/NoYes
Cruise Control ActiveTACYes/NoNo
Cycles of Misfire DataMisfireCounts0-99
Cyl. 1-6 Injector Circuit StatusODDOK/Stuck Low (open)/Stuck HighOK
Cylinder 1 and 4 IC Circuit StatusODDOK/Not OKOK
Cylinder 2 and 5 IC Circuit StatusODDOK/Not OKOK
Cylinder 3 and 6 IC Circuit StatusODDOK/Not OKOK
Cylinder 1-6 Injector Circuit HistoryODDOK/Stuck Low (open)/Stuck HighOK
Decel Fuel Cut-offEng, EGR, Fuel Trim, HO2SActive/InactiveInactive
Desired EGR PositionEGR, MisfirePercent0
Desired Idle SpeedEng, EVAP, TACRPMVaries
Driver Module 1 StatusODDEnabled/Off-High Volts/Off High Temp/Invalid StateEnabled
Driver Module 2 StatusODDEnabled/Off-High Volts/Off High Temp/Invalid StateEnabled
Driver Module 3 StatusODDEnabled/Off-High Volts/Off High Temp/Invalid StateEnabled
EC Ignition Relay Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
EC Relay Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
ECT SensorEng, EGR, EVAP, HO2S, Ignition, Misfire, Fuel Trim, TAC°C/°FVaries
EGR Flow Test CountEGRCounts0-12
EGR Learned Minimum PositionEGRVolts0.14-1.0
EGR Position SensorEng, EGR, MisfirePercentVaries
EGR Position SensorEGRVolts0
EGR Position VarianceEGRPercent0
EGR Solenoid Circuit HistoryODDOK/Open/Fault/Invalid StateOK
EGR Solenoid Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
EGR Solenoid CommandEGRPercent0
Engine LoadEng, Misfire, Fuel Trim, EVAP, EGR, HO2S, Ignition, TACPercent0
Engine Oil Pressure SwitchEngLow/OKOK
Engine Run TimeEng, EVAP, Misfire, Fuel Trim, EGR, HO2S, Ignition, TAC, ODDHr: Min: SecVaries
Engine SpeedEng, EGR, EVAP, Ignition, Misfire, Fuel Trim, TACRPMVaries
EVAP Fault HistoryEVAPNo Fault/Excess Vacuum/Purge Valve Leak/Small Leak/Weak Vacuum/No Test ResultNo Fault
EVAP Purge Solenoid Circuit HistoryODDOK/Open/ShortOK
EVAP Purge Solenoid Circuit StatusODDOK/Open/ShortOK
EVAP Purge Solenoid CommandEng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2SPercentVaries
EVAP Test Abort ReasonEVAPNo Aborted/Lost Enable/Small Leak/Veh. Not At RestVaries
EVAP Test ResultEVAPNo Result/Passed/Aborted OR Fail-DTC P0455 OR Fail-DTC P0442 OR Fail-DTC P0446 OR Fail-DTC P0496Varies
EVAP Test StateEVAPWaiting for Purge/Test Running/Test CompletedVaries
EVAP Vent Solenoid Circuit HistoryODDOK/Open/ShortOK
EVAP Vent Solenoid Circuit StatusODDOK/Open/ShortOK
EVAP Vent Solenoid CommandEng, EVAPVenting/Not VentingVaries
FC Relay 1 Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
FC Relay 1 Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
FC Relay 2 and 3 Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
FC Relay 2 and 3 Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Fuel Level SensorEVAPVoltsVaries
Fuel Pump Relay Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Fuel Pump Relay Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Fuel Pump Relay CommandEngOn/OffOn
Fuel Tank Level RemainingEVAPPercent0-104
Fuel Tank Pressure SensorEng, EVAPMm Hg/in H2OVaries
Fuel Tank Pressure SensorEVAPVoltsVaries
Fuel Trim CellEVAP, Eng, Fuel Trim0-40
Fuel Trim LearnEng, EVAP, Fuel TrimEnabled/DisabledVaries
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1EVAP, Eng, Fuel Trim, HO2SMillivolts0-1000 and Varying
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 ReadyFuel Trim, HO2SYes/NoYes
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2Eng, Fuel Trim, HO2SMillivolts0-1000 and Varying
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1 ReadyFuel Trim, HO2SYes/NoYes
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1Eng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2SMillivolts0-1000 and Varying
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 2Eng, Fuel Trim, HO2SMillivolts0-1000 and Varying
HO2S Htr. Bn. 1 Sen. 1HO2SOn/OffOn
HO2S Htr. Bank 1 Sensor 1 CommandHO2SOn/OffOn
HO2S Htr. Bn. 1 Sen. 2HO2SOn/OffOn
HO2S Htr. Bank 1 Sensor 2 CommandHO2SOn/OffOn
HO2S Heater Bn. 1 Sen. 1HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Heater Bn. 1 Sen. 2HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Heater Bn. 2 Sen. 1HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Heater Bn. 2 Sen. 2HO2SAmpsVaries
HO2S Htr. Bn. 1 Sen. 1 Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 1 Sen. 2 Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 2 Sen. 1HO2SOn/OffOn
HO2S Htr. Bn. 2 Sen. 1 Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 2 Sen. 2HO2SOn/OffOn
HO2S Htr. Bn. 2 Sen. 2 Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 1 Sen. 1 Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 1 Sen. 2 Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 2 Sen. 1 Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
HO2S Htr. Bn. 2 Sen. 2 Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Hot Open LoopFuel Trim, HO2SActive/InactiveInactive
IAT SensorEng, EVAP, EGR, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Ignition, Misfire, TAC°C/°FVaries
Ignition 1 SignalEVAP, Eng, EGR, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Ignition, Misfire, ODD, TACVoltsVaries
Ignition Off TimeEVAP, EngMinutes/VariesVaries
Initial Brake Apply SignalTACReleased/AppliedReleased
Injector PWMFuel Trim, MisfireMillisecondsVaries
Knock RetardEGR, IgnitionDegrees0
Long Term FT Bank 1Eng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2SPercent10% to +10%
Long Term FT Bank 2Eng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2SPercent10% to +10%
