Engine Controls - 6.6L - Diagnosis (Dtcs P0016-P0401): Overview GMC Sierra 1500

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) monitors the crankshaft position (CKP) and the camshaft position (CMP) signals to determine if they are synchronized. If both signals are not observed by the ECM within a narrow time window, the ECM will determine that an error has occurred.

The position of the turbocharger vanes is controlled by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM utilizes a turbocharger vane control solenoid valve and a turbocharger vane position sensor to control the turbocharger vanes. The ECM will vary the boost dependent upon the load requirements of the engine. The vane control solenoid valve uses 2 circuits, a high voltage control circuit and a low reference circuit. The ECM uses a pulse width modulation (PWM) on the high control circuit to control the solenoid valve. The ECM provides a ground on the low reference circuit. The ECM will detect if the automatic turbocharger learn has failed or the commanded position of the turbocharger vanes does not match the actual position by more than 15 percent. Refer to Turbocharger Description and Operation .

Conditions for Running the DTC

1. DTC P0117, P0118, P2563, P2564, P2565, P2228, P2229 are not set.
2. The battery voltage is more than 11 volts.
3. The ECM is commanding the turbocharger vanes open or closed during a position learn process.
4. The engine speed is between 600-750 RPM.
5. The engine coolant temp (ECT) is between 160-205°F (71-96°C).
6. DTC P003A runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

The position of the turbocharger vanes is controlled by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM utilizes a turbocharger vane control solenoid valve and a turbocharger vane position sensor to control the turbocharger vanes. The ECM will vary the boost dependent upon the load requirements of the engine. The vane control solenoid valve uses 2 circuits; a control circuit and a low reference circuit. The ECM uses a pulse width modulation on the control circuit to open and control the solenoid valve. The ECM provides a ground on the low reference circuit. Refer to Turbocharger Description and Operation .

Conditions for Running the DTC

1. The engine run time is more than 60 seconds.
2. DTC P0045 runs continuously when the above condition is met

Conditions for Setting the DTC

1. The control module detects that the commanded state of the driver and the actual state of the control circuit do NOT match.
2. The above condition exists for more than 1 second.

The fuel injection pump supplies high pressure fuel to the fuel injection rails, and then to the fuel injectors through high pressure pipes. The fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor is a three wire sensor mounted in the right fuel injection rail. The FRP sensor uses a 5-volt reference circuit, a signal circuit, and a low reference circuit to monitor fuel rail pressure. This information is sent to the engine control module (ECM) to assist in the fueling of the engine.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. 7: This step tests for battery voltage through the ECM to the FRP regulator.
2. 8: This step tests for an open control circuit between the ECM and the FRP regulator.
3. 9: This excessive current code can be set by voltage being applied between the ECM and the FRP regulator on the FRP control circuit.

DTC P0090

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor 2 is a variable resistor. The IAT sensor 2 has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the air at the engines intake manifold. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT 2 signal circuit, and a ground for the IAT 2 low reference circuit. When the IAT sensor 2 is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the intake manifold air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. With high sensor resistance, the ECM detects a high voltage on the IAT 2 signal circuit. With lower sensor resistance, the ECM detects a lower voltage on the IAT 2 signal circuit. The ECM continuously monitors the IAT signal voltage for an excessively high or low voltage, or a voltage signal that is not in correlation with the mass air flow (MAF)/IAT sensor.

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The engine control module (ECM) uses the MAF sensor voltage signal to provide the correct fuel delivery for a reduction in emissions. The ECM uses the MAF sensor signal to control fuel delivery until a calibrated amount of engine air flow is attained. The MAF sensor produces an output voltage based on the inlet air flow through the air induction system. This output voltage will display on the scan tool as a voltage parameter and as a grams per second (g/s) parameter. The ECM compares the actual MAF sensor voltage signal to a predicted MAF value. This comparison will determine if the signal is stuck, or is too low or too high for a given operating condition.

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is integrated with the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The MAF sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The engine control module (ECM) uses the MAF sensor signal to provide the correct fuel delivery for all engine speeds and loads. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates a deceleration or idle condition. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load condition.

The MAF sensor produces an output voltage based on the inlet air flow through the air induction system. This output voltage will display on the scan tool as a voltage parameter and as a grams per second (g/s) parameter. If the ECM detects that the actual MAF sensor voltage signal is more than or less than the possible range of a normally operating sensor it will set a DTC.

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. Pressure in the intake manifold is affected by turbocharger output, engine speed, accelerator pedal input, air temperature, and barometric pressure (BARO). A diaphragm within the MAP sensor is displaced by the pressure changes that occur from the varying load and operating conditions of the engine. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a regulated 5 volts to the sensor on a 5-volt reference circuit. The ECM supplies a ground on a low reference circuit. The MAP sensor provides a signal voltage to the ECM, relative to the pressure changes, on the MAP sensor signal circuit. The ECM converts the signal voltage input to a pressure value. Under normal operation, the lowest pressure that can exist in the intake manifold is equal to the BARO. This occurs when the vehicle is operating at idle or when the ignition is ON, while the engine is OFF. The ECM uses the MAP sensor to aid in diagnosis of the turbocharger performance. The highest manifold pressures occur when the turbocharger output is high. Manifold pressure can range from 58 kPa (8 psi) when pressure are low, to more than 240 kPa (34 psi) when pressures are high, depending on the BARO. The MAP sensor has a range of 33-255 kPa (4-36 psi).

