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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003MONTE CARLO V6-3.8L VIN KREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTIGNITION SYSTEMTESTING AND INSPECTION
2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo V6-3.8L VIN K
Ignition System: Testing and Inspection
2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo V6-3.8L VIN KSECTION Testing and Inspection
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The ignition control module (ICM) has independent power and ground circuits. The circuits between the ICM and the powertrain control module (PCM) consists of the following circuits:
- The ignition control (IC) timing signal
- The IC timing control
- The low resolution engine speed signal
- The medium resolution engine signal
- The camshaft position signal
- The low reference
The ICM sends 3X signals to the PCM, and controls the timing advance during engine cranking. The timing advance changes to PCM control after the following actions occur:
- The PCM receives the second 3X signal
- The PCM applies 5 volts to the ignition control (IC) timing signal circuit.
The ICM monitors the CKP sync signal when the engine is cranking. The CKP sync signal is passed from the CKP sensor to the ICM on the CKP sensor 2 signal circuit. The CKP sync signal is used to determine the correct cylinder pair and initiate the ignition coil firing sequence. The 18X reference pulses are passed from the CKP sensor to the ICM on the CKP sensor 1 circuit. The 18X reference pulses are used for fuel injection and ignition control. After the ICM receives both signals, the ICM passes the 18X and 3X reference signals to the PCM. The CMP and the CKP sensors share a 12 volt reference and low reference circuit. The CKP sensor consists of the following circuits:
- A 12 volt reference
- A low reference
- A CKP sensor 1 signal
- A CKP sensor 2 signal
TEST DESCRIPTION





The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
3. Determines if the ignition control (IC) module is receiving the CKP sensor 1 signal. If the CKP sensor 1 signal to the ICM is not present, there will be no RPM, spark, or fuel injector pulses.
4. Ensures that the IC module has the proper voltage supply and ground.
6. Verifies that the IC module is supplying the 12-volt reference to the sensor.
The ignition control module (ICM) has independent power and ground circuits. The circuits between the ICM and the powertrain control module (PCM) consists of the following circuits:
- The ignition control (IC) timing signal
- The IC timing control
- The low resolution engine speed signal
- The medium resolution engine signal
- The camshaft position signal
- The low reference
The ICM sends 3X signals to the PCM, and controls the timing advance during engine cranking. The timing advance changes to PCM control after the following actions occur:
- The PCM receives the second 3X signal
- The PCM applies 5 volts to the ignition control (IC) timing signal circuit.
The ICM monitors the CKP sync signal when the engine is cranking. The CKP sync signal is passed from the CKP sensor to the ICM on the CKP sensor 2 signal circuit. The CKP sync signal is used to determine the correct cylinder pair and initiate the ignition coil firing sequence. The 18X reference pulses are passed from the CKP sensor to the ICM on the CKP sensor 1 circuit. The 18X reference pulses are used for fuel injection and ignition control. After the ICM receives both signals, the ICM passes the 18X and 3X reference signals to the PCM. The CMP and the CKP sensors share a 12 volt reference and low reference circuit. The CKP sensor consists of the following circuits:
- A 12 volt reference
- A low reference
- A CKP sensor 1 signal
- A CKP sensor 2 signal
TEST DESCRIPTION
Steps 1-5:
Steps 6-9:
Steps 10-12:
Steps 13-16:
Steps 17-20:
Steps 21-25:
Steps 26-32:
Steps 33-36:
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
3. Determines if the ignition control (IC) module is receiving the CKP sensor 1 signal. If the CKP sensor 1 signal to the ICM is not present, there will be no RPM, spark, or fuel injector pulses.
4. Ensures that the IC module has the proper voltage supply and ground.
6. Verifies that the IC module is supplying the 12-volt reference to the sensor.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.