Loop StatusEng, Fuel Trim, EVAP, HO2SOpen/ClosedClosed
MAF SensorEng, EGR, Misfire, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Ignition, TACG/s3-6 (Varies with altitude)
MAF SensorEVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Misfire, TACHz1,200-3,000 (depends on altitude)
MAP SensorEng, EGR, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Misfire, TACVolts0.4-2.0 Volts
MAP SensorEng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Ignition, Misfire, EGR, TACKPa20-48 kPa (Varies with altitude)
MIL Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
MIL CommandEVAP, Eng, EGR, IgnitionOn/OffOff
MIL Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Mileage Since DTC ClearedEngKm/h/mphVaries
Misfire Current Cyl. 1-6MisfireCounts0
Misfire History Cyl. 1-6MisfireCounts0
Moderate Brake Apply SignalTACApplied/ReleasedReleased
Number of DTCsEng EVAP, Fuel Trim, TACNumber0
PCM ResetEngYes/NoNo
Power EnrichmentEng, Fuel Trim, HO2S, MisfireActive/InactiveInactive
Reduced Engine PowerTACActive/InactiveInactive
Short Term FT Bank 1Eng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2SPercent10 to +10
Short Term FT Bank 2Eng, EVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2SPercent10 to +10
SparkEng, Misfire, Fuel Trim, HO2S, IgnitionDegrees22 (varies)
Start Up ECTEVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2S°C/°FVaries
Start Up IATEVAP, Fuel Trim, HO2S°C/°FVaries
Starter Relay Circuit StatusODDOK/FaultOK
Starter Relay Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Stop Lamp Pedal SwitchEng, TACReleased/AppliedReleased
TAC/PCM Communications SignalTACOK/FaultOK
TAC Stop Lamp Pedal SwitchEngReleased/AppliedReleased
TAC Stop Lamp Pedal SwitchTACApplied/ReleasedReleased
TAC Vehicle Speed SignalTACOK/FaultOK
TCS Delivered Torque Circuit StatusODDOK/FaultOK
Torque Request SignalTACPercent100%
Torque Delivered SignalTACPercent75%
Total Misfire CountMisfire1-2550
TP Desired AngleTACPercentVaries
TP Indicated AngleEng, EGR, Fuel Trim, HO2S, Ignition, EVAP, Misfire, TACPercent%
TP Sensor 1TACPercentVaries
TP Sensor 1TACVoltsVaries
TP Sensors 1 and 2TACAgree/DisagreeAgree
TP Sensor 1TACOK/Not OKOK
TP Sensor 2TACPercentVaries
TP Sensor 2TACVoltsVaries
TP Sensor 2TACOK/Not OKOK
Traction Control StatusTACActive/InactiveInactive
Vehicle Speed Circuit HistoryODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Vehicle Speed Circuit StatusODDOK/Fault/Invalid StateOK
Vehicle Speed SensorEng, EGR, EVAP, HO2S, Ignition, Fuel Trim, Misfire, TACMph/km/h0
Warm-ups w/o Emission FaultsEng1-100
Warm-ups w/o Non-Emission FaultsEng1-100

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 arranged 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 specific value All the instructions on the scan tool have been completed The accelerator pedal 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 the 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 instructions on the scan tool are completed. Stabilized engine speed Fuel injector selected When DISABLE is selected, the PCM turns the injector OFF for 30 seconds. During this period, the engine operates with a misfire.
EGR SolenoidEngine Output ControlsActivates the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid in 10 percent increments from 0 to 100 percent or a maximum of 30 seconds at 100 percent.
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 400-2,200 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 purge solenoid in 10 percent increments from 0 to 100 percent. The device control will be aborted and inhibited if the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor exceeds 19 mm Hg (10 in H2O).
EVAP Vent SolenoidEngine Output Controls/EVAP SystemActivates the vent solenoid. The device control will be aborted and inhibited if the FTP sensor exceeds 19 mm Hg (10 in H2O).
EVAP Purge/SealEngine Output Controls/EVAP SystemSimultaneously activates the purge solenoid in 10 percent increments from 0 to 100 percent and the vent solenoid. The device control will be aborted and inhibited if the FTP sensor exceeds 19 mm Hg (10 in H2O).
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 ControlsActivates the fuel pump relay for 2 seconds. Also turns fuel pump ON and OFF while engine is running.
Fuel Trim EnableFuel SystemDisables the PCMs ability to learn new fuel trim parameters. The commanded states are NONE, ENABLED, DISABLED. The normal commanded state is NONE. 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 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.
MILEngine Output Controls/Dash LampsActivates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The MIL will remain illuminated 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.
HO2S Heater DriverEngine Output ControlsActivates the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) heater. The commanded states include NONE, ON, and OFF. The normal commanded state is NONE. The system remains in the commanded state until cancelled by the tool.
Throttle PositionTAC SystemOperates TAC motor in 10 percent increments to open or close the throttle blade. The test operates during key ON, engine OFF.
APP LearnAPP LearnThis procedure allows the TAC system to re-learn the minimum accelerator pedal position in the even of the bracket and rod assembly replacement.

Powertrain Control Module Scan Tool Output Control