GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 195812  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM uses the 5 Volt Reference B circuit as a sensor feed for the A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor. The PCM monitors the voltage on the 5 Volt Reference B circuit. If the voltage is out of tolerance, the PCM will set DTC P1639.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PCM detects a voltage out of tolerance condition on the 5 Volt Reference B circuit.
    • Above condition for longer than 19 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: : Inspect the PCM and engine grounds for being secure and clean.

Check for the following conditions:

    • Poor connection at the PCM.
        Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.
    • Damaged harness.
        Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the A/C High Side Pressure display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. A change in the A/C High Side Pressure display will indicate the location of the malfunction.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Test Description

Numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. This step is checking for a short to voltage on the 5 volt ref line.

  1. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

DTC P1639 - 5 Volt Reference B Circuit

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Visually/physically check the PCM and engine grounds. Refer to Ground Distribution Schematics in Wiring Sytems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Ensure that the A/C is OFF.
  2. Observe A/C High Side Pressure display on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display voltage greater than the first specified value or less than the second specified value?

4.8 

0.1 V

Go to DTC P0530 Air Conditioning (A/C) Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Disconnect the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor.
  2. Using a J 39200 DMM, measure voltage between the 5 volt reference B circuit and the sensor ground circuit.

Is voltage greater than the specified value?

5.5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Measure voltage between the 5 volt reference B circuit and the PCM ground circuit at the PCM harness connector.

Is voltage greater than the specified value indicated?

0 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 11

6

Locate and repair short to voltage in the 5 volt reference B circuit.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

7

Is voltage less than the specified value indicated?

4.5 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Check for a short to voltage in the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor signal circuit wiring.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Check the 5 volt reference B circuit for a short to ground or to the sensor ground circuit.
  4. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch with the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor disconnected.
  2. After at least 10 seconds, check for DTC P1635.

Is DTC P1635 set?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the A/C refrigerant pressure sensor. Refer to A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement in Heater, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Is action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within Fail Records conditions.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P1639 until the DTC P1639 test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P1639 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK