Self-Diagnostic Systems: Description: Notes

The PCM is programmed with test routines that test the operation of the various systems the PCM controls. Some tests monitor internal PCM functions. Many tests are run continuously. Other tests run only under specific conditions, referred to as Conditions for Running the DTC. When the vehicle is operating within the conditions for running a particular test, the PCM monitors certain parameters and determines if the values are within an expected range. The parameters and values considered outside the range of normal operation are listed as Conditions for Setting the DTC. When the Conditions for Setting the DTC occur, the PCM executes the Action Taken When the DTC Sets. Some DTCs alert the driver via the MIL or a message. Other DTCs do not trigger a driver warning, but are stored in memory. The PCM also saves data and input parameters when most DTCs are set. This data is stored in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records.

The DTCs are categorized by type. The DTC type is determined by the MIL operation and the manner in which the fault data is stored when a particular DTC fails. In some cases there may be exceptions to this structure. Therefore, when diagnosing the system it is important to read the Action Taken When the DTC Sets and the Conditions for Clearing the DTC in the supporting text. There are different types of DTCs and different actions taken when the DTCs set. The 3 code types are defined as follows:

• Type "A"
  
  Emission related faults that illuminate MIL at first occurrence of a fail condition.
• Type "B"
  
  Emission related faults that illuminate MIL if a fault occurs in 2 consecutive ignition cycles. A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes. Use a scan tool can be used to clear the MIL and the DTC.
• Type "C"
  
  Non-emission related faults that do not illuminate MIL. Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a message. The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails. A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes. A scan tool can be used to clear the DTC.

Emission related DTCs (type "A" or "B") cause MIL to illuminate and remain on until the malfunction is repaired. If MIL illuminates and remains on during vehicle operation, cause of malfunction must be determined using affected Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) located in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 3.8L BONNEVILLE, GRAND PRIX, IMPALA, LESABRE, MONTE CARLO, PARK AVENUE & REGAL article. PCM records and updates failure records/operating conditions to Freeze Frame. If a sensor fails, PCM will use a substitute value in its calculations to continue engine operation. In this condition, vehicle is functional but impaired driveability is likely. Use a scan tool to clear codes and turn off MIL.

Non-emission related DTCs (type "C") do not illuminate the MIL, but may display a message on the Driver Information Center (DIC). The corresponding DTC, however, will be retained in PCM memory. PCM records operating conditions at time of failure into memory. If related fault does not reoccur within 40 warm-up cycles, related DTC will be erased from PCM memory. Intermittent failures may be caused by a sensor, connector or wiring related problem. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - 3.8L BONNEVILLE, GRAND PRIX, IMPALA, LESABRE, MONTE CARLO, PARK AVENUE & REGAL article.