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. Pressure in the intake manifold is affected by turbocharger output, engine speed, accelerator pedal input, air temperature, and barometric pressure (BARO). A diaphragm within the MAP sensor is displaced by the pressure changes that occur from the varying load and operating conditions of the engine. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a regulated 5 volts to the sensor on a 5-volt reference circuit. The ECM supplies a ground on a low reference circuit. The MAP sensor provides a signal voltage to the ECM, relative to the pressure changes, on the MAP sensor signal circuit. The ECM converts the signal voltage input to a pressure value. Under normal operation, the lowest pressure that can exist in the intake manifold is equal to the BARO. This occurs when the vehicle is operating at idle or when the ignition is ON, while the engine is OFF. The ECM uses the MAP sensor to aid in diagnosis of the turbocharger performance. The highest manifold pressures occur when the turbocharger output is high. Manifold pressure can range from 58 kPa (8 psi) when pressure are low, to more than 240 kPa (34 psi) when pressures are high, depending on the BARO. The MAP sensor has a range of 33-255 kPa (4-36 psi).

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is a variable resistor. The IAT sensor has a signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The IAT sensor measures the temperature of the air entering the engine. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the IAT signal circuit, and a ground for the IAT low reference circuit. When the IAT sensor is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the air temperature increases, the sensor resistance decreases. With high sensor resistance, the ECM detects a high voltage on the IAT signal circuit. With lower sensor resistance, the ECM detects a lower voltage on the IAT signal circuit.

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the signal circuit and a ground for the low reference circuit. When the engine coolant temperatures are low, the resistance is high. When the engine coolant temperatures are high, the resistance is low. The ECM uses this high side coolant rationality test to determine if the ECT input is skewed high. The ECM will record the amount of time the engine is OFF. At restart, the ECM will compare the temperature difference between the ECT and the intake air temperature (IAT). Before failing this diagnostic, the ECM will perform the calculation to determine the presence of a block heater.

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit, and a ground for the ECT low reference circuit. When the ECT is cold, the sensor resistance is high. When the ECT increases, the sensor resistance decreases. With high sensor resistance, the ECM detects a high voltage on the ECT signal circuit. With lower sensor resistance, the ECM detects a lower voltage on the ECT signal circuit.

The engine control module (ECM) uses this diagnostic to determine if the engine coolant temperature (ECT) has reached the minimum calibrated thermostat regulating temperature. The ECM supplies 5 volts to the ECT signal circuit, and a ground for the ECT low reference circuit. The ECM monitors the temperature of the coolant by using the input received from the ECT sensor. The ECM calculates the amount of fuel burned since start-up to determine if the vehicle has been driven within the conditions that would allow the engine coolant to heat up normally to the thermostat regulating temperature. If the coolant temperature does not increase normally, or does not reach the regulating temperature of the thermostat, the engine is considered not warm enough for stable, low emission operation. Additionally, other diagnostics that use engine coolant temperature as enabling criteria may not run when expected.

The purpose of both these rationality diagnostics is to use the ECT sensor to determine if the engine coolant will heat up at the correct rate, and also meet the calibrated target temperatures under various operating conditions.

The ECM uses the start-up ECT and the start-up intake air temperature (IAT) to begin the diagnostic calculation. The air flow into the engine is accumulated, and vehicle speed, distance and engine run time are also factored in to determine if the ECT does increase normally and reach the calibrated target temperatures.

Fuel is drawn from the fuel tank through the fuel heater, then to the fuel injection pump. Fuel temperature is monitored by the fuel temperature sensor, which is located in the fuel return line on the engine. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts and a ground circuit to the sensor. A fuel cooler located in front of the fuel tank is used to help keep the fuel temperature at an acceptable limit. When the ECM detects a fuel temperature above the pre-determined value, this diagnostic will fail, but will not turn the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ON.

The fuel temperature sensor is a thermistor. The engine control module (ECM) supplies the fuel temperature sensor a bias voltage of 5 volts on the signal circuit and also provides a low reference circuit to the sensor. When the fuel temperature sensor is cold, the resistance is high. The fuel temperature sensor signal voltage remains near the bias voltage cold and decreases as the sensor warms. The control module monitors the fuel temperature sensor signal circuit in order to calculate the temperature of the fuel entering the engine.

The fuel temperature sensor is a thermistor. The engine control module (ECM) supplies the fuel temperature sensor a bias voltage of 5 volts on the signal circuit and also provides a low reference circuit to the sensor. When the fuel temperature sensor is cold, the resistance is high. The fuel temperature sensor signal voltage remains near the bias voltage cold and decreases as the sensor warms. The control module monitors the fuel temperature sensor signal circuit in order to calculate the temperature of the fuel entering the engine.

The fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor has a 5-volt reference circuit, a signal circuit, and a low reference circuit. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the voltage on the FRP sensor circuits. When the fuel pressure is high, the signal voltage is high. When the fuel pressure is low, the signal voltage is low. The fuel pressure regulator has a solenoid supply voltage circuit and a solenoid control circuit. The ECM controls the fuel pressure regulator, which regulates high pressure fuel that goes to the fuel injector rails and the injectors.

The engine control module (ECM) supplies voltage to each fuel injector on the injector positive voltage control circuits. The ECM energizes each fuel injector by grounding the control circuit of that fuel injector. The ECM monitors the status of the injector positive voltage control circuits and the fuel injector control circuits. The injectors are separated into the following four groups

1. Group 1-DTC P2146 with injectors 1 and 4
2. Group 2-DTC P2149 with injectors 6 and 7
3. Group 3-DTC P2152 with injectors 2 and 5
4. Group 4-DTC P2155 with injectors 3 and 8

When a fuel injector circuit condition is detected by the ECM, the affected fuel injectors will be disabled and may disable the affected group of fuel injectors.

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. Pressure in the intake manifold is affected by turbocharger output, engine speed, accelerator pedal input, air temperature, and barometric pressure (BARO). A diaphragm within the MAP pressure sensor is displaced by the pressure changes that occur from the varying load and operating conditions of the engine. The sensor translates this action into electrical resistance. The MAP pressure sensor wiring includes 3 circuits. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a regulated 5 volts to the sensor on a 5-volt reference circuit. The ECM supplies a ground on a low reference circuit. The MAP pressure sensor provides a signal voltage to the ECM, relative to pressure, on the MAP pressure sensor signal circuit. The ECM converts the signal voltage input to a pressure value. Under normal operation, the lowest pressure that can exist in the intake manifold is equal to the BARO. This occurs when the vehicle is operated at idle or when the ignition is ON while the engine is OFF. The highest manifold pressures occur when the turbocharger output is high. Manifold pressure can range from 58 kPa (8 psi) when pressures are low to more than 240 kPa (34 psi) when pressures are high, depending on the BARO. The MAP pressure sensor has a range of 33-255 kPa (4-36 psi). The ECM diagnoses the MAP sensor by a calculated predicted value at a predetermined engine load and speed. The ECM then compares the predicted value to the sensor actual input.

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. Pressure in the intake manifold is affected by turbocharger output, engine speed, accelerator pedal input, air temperature, and barometric pressure (BARO). A diaphragm within the MAP pressure sensor is displaced by the pressure changes that occur from the varying load and operating conditions of the engine. The sensor translates this action into electrical resistance. The MAP pressure sensor wiring includes 3 circuits. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a regulated 5-volt reference circuit, a ground on a low reference circuit, and the MAP pressure sensor provides a signal voltage to the ECM, relative to pressure on the signal circuit. The ECM converts the signal voltage input to a pressure value. Under normal operation the lowest pressure that can exist in the intake manifold is equal to the BARO. This occurs when the vehicle is operated at idle or when the ignition is on while the engine is off. The highest manifold pressures occur when the turbocharger output is high. Manifold pressure can range from 58 kPa (8 psi) when pressures are low to more than 240 kPa (34 psi) when pressures are high, depending on the BARO. The MAP pressure sensor has a range of 33 kPa (4 psi) to 255 kPa (36 psi). The ECM monitors the MAP sensor, by comparing a calculated predicted value at a predetermined engine load and speed, to the actual input.

The engine control module (ECM) monitors changes in crankshaft speed using input from the crankshaft position sensor. The ECM adjusts the fuel delivery to each cylinder in order to minimize crankshaft speed changes. If the ECM identifies a cylinder or cylinders requiring an excessive amount of fuel in order to maintain the correct crankshaft speed, a DTC will set.

The hall effect crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal indicates the crankshaft speed and position. There are 57 teeth on the front of the crankshaft sprocket, plus a sync gap. The CKP sensor will output an ON/OFF pulse as each window passes the sensing element. The CKP sensor is connected directly to the engine control module (ECM) by the following circuits

1. The 5-volt reference circuit
2. The low reference circuit
3. The signal circuit

The hall effect camshaft position (CMP) sensor produces 3 ON/OFF pulses for each revolution of the camshaft. The CMP output is pulse width encoded. The engine control module (ECM) uses the CMP and crankshaft position (CKP) output pulses to determine the engine speed and position. The CMP is connected directly to the ECM by the following circuits

1. The 5-volt reference circuit
2. The low reference circuit
3. The CMP sensor signal circuit

The engine control module (ECM) tests the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow when the EGR is In operation. EGR desired flow is compared to EGR actual flow. If EGR flow deviation is detected, DTC P0401 or P0402 will set.

See also:
• Scan Tool Data List (Engine Control Module)
• Scan Tool Data List (Glow Plug Control Module)
• Scan Tool Data Definitions
• Scan Tool Output Controls