GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B3601 02: Ignition Switch Key Capture Solenoid Circuit Short to Ground

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition Switch Key Capture Solenoid Control (Ignition Lock Cylinder Solenoid)

B3601 02

1

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Ignition Switch Key Capture Solenoid Ground (Ignition Lock Cylinder Solenoid)

--

1

--

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1. Ignition cannot be turned ON or OFF

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) applies voltage to the key capture solenoid (ignition lock cylinder solenoid) under specific conditions to allow the ignition to be turned ON or OFF.

Conditions for Running the DTC

This DTC runs in all ignition modes

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B3601 02

The BCM detects a voltage level on the control circuit less than 2 volts when the key capture solenoid (ignition lock cylinder solenoid) is commanded ON.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The key capture solenoid (ignition lock cylinder solenoid) output is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will clear when the condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 malfunction-free ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Ignition Lock Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

With the key in the vehicle, observe the scan tool Key Capture Solenoid Command parameter while cycling the ignition switch ON and OFF. The parameter should cycle between On and Off.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the key capture solenoid (Ignition Lock Cylinder).
  2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal A and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal B and the ground circuit terminal A.
  5. Command the Key Capture Solenoid ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits tests normal, test or replace the key capture solenoid (Ignition Lock Cylinder).

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the park switch (automatic transmission shift lever).
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal Z2 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ignition lock cylinder control actuator.
  5. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
  6. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and the control circuit terminal B.
  8. Ignition ON, cycle the gear shift from PARK to DRIVE. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when cycled between gears.
  9. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If circuit tests normal, replace the park switch (transmission control replacement).
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuit tests normal, replace the park switch (transmission control replacement).
  10. If all circuits test normal, replace the ignition lock cylinder control actuator (transmission control replacement).

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement
    •  Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement
    •  Transmission Control Replacement
    •  Transmission Control Replacement