Self-Diagnostic Systems: Description: Notes

The Powertrain Control Module (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 Diagnostic Trouble Code (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. When a malfunction occurs, PCM will illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) located on the instrument cluster. When a malfunction is detected and MIL is illuminated, a corresponding DTC will be stored in PCM memory. Malfunctions are designated as either "emission related" or "non-emission related", and are divided into 3 code types to identify type of fault. The 3 code types are defined as follows:

• Type "A"
  
  The PCM illuminates the MIL when the diagnostic runs and fails.
• Type "B"
  
  The PCM illuminates the MIL on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
• Type "C"
  
  Non-emission related faults that do not illuminate MIL. Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a message.

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 DTC located in SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - 4.6L DEVILLE & SEVILLE 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 - DEVILLE & SEVILLE article.

Clearing Type "A" and "B" DTCs  - The PCM turns OFF the 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. Use a scan tool to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Clearing Type "C" DTCs  - A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes or use a scan tool to clear the DTC.