Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Testing & Diagnostics All sections

Engine Controls - 8.1L (Introduction): Diagnosis Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Testing & Diagnostics 10 illustrations ~2122 words

Action Taken When the DTC Sets - Type A

The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets - Type B

The control module illuminates the MIL on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC - Type A or Type B

  1. The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
  2. A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
  3. Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets - Type C

  1. The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
  2. The MIL will not illuminate.
  3. The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC - Type C

  1. A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
  2. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC - Type X

This DTC is available in the PCM software, but has been disabled, or turned OFF. In this case, the diagnostic does not run, no DTCs are stored, and the MIL does not illuminate. Type X DTCs are used primarily for export vehicles that do not require MIL illumination or DTC storing.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type(s)

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)Federal RPO NF2 or NT9California RPO NB6, NC1, or NC8
P0068AA
P0101BB
P0102BB
P0103BB
P0106BB
P0107BB
P0108BB
P0112BB
P0113BB
P0116XB
P0117BB
P0118BB
P0120AA
P0125XB
P0128XB
P0131BB
P0132BB
P0133XB
P0134BB
P0135XB
P0136XB
P0137XB
P0138XB
P0140XB
P0141XB
P0151BB
P0152BB
P0153XB
P0154BB
P0155XB
P0156XB
P0157XB
P0158XB
P0160XB
P0161XB
P0171BB
P0172BB
P0174BB
P0175BB
P0200BB
P0218CC
P0220AA
P0230BB
P0300BB
P0315AA
P0325BB
P0327BB
P0332BB
P0335BB
P0336BB
P0341BB
P0342BB
P0343BB
P0351-P0358BB
P0420XA
P0430XA
P0442XA
P0443BB
P0446XA
P0449XB
P0452XB
P0453XB
P0455XA
P0461CC
P0462CC
P0463CC
P0496XB
P0500BB
P0506BB
P0507BB
P0522CC
P0523CC
P0530CC
P0562CC
P0563CC
P0567CC
P0568CC
P0571CC
P0601AA
P0602AA
P0604AA
P0606AA
P0608CC
P0609CC
P0622CC
P0641BB
P0650BB
P0651BB
P0654CC
P0700AA
P0706CC
P0802BB
P0833BB
P0856BB
P1106CC
P1107CC
P1111CC
P1112CC
P1114CC
P1115CC
P1125AA
P1133XB
P1134XB
P1153XB
P1154XB
P1258AA
P1380XC
P1381XC
P1516AA
P1574CC
P1626CC
P1631CC
P1637CC
P1875CB
P2067CC
P2068CC
P2101AA
P2108AA
P2120CC
P2121CC
P2125CC
P2135AA
P2610BB
P2636CC
P2771CB
U0107AA

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type(s)

Scheme 128

Scheme 128: Emission Hose Routing Diagram
CalloutComponent Name
1Fuel Pressure Dampener
2EVAP Purge Pipe
3EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve
4Throttle Body

Scheme 129

Scheme 129: Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Hose Routing Diagram
CalloutComponent Name
1EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve
2EVAP Canister
3Fuel Fill Neck/Fill Cap
4Rollover Valve/Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor
5Fuel Tank
6EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Valve
7Vent Hose/Pipe
8EVAP Vapor Pipe
9EVAP Purge Pipe
10EVAP Service Port

Scheme 130

Scheme 130: Fuel Hose/Pipes Routing Diagram (Single Fuel Tank)
CalloutComponent Name
1Fuel Pressure Service Connection
2Fuel Injector Rail
3Fuel Rail Feed Pipe
4Fuel Feed Hose
5Fuel Injector

Inspection Procedure

Note. Use the EVAP Pressure/Purge Diagnostic Station J 41413 in order to provide a clean, dry, low pressure gas source. Do not substitute any other pressurized gas source. Damage may result to the EVAP system.

IMPORTANTDO NOT perform this procedure unless instructed by an EVAP diagnostic.
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the EVAP canister purge valve. Refer to «Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement»(ref-184137-S03573160122005082200000) .
  3. Lightly tap the EVAP canister purge valve on a clean hard surface.
  4. Inspect for carbon particles exiting either of the vacuum ports. If no carbon particles are found, install the EVAP canister purge valve and continue with the EVAP cleaning procedure. If carbon particles are found during the inspection procedure, continue with the EVAP cleaning procedure. If you were instructed to replace the EVAP canister purge valve, and no carbon particles are found, return to the EVAP diagnostic procedure. Do not perform the EVAP cleaning procedure.

Spark Plug Wire Inspection

Spark plug wire integrity is vital for proper engine operation. A thorough inspection is necessary to accurately identify conditions that may affect engine operation. Inspect for the following conditions

  1. Correct routing of the spark plug wires. Incorrect routing may cause cross-firing.
  2. Any signs of cracks or splits in the wires.
  3. Inspect each boot for the following conditions: Tearing Piercing Arcing Carbon tracking Corroded terminal

If corrosion, carbon tracking or arcing are indicated on a spark plug wire boot or terminal, replace the wire and the component connected to the wire.

Scheme 131

Scheme 131: Removal Procedure
  1. Disconnect the spark plug wire at the spark plug. Twist the spark plug wire 1/2 turn. Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the spark plug.
  2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the ignition coil. Twist each spark plug boot 1/2 turn. Pull only on the boot in order to remove the wire from the ignition coil.

Visual Inspection

  1. Normal operation-Brown to grayish-tan with small amounts of white powdery deposits are normal combustion by-products from fuels with additives.
  2. Carbon fouled-Dry, fluffy black carbon, or soot caused by the following conditions: Rich fuel mixtures Leaking fuel injectors Excessive fuel pressure Restricted air filter element Incorrect combustion Reduced ignition system voltage output Weak coils Worn ignition wires Incorrect spark plug gap Excessive idling or slow speeds under light loads can keep spark plug temperatures so low that normal combustion deposits may not burn off.
  3. Deposit fouling-Oil, coolant, or additives that include substances such as silicone, very white coating, reduces the spark intensity. Most powdery deposits will not effect spark intensity unless they form into a glazing over the electrode.

Scheme 132

Scheme 132: Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the spark plug wire. Refer to «Spark Plug Wire Replacement»(ref-184137-S37863825142005082200000) .
  2. Loosen the spark plug 1 or 2 turns.
  3. Brush or using compressed air, blow away any dirt from around the spark plug.
  4. Remove the spark plug. If removing more than one plug, place each plug in a tray marked with the corresponding cylinder.

Scheme 133

Scheme 133: Installation Procedure
  1. Correctly position the spark plug washer.
  2. Inspect the spark plug gap. Adjust the gap as needed. Specification: Spark plug gap: 1.524 mm (0.060 in)
  3. Hand start the spark plug in the corresponding cylinder. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  4. Tighten the spark plug. Tighten: Tighten the plug to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) for USED heads. Tighten the plug to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) for NEW heads.
  5. Install the spark plug wire. Refer to «Spark Plug Wire Replacement»(ref-184137-S37863825142005082200000) .

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

The powertrain control module (PCM) is programmed with test routines that test the operation of the various systems the PCM controls. Some tests monitor internal PCM functions. Many tests are run continuously. Other tests run only under specific conditions, referred to as Conditions for Running the DTC. When the vehicle is operating within the conditions for running a particular test, the PCM monitors certain parameters and determines if the values are within an expected range. The parameters and values considered outside the range of normal operation are listed as Conditions for Setting the DTC. When the Conditions for Setting the DTC occur, the PCM executes the Action Taken When the DTC Sets. Some DTCs alert the driver via the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or a message. Other DTCs do not trigger a driver warning, but are stored in memory. The PCM also saves data and input parameters when most DTCs are set. This data is stored in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records.

The DTCs are categorized by type. The DTC type is determined by the MIL operation and the manner in which the fault data is stored when a particular DTC fails. In some cases there may be exceptions to this structure. Therefore, when diagnosing the system it is important to read the Action Taken When the DTC Sets and the Conditions for Clearing the DTC in the supporting text.

There are different types of DTCs and different actions taken when the DTCs set. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions for a description of the general characteristics of each DTC type.

DTC Status

When the scan tool displays a DTC, the status of the DTC is also displayed. The following DTC statuses are indicated only when they apply to the DTC that is set.

Scheme 134

Scheme 134: Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description
CalloutComponent Name
1Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Module
2Throttle Body Assembly
3Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system uses vehicle electronics and components to calculate and control the position of the throttle blade. This eliminates the need for a mechanical cable attachment from the accelerator pedal to the throttle body. This system also performs the cruise control functions as well.

The TAC system components include the following

  1. The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor
  2. The throttle body
  3. The throttle actuator control (TAC) module
  4. The powertrain control module (PCM)

Each of these components interface together to ensure accurate calculations and control of the throttle position.

Scheme 135

Scheme 135: Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor

The APP sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal assembly. The APP is actually 3 individual accelerator pedal position sensors within one housing. Three separate signal, low reference, and 5.0-volt reference circuits are used to connect the APP and the TAC module. The APP sensor 1 voltage should increase as the accelerator pedal is depressed, from below 1.0 volt at 0 percent pedal travel to above 2.0 volts at 100 percent pedal travel. APP sensor 2 voltage should decrease from above 4.0 volts at 0 percent pedal travel to below 2.9 volts at 100 percent pedal travel. APP sensor 3 voltage should decrease from above 3.8 volts at 0 percent pedal travel to below 3.1 volts at 100 percent pedal travel.

Scheme 136

Scheme 136: Throttle Body Assembly

The throttle body for the TAC system is similar to a conventional throttle body with a couple of exceptions. One exception being the use of a motor to control the throttle position instead of a mechanical cable. The other exception is the new design throttle position (TP) sensor. The TP sensor mounts on the side of the throttle body opposite the throttle actuator motor. The TP sensor is actually 2 individual TP sensors within one housing. Separate signal, low reference, and 5.0-volt reference circuits are used to connect the TP sensors and the TAC module. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage increases as the throttle opens, from around 1.0 volt at 0 percent throttle to above 3.5 volts at 100 percent throttle. TP sensor 2 signal voltage decreases as the throttle is opened, from around 3.8 volts at 0 percent throttle to below 1.0 volt at 100 percent throttle.

Scheme 137

Scheme 137: Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Module

The TAC module is the control center for the electronic throttle system. The TAC module and the PCM communicate via a dedicated redundant serial data circuit. The TAC module and the PCM monitor the commanded throttle position and compare the commanded position to the actual throttle position. This is accomplished by monitoring the APP and the TP sensor. These 2 values must be within a calibrated value of each other. The TAC module also monitors each individual circuit of the TP sensor and the APP to verify proper operation.

Large Leak Test

This tests for large leaks and blockages in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. The control module commands the EVAP vent solenoid valve ON and commands the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON, with the engine running, allowing engine vacuum into the EVAP system. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor voltage to verify that the system is able to reach a predetermined level of vacuum within a set amount of time. The control module then commands the EVAP purge solenoid valve OFF, sealing the system, and monitors the vacuum level for decay. If the control module does not detect that the predetermined vacuum level was achieved, or the vacuum decay rate is more than a calibrated level on 2 consecutive tests, DTC P0455 will set.

Small Leak Test

The engine off natural vacuum (EONV) diagnostic is the small-leak detection diagnostic for the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. While previous leak detection methods were performed with the engine running, the EONV diagnostic monitors the EVAP system pressure or vacuum with the ignition OFF. Because of this, it may be normal for the control module to remain active for up to 40 minutes after the ignition is turned OFF. This is important to remember when performing a parasitic draw test on vehicles equipped with EONV.

The EONV utilizes the temperature changes in the fuel tank immediately following a drive cycle to use the naturally occurring vacuum or pressure in the fuel tank. When the vehicle is driven, the temperature rises in the tank. After the vehicle is parked, the temperature in the tank continues to rise for a period of time, then starts to drop. The EONV diagnostic relies on this temperature change and the corresponding pressure change in a sealed system, to determine if an EVAP system leak is present.

The EONV diagnostic is designed to detect leaks as small as 0.51 mm (0.020 in). The diagnostic can determine if a small leak is present based on vacuum or pressure readings in the EVAP system. When the system is sealed, a finite amount of pressure or vacuum will be observed. When a 0.51 mm (0.020 in) leak is present, often little or no pressure or vacuum is observed. If the test reports a failing value, DTC P0442 will set.

Canister Vent Restriction Test

If the evaporative emission (EVAP) vent system is restricted, fuel vapors will not be properly purged from the EVAP canister. The control module tests this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON, commanding the EVAP vent solenoid valve OFF, and monitoring the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor for an increase in vacuum. If the vacuum increases more than a calibrated value, DTC P0446 will set.

Purge Solenoid Valve Leak Test

If the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge solenoid valve does not seal properly fuel vapors could enter the engine at an undesired time, causing driveability concerns. The control module tests for this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid valve OFF and the vent solenoid valve ON, sealing the system, and monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) for an increase in vacuum. If the control module detects that the EVAP system vacuum increases above a calibrated value, DTC P0496 will set.