DTC P1361 Ignition Control (IC) Circuit Low Voltage. Opel Sintra 1997

For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Components
Ignition System, Knock Sensor
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

### Circuit Description

The Ignition Control Module (ICM) sends signals that the PCM requires for fuel control and spark advance calculations. At the start of engine crank, the ICM controls spark advance (Bypass mode). When the second 3X reference pulse is recognized by the PCM, the PCM applies 5 volts to the Bypass circuit. The 5 volts on the Bypass circuit commands the ICM to switch spark advance to PCM control (IC mode). At this time, The ICM will remove the ground it has applied to the IC circuit. When the IC pulses are not grounded, the ICM can use the IC pulses to control spark advance. A short in the IC circuit or an open or short to ground in the Bypass circuit will cause the PCM to monitor no IC pulses after the PCM has switched the Bypass circuit on. The PCM will set DTC P1361 under either of these conditions. The engine may be started but will run on Bypass mode timing.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM does not monitor IC pulses while IC mode spark advance is commanded.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.

• | The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

### Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

• | The PCM will turn OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.

• | The History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

• | The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool.

### Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

• | Poor connection at PCM. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.

• | Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, disconnect the ICM, turn the ignition on and observe a voltmeter connected between the IC circuit and battery positive voltage while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the ICM. A change in voltage will indicate the location of the fault.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

### Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table:

1. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

#### DTC P1361 - IC Circuit Not Toggling

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Was the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

1. Start engine and let idle for 2 minutes.
2. Observe DTC(s).

Did DTC P1361 set?

--

Go to Step 3

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

3

1. Turn off the ignition switch.
2. Disconnect the PCM.
3. Install a test light between battery positive voltage and the bypass circuit at the PCM harness connector.

Is the test light on?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

1. Turn on the ignition switch.
2. With the test light installed between battery positive voltage and the bypass circuit, measure the resistance between the IC circuit and the reference low circuit using a J 39200 Digital Multimeter.

Is resistance greater than the specified value?

6K ohms (6000 ohms)

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

1. Turn off the ignition switch.
2. Disconnect the ignition control module 14-way connector.
3. Check resistance between the IC circuit and engine ground

Is resistance infinite (open circuit)?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

6

1. Check the bypass circuit for an open.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 7

7

1. Check the bypass circuit for a poor terminal connection at the ignition control module.
2. If a problem is found, replace faulty terminal. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

8

1. Turn off the ignition switch.
2. Disconnect the ignition control module 14-way connector.
3. Turn on the ignition switch.
4. Observe the test light connected between the bypass circuit and battery positive voltage.

Is the test light on?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 14

9

1. Turn off the ignition switch.
2. Disconnect the ignition control module.
3. Turn on the ignition switch.
4. Check the IC circuit for a short to voltage.
5. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

10 | Locate and repair short to ground in the IC circuit. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 15 | --
11 | Locate and repair short to ground in the bypass circuit. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 15 | --

12

1. Check the Bypass circuit for a poor terminal connection at the PCM.
2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Repair Procedures in Electrical Diagnosis.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13 | Replace the PCM. Important: : The replacement PCM must be programmed. Go to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 15 | --
14 | Replace the ignition control module. Go to Ignition Control Module Replacement . Is action complete? | -- | Go to Step 15 | --

15

1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
2. Clear DTCs.
3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P1361

Does scan tool indicate DTC P1361 failed?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK