GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 593532  Size: LF
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
DLC, CIGAR Fuse, G103, G203, BCM, VCM
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
VCM Connector End Views

Circuit Description

The Class 2 Serial Data circuit to the data link connector (DLC) allows bi-directional communication between the vehicle control module (VCM) and the scan tool. This is accomplished through pin 2 of the DLC. If communication between the scan tool and the VCM cannot be established, use the procedure in the DLC diagnosis table in order to diagnose the condition.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for:

    • For the VCM to establish communication with the scan tool, the system voltage must be between 9-16 volts. If the system voltage is not within this range, refer to Diagnostic Starting Point in Engine Electrical.
    • Select the correct application, such as model year, the truckline, and the VIN code, on the scan tool.

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

    • A poor connection
    • Rubbed through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. This step determines if the scan tool is operating correctly.

  2. This step monitors the actively communicating modules with the scan tool Diagnostic Circuit Check function. An active module is a module that is successfully communicating on the Class 2 Serial Data line with the scan tool. An inactive module is a module which had previously established communication with the scan tool, but currently is not communicating. If a module is not listed at all, then the module never successfully established communications with the scan tool. Refer to Data Link Connector Schematics in Data Link Communications.

  3. This step isolates the VCM by disconnecting all the other components on the Class 2 Serial Data Circuit. If VCM Class 2 Serial Data exists after disconnecting all other components on the Class 2 Serial Data circuit, then refer to Data Link Connector Schematics in Data Link Communications.

  4. This step determines if voltage is not available at the DLC due to an open battery feed fuse. If the fuse is open, determine if the open was due to a short in the battery feed circuit before replacing the fuse.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Install the scan tool on a known good vehicle.

Does the scan tool display the VCM data?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Repair the scan tool or the cables.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

--

4

  1. Return to the original vehicle.
  2. Install the scan tool.
  3. Attempt to power the scan tool up.

Does the scan tool power up?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

Select the correct vehicle application on the scan tool.

Is the vehicle information correct?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

6

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Monitor the Class 2 messages with the scan tool.

Are any of the modules on the serial data circuit communicating?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the components sharing the serial data circuit leaving the VCM connected.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool display VCM data?

--

Go to Data Link Connector Schematics in Data Link Communications

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the VCM C4 connector.
  3. Use a test lamp connected to B+ in order to probe the Class 2 Serial Data circuit at DLC pin 2.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 13

9

Use a test lamp connected to a ground in order to probe the battery positive voltage circuit at DLC pin 16.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

10

Use a test lamp connected to B+ in order to probe the ground circuit at DLC pin 4.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 16

11

Use a test lamp connected to B+ in order to probe the ground circuit, at DLC pin 5.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

12

Inspect the fuse in the fuse block.

Is the fuse OPEN?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

13

Check for an open, a short to voltage, or a faulty connection in the Class 2 Serial Data circuit.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 19

14

  1. Check for a short to ground in the battery feed circuit and repair the circuit if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  2. Replace the open fuse.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

15

Repair the open in the battery feed circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

16

Repair the open in the DLC ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

17

Repair the open, the short to voltage, or the faulty connection in the Class 2 Serial Data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

18

Check for faulty connections or for improper mating at the DLC connector.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Diagnostic Aids

19

Check for a faulty connection of the Class 2 Serial Data circuit at the VCM and at the DLC connectors.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 22

20

Repair the short to ground in the Class 2 Serial Data circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

21

Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

22

Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed.

Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

23

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK