GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) controls boost using the turbocharger wastegate solenoid. The solenoid is pulse width modulated (PWM). When the wastegate solenoid is not energized, the vacuum to the turbocharger wastegate solenoid is vented to atmosphere through the solenoid. As the pulse width is increased by the PCM, more vacuum is applied through the solenoid to the wastegate actuator. At idle a higher vacuum to the wastegate actuator helps keep the wastegate closed. At higher engine speeds the vacuum supplied by the solenoid is less, allowing the turbocharger boost pressure to overcome the wastegate actuator.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The boost pressure is less than 40 kPa.
    • The condition is met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

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

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent may be caused by the following conditions:

    • Faulty connections
    • Rubbed-through wire insulation
    • A broken wire inside the insulation

Check for opens or shorts to ground in the signal wire, or check for an open in the 5-volt reference circuit.

Test Description

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

  1. This step will determine if DTC P0237 is the result of a hard failure or an intermittent condition.

  2. This step simulates conditions for a DTC P0237. If the PCM recognizes the change, the PCM and the signal circuit are OK.

  3. In this step, components that share the 5-volt reference can cause the reference voltage to be shorted to ground. This can be checked by disconnecting each component one at a time, including the PCM, while checking for continuity on that circuit to the chassis ground.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Important: Before clearing any DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info function to save the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for reference. The control module's data is deleted once the Clear Info function is used.

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Connect the scan tool.
  2. Allow the engine to idle.

Does the scan tool display a boost pressure less than or equal to the specified value?

40 kPa (5.8 psi)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the boost sensor electrical connector.
  3. Jumper the boost sensor 5-volt reference to the boost sensor signal circuit at the harness.
  4. Turn ON the ignition.

Does the scan tool display a boost pressure that is more than or equal to the specified value?

202 kPa (29.30 psi)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Verify that the boost sensor is still disconnected.
  3. Remove the jumper wire.
  4. Jumper the boost sensor signal circuit at the harness with an J 35616-200 Unpowered Test Light connected to B+.
  5. Turn ON the ignition.

Does the scan tool display a boost pressure that is more than or equal to the specified value?

202 kPa (29.30 psi)

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

5

The DTC is intermittent. If no additional DTCs are stored, refer to Diagnostic Aids. If any additional DTCs are stored, refer to those tables first.

Are any additional DTCs stored?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

  1. Check for a faulty connection at the boost sensor.
  2. If a problem is found, repair the problem as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you perform a repair?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Check for a short to ground in the boost sensor signal circuit.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the problem as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you perform a repair?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

8

  1. Check for an open in the boost sensor 5-volt reference circuit.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the problem as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you perform a repair?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Check for a short to ground in the boost sensor 5-volt reference circuit.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the problem as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you perform a repair?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the boost sensor. Refer to Boost Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

11

  1. Check the terminal connectors at the PCM for a faulty connection.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the problem as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you perform a repair?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches a normal operating temperature.
  4. Select the DTC and the Specific DTC functions.
  5. Enter the DTC number that was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting the DTC until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic passed?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 2

14

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK