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.

Circuit/System Description

This ignition system uses individual ignition module/coil assemblies for each cylinder. The engine control module (ECM) controls the spark events by transmitting the timing pulses on the ignition control (IC) circuits to the individual ignition module/coil assemblies in firing order sequence. Each ignition module/coil has the following circuits:

    • Ignition 1 voltage
    • Ground
    • Ignition control (IC)
    • Low reference

Diagnostic Aids

    • Depending on location in the spliced ignition voltage circuit, a slight resistance can cause a misfire or a crank/no start condition. A voltage drop test on the circuit will pinpoint this condition.
    • A slight to moderate resistance on any IC circuit can cause a misfire before DTC P0351-P0358 sets.
    • Extended engine cranking time may fuel the spark plugs with excessive fuel.
    • When disconnecting electrical connectors or removing fuses and relays from a fuse block, always inspect both mating electrical terminals for corrosion and terminal tightness.
    • Use the J 35616 for any test that requires probing the underhood fuse block terminals, component wire harness terminals, or the ECM wire harness terminals.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

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

Special Tools

    • J 26792 Spark Plug Tester
    • J 35616-A/BT-8637 Connector Test Adapter Kit

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition OFF, open the hood to disable the Auto-Stop function. Refer to Hybrid Modes of Operation Description.
  2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool hood position parameter displays Open.
  3. If the hood position does not display Open, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle for DTC P254F.
  4. Observe the Engine Controls Schematic for the ignition module/coils, and review the Ignition System Specifications to verify the following concerns:
  5. • The ignition modules/coils are correctly wired and connected
    • The proper spark plug type
    • The proper spark plug gap and torque
    • The proper ohm values for the spark plug wires
    • Refer to Ignition System Specifications.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, open the hood to disable the Auto-Stop function. Refer to Hybrid Modes of Operation Description.
  2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool hood position parameter displays Open.
  3. If the hood position does not display Open, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle for DTC P254F.

    Important: This engine application uses 2 fuses, one for each bank, to supply ignition 1 voltage to the ignition module/coil assemblies and also to the fuel injectors. A good indication that a fuse is open is that all 4 misfire counters are incrementing on one side of the engine

  4. Inspect both fuses that supply ignition voltage to the ignition module/coils.
  5. If a fuse is open, test all 8 ignition voltage circuits to the ignition module/coils or the fuel injectors on that engine bank, for a short to ground.
  6. Disconnect the 4 ignition module/coil, and the 4 fuel injector electrical connectors, for the engine bank that has the open fuse.
  7. Replace the open fuse with a new fuse.
  8. Ignition ON, engine OFF.
  9. Reconnect each ignition module/coil, and fuel injector electrical connectors, one at a time.
  10. If the fuse opens when connecting an ignition module/coil or fuel injector electrical connector, then replace the component that caused the fuse to open.
  11. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate ignition module/coil electrical connector.
  12. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition voltage circuit and ground.
  13. If the test lamp does not illuminate test the ignition voltage circuit for an open/high resistance.
  14. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition module/coil ground circuit and B+.
  15. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition module/coil ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  16. Inspect and measure the resistance of the spark plug wire. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection and Ignition System Specifications.
  17. If the resistance value is not within the specified range, or does not pass the inspection, replace the spark plug wire.
  18. Exchange the misfiring cylinder, ignition module/coil assembly with the ignition module/coil assembly from a non-misfiring cylinder.
  19. Start and idle the engine. Observe the misfire counters on the scan tool.
  20. If the misfire transfers with the suspect ignition module/coil, then replace the ignition module/coil assembly.
    If the misfire does not transfer with the suspect ignition module/coil, then measure the resistance of the IC circuit. The IC circuit should measure less than 5 ohms. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

Component Testing

Use the J 26792 to verify the output of each ignition coil/module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Engine Control Module Programming and Setup
    •  Engine Control Module Replacement
    •  Ignition Coil Replacement
    •  Spark Plug Replacement