GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 337371  Size: MF
Engine Controls Component Views
Cell 21: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve, Powertrain Control Module
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM monitors the performance of the EVAP system by applying a predetermined level of vacuum to the EVAP system then monitors the vacuum decay rate. The PCM sets this DTC if the vacuum decay rate is greater than a predetermined value.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0131-P0161, P0420, P0430, P0500, P0502, P0503, P0562, P0563, P1111, P1112, not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 10 and 18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure is more than 75 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15% and 85% of full capacity.
    • The engine coolant temperature is between 4°C (39°F) and 30°C (86°F).
    • The intake air temperature is between 4°C (39°F) and 30°C (86°F).
    • The start up engine coolant temperature and the intake air temperature are within 9°C (16°F) of each other.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The EVAP vacuum decay rate is greater than a predetermined value.
    • The conditions are present for greater than 2 seconds.

OR

    • The vacuum present in the EVAP system is greater than a predetermined value.
    • The conditions are present for greater than 4 seconds.

Important: This DTC does not report a first failed test. A first fail of this DTC will have a scan tool status as Not Run.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: 

   • Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
   • An accurate indication of fuel level is required for the PCM to properly Pass or Fail this DTC. Always diagnose fuel level sensor DTC's before performing this DTC's diagnostic table. Always inspect for fuel level sensor DTC's stored as History.
   • The Service Bay Test may have to be performed in cold ambient air temperatures when the vehicle is running a winter grade fuel. The scan tool displays a message when the service bay test does not run.
   • Inspect for charcoal release from the vapor canister. Refer to the Evaporative Emission System Cleaning procedure.

Conditions for Running the Service Bay Test

    • The battery voltage is between 10.5 and 17.5 volts.
    • The fuel level is between 15% and 85% of the full capacity.
    • The engine temperature is between 3.5°C (38°F) and 35°C (95°F).

Perform a physical inspection of the EVAP system. Inspect for the following conditions:

    • A loose, missing, defective, or incorrect fuel tank cap
    • Incorrectly routed or defective EVAP system vacuum and vapor lines
    • A malfunctioning or damaged vapor canister
    • Inspect for charcoal release from the vapor canister. Refer to the Evaporative Emission System Cleaning procedure.

The vacuum and pressure in the EVAP system is measured in inches of H2O (water). Most gauges measure vacuum in inches of Hg (mercury) and pressure in psi (pounds per square inch). The following table illustrates how the values compare:

in. H2O

in. Hg.

psi

1 in. H2O

0.07 in. Hg

0.0361 psi.

5 in. H2O

0.36 in. Hg

0.180 psi.

10 in. H2O

0.73 in. Hg

0.361 psi.

15 in. H2O

1.10 in. Hg

0.541 psi.

Test Description

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

  1. An open in the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor ground circuit causes the voltage to go high. An open ground circuit may cause DTC P0446 to set, because the PCM senses a fuel tank pressure sensor voltage that is stuck in range, which indicates a restricted EVAP system. Refer to DTC P0453 for further diagnosis.

    An intermittent leak or restriction is indicated if the vehicle passes the Service Bay Test.

    If the Service Bay Test can not be run, proceed to Step 5. If a fault is not currently present the diagnostic table steps will return you to Step 3.

  2. An intermittent leak or restriction is indicated if the vehicle passes the Service Bay Test. A fuel tank cap that is loose or off causes this DTC to set.

    If the Service Bay Test can not be run, proceed to Step 5. If a fault is not currently present the diagnostic table steps will return you to Step 3.

  3. Testing the vapor canister and the EVAP Vent Valve for restriction.

  4. A Fuel Tank Pressure sensor that does not correctly respond to pressure (or vacuum) causes this DTC to set.

    The Fuel Tank Pressure sensor range is from 7.5 in. H2O of pressure to -17.5 in. H2O of pressure (vacuum).

    In order to test the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor for vacuum response, command the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve ON with the engine running and quickly SEAL the system using the scan tool. Leaving the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve ON for a longer period of time allows a greater level of vacuum to develop.

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

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
  3. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  4. Monitor the Fuel Tank Pressure using a scan tool.

Is the Fuel Tank Pressure near the specified value?

0 in. Hg.

Go to Step 3

Go to DTC P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit High Voltage

3

  1. Inspect the EVAP system for the following conditions:
  2. • Improperly routed, kinked or damaged EVAP purge and tank vent lines.
    • A damaged EVAP system component.
  3. Repair the EVAP system as necessary if you find a condition.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 4

4

Important: Ensure that The Conditions for Running the Service Bay test are met before proceeding with this diagnostic. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Perform the EVAP system Service Bay Test.

Does the vehicle pass the Service Bay Test?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

Important: The DTCs must be cleared from the PCM in order to use the output control function on the scan tool.

  1. Clear the DTCs using a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
  3. Disconnect the fuel tank vapor and the EVAP purge lines from the EVAP vapor canister.
  4. Plug the Canister port for the fuel tank vapor line using an appropriate plug.
  5. Connect the hand held vacuum pump J 23738-A to the EVAP purge line canister fitting.
  6. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  7. Important: If an audible solenoid click cannot be heard and DTC P0449 is not set, inspect the EVAP canister vent solenoid circuits for high resistance.

  8. Command the EVAP Vent Valve ON (closed) using the scan tool.
  9. Attempt to apply and hold the specified amount of vacuum using the hand held vacuum pump.
  10. Command the EVAP Vent Valve OFF (open) while monitoring the hand held vacuum pump gauge.

Does the vacuum drop from the specified value when the EVAP Vent Valve is opened?

5 in. Hg.

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Leave the system as connected in Step 5.
  2. Disconnect the vent line at the EVAP Vent Valve.
  3. Plug the vent line using an appropriate plug.
  4. Attempt to apply and hold the specified amount of vacuum using the hand held vacuum pump.
  5. Remove the plug from the vent line while monitoring the hand held vacuum pump gauge.

Does the vacuum drop from the specified value when the vent line is unplugged?

5 in. Hg.

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Inspect the EVAP Vent line from the canister to the EVAP Vent Valve for restrictions.
  2. Repair as necessary if you find a condition.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

8

  1. Inspect the fuel tank vapor line for a restriction.
  2. Repair as necessary if you find a condition.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Important: The following steps require the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station J 41413.

Always zero the EVAP Pressure and Vacuum (in. H2O) gauges on the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station before proceeding with diagnosis.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the plug and the hand held vacuum pump.
  3. Reconnect the EVAP vapor canister purge and vent lines.
  4. Connect the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station to the EVAP system service port.
  5. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  6. Seal the EVAP system with the scan tool.
  7. Pressurize the EVAP system with the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station.
  8. Allow the system pressure to stabilize (on the scan tool) and then rotate the EVAP diagnostic station selector to the OFF/HOLD position.
  9. Compare the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station's pressure gauge (in. H2O) to the fuel tank pressure shown on the scan tool.

Does the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor indicate the actual amount of pressure in the EVAP system?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 12

10

Replace the EVAP Vent Valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Vent Valve Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

11

Replace the EVAP Canister. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC Information option using the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 2

14

Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to the applicable DTC

System OK