Engine Controls - Tests W/codes - Gasoline: Diagnosis Oldsmobile Silhouette I

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

All vehicle are equipped with either an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Unless specifically stated, references to ECM also apply to PCM equipped vehicles.

The ECM is equipped with a self-diagnostic system, which detects system failures or abnormalities. When a malfunction occurs, ECM will illuminate the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light located on instrument panel. When malfunction is detected and light is turned on, a corresponding trouble code will be stored in ECM memory. To retrieve stored codes, see READING TROUBLE CODES. Malfunctions are recorded as HARD FAILURES or as INTERMITTENT FAILURES.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

Diagnosis of the computerized engine control system should be performed in the following order

1. Ensure all engine systems not related to the computer are operating properly. DO NOT proceed with testing unless all other problems have been repaired. Perform diagnostic circuit check before using trouble code charts. See BASIC TESTING article in this section.
2. If trouble codes were displayed (other than Code 12), determine whether codes are hard or intermittent. Hard codes cause SERVICE ENGINE SOON light to illuminate continuously with engine running. See HARD OR INTERMITTENT TROUBLE CODE DETERMINATION. For diagnosing hard codes, proceed to appropriate trouble code chart. For diagnosing intermittent codes, proceed to INTERMITTENTS in TESTS W/O CODES article in this section. Exceptions are Code 13, 15, 24, 44 and 45 charts, which can help diagnose intermittent codes.
3. If trouble codes were not displayed and a driveability problem exists, refer to SYMPTOMS in TESTS W/O CODES article in this section. From there you will be sent to the appropriate area in I - SYS/COMP TESTS article in this section.
4. After repairs are made, clear trouble codes and perform FIELD SERVICE MODE check in BASIC TESTING article in this section.

Scheme 73

1. Turn ignition on with engine off. SERVICE ENGINE SOON light should glow. Locate Assembly Line Data Link (ALDL) connector, attached to ECM wiring harness. Most ALDL connectors are located under dash on driver's side of vehicle. For exact location of ALDL, see appropriate COMPONENT LOCATIONS illustration in I - SYS/COMP TESTS article in this section. Turn ignition on. Insert jumper wire from terminal "B" (diagnostic test terminal) to terminal "A" (ground) of ALDL connector. (Scheme 73) NOTE: Inserting jumper wire into test and ground terminals of ALDL connector with engine running will cause fuel-injected vehicles to enter field service mode and codes will not flash. See FIELD SERVICE MODE in BASIC TESTING article in this section.
2. SERVICE ENGINE SOON light should flash codes. Each code is flashed 3 times. If codes DO NOT flash, perform DIAGNOSTIC CIRCUIT CHECK in BASIC TESTING article in this section. To exit diagnostic mode, turn ignition off and remove jumper wire from ALDL connector.

READING TROUBLE CODES

Note. Trouble codes retrieved from ECM/PCM may be related to either engine or transmission. For engine related codes, use this article. For transmission related codes, see the G - TESTS W/ CODES ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. To identify which codes relate to transmission or engine, see TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION table.

The ECM stores component failure information under a related trouble code which can be recalled for diagnosis and repair. Read trouble codes by counting SERVICE ENGINE SOON light flashes or with diagnostic scan tester connected to the ALDL connector. The tester is faster, and capable of reading information which would require testing individual ECM and sensor/solenoid connector terminals with a digital voltmeter. See SCAN TESTER DATA table and SCAN TESTER USAGE.

Note. When using a scan tester, there is a time delay between serial data updates. For instantaneous response, a digital voltmeter must be used.

If scan tester is not available, SERVICE ENGINE SOON light flashes can be read by grounding ALDL diagnostic terminal with ignition on and engine off. For example, FLASH, FLASH, pause, FLASH, longer pause, indicates Code 21. The first series of flashes are the first digit of trouble code. The second series of flashes are the second digit of trouble code. Trouble codes are displayed starting with the lowest code. Each code is displayed 3 times and will continue as long as ALDL is grounded.

Note. Trouble codes will be recorded at various operating times. Some codes require sensor or switch operation for 5 seconds and others may require longer under certain conditions. Some codes may not set in a service bay operational mode.

TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION

Note. Trouble code charts should only be used if SERVICE ENGINE SOON light is illuminated (indicating a current problem exists). Exceptions are Code 13, 15, 24, 44 and 45 charts, which may be used to help diagnose intermittent codes. Anytime Codes 51, 52 or 55 are displayed with another code, start with 50-series code first and proceed to low profile numbered codes.

HARD OR INTERMITTENT TROUBLE CODE DETERMINATION

During any diagnostic procedure, determine if codes are due to hard or intermittent failure. Diagnostic charts will not usually help diagnose intermittent codes. To determine hard codes and intermittent codes, proceed as follows

1. MANUALLY enter diagnostic mode. Read and record all stored trouble codes. Exit diagnostic mode and clear trouble codes. See CLEARING TROUBLE CODES.
2. Apply parking brake and place transmission in Neutral or Park. Block drive wheels and start engine. SERVICE ENGINE SOON light should go out. Run warm engine at specified curb idle for 2 minutes and note SERVICE ENGINE SOON light.
3. If SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on, manually enter diagnostic mode. Read and record trouble codes. This reveals hard failure codes. Codes 13, 15, 24, 44, 45 and 55 may require a road test to reset hard failure after trouble codes were cleared.
4. If SERVICE ENGINE SOON light does not come on, all stored trouble codes were intermittent failures. Exceptions are noted under DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE.

CLEARING TROUBLE CODES

Turn ignition switch to ON position and ground diagnostic test terminal "B" at ALDL connector. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and remove ECM fuse from fuse block for 10 seconds. Replace fuse. Remove diagnostic terminal ground lead.

Diagnostic Aids

Diagnostic aids (located in many trouble code charts) are provided as additional tips to help with diagnosis when inspected circuit is okay.

SPECIAL TOOLS (DIAGNOSTIC)

Note. A special scan tester, plugged into the ALDL, can read trouble codes, check system voltages on the serial data line and save a great deal of time. For additional information, see tester owner's manual. Also, see SCAN TESTER USAGE and SCAN DATA.

The computerized engine control system is most easily diagnosed using a scan tester. However, other tools may aid in diagnosing problems if a scan tester is unavailable. These tools are a tachometer, test light, ohmmeter, digital voltmeter with 10-megohm input impedance (minimum), vacuum pump, vacuum gauge, fuel injector test lights and 6 jumper wires 6" long (one wire with female connectors at both ends, one wire with male connector at both ends and 4 wires with male and female connectors at opposite ends). A test light, rather than a voltmeter, must be used when indicated by a diagnostic chart.

Verify a clean, tight connection for ground circuit No. 413. An open circuit at sensor signal terminal or ground terminal will result in a Code 13.

CODE 13 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

Scheme 74

Scheme 75

After engine is started, temperature should rise steadily to about 194°F (90°C), then stabilize when thermostat opens. If engine is allowed to cool overnight, coolant temperature sensor and MAT sensor (if equipped) should read close to each other, when measured with a scan tester.

CODE 14 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

TEMPERATURE-TO-RESISTANCE VALUES (1) (2)

Scheme 76

Scheme 77

After engine starts, temperature should rise steadily to about 194°F (90°C) and stabilize when thermostat opens. If engine is allowed to cool overnight, coolant temperature sensor and MAT sensor (if equipped) should read close to each other when measured with a scan tester. Code 15 will also set if sensor signal or ground circuit is open.

CODE 15 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

TEMPERATURE-TO-RESISTANCE VALUES (1) (2)

Scheme 78

Check for poor connections or damaged harness. Also, check for an intermittent condition by starting engine and wiggling connection while monitoring battery voltage on scan tester. If voltage status changes abruptly or engine stalls, check for loose connections.

Note. When Code 16 sets, transaxle will be forced to 3rd gear, preventing erratic shifting due to improper voltage.

Scheme 79

Scheme 80

An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed-through wire insulation or a wire broken inside insulation. Also, check for backed-out connector terminals or broken insulation spark reference circuit. If everything checks okay, try wiggling related wiring harness and connectors while engine is idling. This may help to isolate location of malfunction.

Scheme 81

Scheme 82

Code 18 indicates an intermittent fault and may not set immediately or under all conditions. Symptoms experienced may help isolate cause of condition. A poor connection or fault in any cam sensor circuit or a faulty cam sensor may cause PCM to re-initialize injector sequence, causing a possible stumble or miss. A poor connection or fault in any crank sensor circuit or fuel control circuit or bent or missing vanes on harmonic balancer interrupter rings will cause PCM to stop pulsing injectors when fault occurs. This will cause an intermittent stumble or stall.

Scheme 83

A scan tester displays throttle position in volts. Closed throttle voltage should be less than 1.0 volt (4.3L Turbo) or less than 1.25 volts (all other models). TPS voltage should increase at a steady rate to about 4.5 volts as throttle angle increases. Code 21 will also result if ground circuit is open or TPS signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

CODE 21 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

Scheme 84

Scheme 85

A scan tester displays throttle position in volts. Closed throttle voltage should be less than 1.0 volt (4.3L Turbo) or less than 1.25 volts (all other models). TPS voltage should increase at a steady rate to about 4.5 volts as throttle angle increases. Code 22 will also set if TPS signal or ground circuits are open or grounded.

CODE 22 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

Scheme 86

A faulty or misadjusted Park/Neutral switch may set a false Code 24. Use scan tester and check for proper signal in Drive, while wiggling shifter. Scan tester MPH reading should closely match speedometer when vehicle is moving. If code is intermittent, see INTERMITTENTS in TESTS W/O CODES article in this section.

Scheme 87

Scheme 88

A faulty or misadjusted park/neutral switch may set a false Code 24. Use scan tester to check for proper signal in Drive while wiggling shifter. Code 24 may set if vehicle is power braked (brakes applied and throttle depressed) for more than 10 seconds. Check circuits No. 400 and 401 for proper connections.

