For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: Ignition System
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

### Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) receives a engine start signal input (battery voltage) from the ignition switch when the engine is being cranked. The engine start signal input passes through the clutch pedal position (CPP) switch. The PCM increases the volume of fuel injected for improved starting when the engine start signal is present. The engine will start without the PCM receiving the engine start signal.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

• | No engine start signal to the PCM when the starter is engaged.

• | Low voltage at the PCM while cranking the engine.

• | High voltage at the PCM after starting the engine.

• | Condition occurs once per drive cycle for 0.4 seconds.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate after two consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs with the fault active.

• | The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer.

### Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

• | The MIL turns OFF after three consecutively passing trips without a fault present.

• | A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.

• | Use the scan tool Clear DTC Information function or disconnect the PCM battery feed in order to clear the DTC.

### Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a problem in the CPP switch electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:

• | Backed out terminals.

• | Improper mating of terminals.

• | Broken electrical connector locks.

• | Improperly formed or damaged terminals.

• | Faulty terminal to wire connections.

• | Physical damage to the wiring harness.

• | A broken wire inside the insulation.

• | Corrosion of electrical connections, splices, or terminals.

If a DTC P1500 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the Diagnostic Table.

1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

2. This step determines that the fault is present.

3. The PCM receives 8 to 12 volts on the engine start signal circuit while the engine is cranking. An engine that is running should have 0.0 volts on the engine start signal circuit.

4. The PCM shows no voltage on the engine start signal circuit when the engine is running unless there is a short to voltage.

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

1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
2. Clear the scan tool information.
3. Start the engine twice. Repeat if necessary.

Is a DTC P1500 set?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3 |

1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
2. Backprobe the PCM electrical connector at the engine start signal circuit with a DMM to ground.
3. Crank the engine (clutch pedal fully depressed).

Is the voltage near the specified value while cranking the engine?

8 to 12 volts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4 | Repair the open or the short in the engine start signal circuit between the PCM and the Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch (manual transaxle). Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | --
5 | Measure the voltage at the PCM electrical connector engine start signal circuit with the engine running. Is the voltage at the specified value? | 0 volts | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6
6 | Repair the short to voltage in the engine start signal circuit between the PCM and the CPP switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | --
7 |

1. Check for a poor terminal connection at the PCM .
2. Repair as necessary.

Was repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 9 | --
9 |

1. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function and road test the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions that set the DTC.
2. Review the scan tool data and check for DTCs. The repair is complete if no DTCs are stored.

Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC Table

System OK