Scheme 89

Scheme 90

QDM Symptoms

1. HOT light on all the time but off during bulb check.
2. Cooling fan always on low speed or will not come on at all.
3. Poor driveability due to 100 percent canister purge.

Scheme 91

Scheme 92

Monitor voltage of each terminal while moving related harness connectors, including PCM harness. If fault is induced, voltage will change. This may help locate intermittent problems. If code reappears with no apparent problems, replace PCM.

Scheme 93

Check for poor connections or damaged harness. Monitor scan tester status for gear selector switch while wiggling harness.F

Scheme 94

Scheme 95

With ignition switch in ON position and engine off, manifold pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure and signal voltage is high. Comparing BARO readings from a known good vehicle using the same sensor is a good way to check accuracy of suspected sensor. Readings should be within .4 volt of each other. Code 33 will also result if ground circuit is open or MAP signal circuit is shorted to voltage or to 5-volt reference circuit.

CODE 33 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

Scheme 96

Scheme 97

With ignition switch in ON position and engine off, manifold pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure and signal voltage will be high. Comparing BARO readings with a known good vehicle using the same sensor is a good way to check accuracy of suspected sensor. Readings should be within .4 volt of each other. A Code 34 will also result if 5-volt reference and MAP signal circuits are open or shorted to ground. If 5-volt reference circuit is not shorted to ground and a Code 22 is stored, check MAP signal circuit for short to ground.

CODE 34 ECM TERMINAL & CIRCUIT WIRING IDENTIFICATION

Scheme 98

MAF sensor produces a frequency signal, which cannot be easily measured. Check for following

1. Poor Connections - Inspect control module MAF signal pins and harness connectors for backed-out terminals, improper connector mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals and poor terminal-to-wire connection.
2. Harness - Inspect MAF sensor harness to ensure it is not too close to high voltage wires, such as spark plug wires.
3. Intermittents - If harness appears okay, use scan tester to check MAF while moving related connectors and wiring harness. A change in display would indicate intermittent fault location.

Scheme 99

Scheme 100

When Code 36 is set, transaxle will be forced into 3rd gear. If code sets due to a grounded circuit No. 1223, only 1st and 2nd gear operation will be available. If circuit No. 1223 is open, only 3rd and 4th gear operation will be available. If fault goes away, normal operation will be resumed for duration of key cycle.

Scheme 101

Scheme 102

A Code 38 in conjunction with a Code 26 would mean a problem with one or more of following components

1. Fuse or power supply circuit, brake switch or wire before splice.
2. Code 38 alone is result of a wire or circuit problem between splice and control module, poor connection to control module, or possibly control module itself. If brake switch has failed in an open state, TCC will not engage. When code is set TCC will not engage and PCM will not allow 4th gear. Code 38 does not turn on SERVICE ENGINE SOON light on all models.

Scheme 103

Scheme 104

Scan tester only indicates when PCM has commanded TCC on. This does not indicate TCC is actually engaged. To determine if TCC is engaging, road test vehicle. Engine RPM should decrease when scan tester indicates TCC engagement.

Scheme 105

An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed-through wire insulation or a wire broken inside insulation. Check for following

1. Poor Connection - Inspect ECM harness connectors for backed-out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal-to-wire connection and damaged harness.
2. Intermittents - If connections and harness are okay, connect a digital volt-ohmmeter (10-megohm) between ECM terminal R10 and ground. Monitor DVOM while moving related connectors and wiring harness. Voltage reading will change if failure is induced. This may help isolate malfunction.

Scheme 106

The scan tester cannot help diagnose a Code 42 problem. See INTERMITTENTS in TESTS W/O CODES article in this section.

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Scheme 108

An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed-through wire insulation or a wire broken inside insulation. Inspect ECM harness connectors for backed-out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal-to-wire connection and damaged harness.

If connections and harness are okay, connect a digital volt-ohmmeter between affected terminal to ground, and monitor meter while moving related connectors and wiring harness. If failure is induced, voltage reading will change.

Scheme 109

Code 43 can be caused by a faulty knock sensor connection at ESC module or ECM. Also, check controller-to-ECM signal line for an open or short to ground.

Scheme 110

Scheme 111

Using scan tester, observe Block Learn Memory (BLM) value at different RPMs. If Code 44 conditions exist, block learn value will be around 150-172.

Code 45, rich exhaust, is most likely caused by one of the following

QUAD-DRIVER RELATED SYMPTOMS

1. Improper shifting.
2. TCC will not apply or harsh engagement.
3. Poor driveability due to constant EGR.

Monitor voltage at each terminal shown in schematic while moving related harness connectors, including PCM harness. If failure is induced, voltage will change. This may help to isolate an intermittent condition. Check for bent pins at PCM. If code reoccurs with no apparent connection problem, replace PCM.

Scheme 112

Scheme 113

An intermittently binding or sticking throttle cable cam cause a Code 68 to set. Code can also be set by manually compressing servo to increase engine RPM. Outside interference such as CB antenna lead near PCM wiring harness may cause false servo position sensor signal and set Code 68.

Scheme 114