GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    •  Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0685: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit

DTC P0686: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0687: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit High Voltage

DTC P0689: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0690: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: A condition with the powertrain (PT) relay will set multiple DTCs. The DTCs listed in the table will only set if a condition exists with the PT relay.

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+ Supply Voltage - Coil

P0685

P0685

P0685

--

--

B+ Supply Voltage - Switch

--

P0689

P0689

P0690

--

Relay Control Circuit

P0686

P0685

P0685

P0687

P0685

Ignition 1 Voltage Circuit

--

P0689

P0689

P0690

--

Circuit/System Description

The Powertrain (PT) relay is a normally open relay. The relay switch is held in the open position by spring tension. Battery positive voltage is supplied directly to the relay coil and the switch contact at all times. The engine control module (ECM) supplies the ground path to the relay coil control circuit via an internal integrated circuit called an output driver.

The ignition 1 voltage that is supplied to the ECM through the ETC fuse, provides power to the internal ECM circuits associated with the throttle actuator control (TAC) operation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0685, P0686, and P0687

    • The battery voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The PT relay has been commanded ON and OFF.
    • The DTCs run continuously once the above condition is met.

P0689 and P0690

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The PT relay has been commanded ON.
    • The DTCs runs continuously once the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0685, P0686, and P0687

The commanded state of the output driver module (ODM) and the actual state of the control circuit do not match. The condition exists for a cumulative of 50 seconds.

P0689 and P0690

The ECM detects that PT relay feedback voltage is less than 6 volts, when the PT relay is commanded ON. The condition exists for a cumulative of 50 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0685, P0686, P0687, P0689, and P0690 are Type C DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0685, P0686, P0687, P0689, and P0690 are Type C DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

The following table illustrates the ECM connector locations:

ECM Connector Location

X2

X1

Front of Vehicle

    •  When the ECM commands the powertrain relay ON, ignition voltage is supplied to the following fuses in the underhood fuse block:
       - ELEK IGN Fuse
       - ETC Fuse
       - FUEL INJ Fuse
       - O2 SSR Fuse
       - Emission Fuse
    • This test procedure requires that the vehicle battery has passed a load test and is completely charged. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test .
    •  An open in the relay control circuit will cause no communication with the ECM when the ignition switch is cycled OFF and ON after the initial failure. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash rapidly and other relays can be heard turning on and off with the ignition ON.
    • When disconnecting electrical connectors or removing fuses and relays from a fuse block, always inspect the component electrical terminals for corrosion and the mating electrical terminals for tightness.
    • Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

J 43244 Relay Puller Pliers

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool DTC information. DTCs P0685, P0686, P0687, P0689, or P0690 should not set.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PT relay.
  2. Ignition ON, load test for B+ between both of the PT relay circuit terminals C5, C6, and ground.
  3. If less than the specified range, repair the appropriate circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A6 of the PT relay and B+. Verify the test lamp does not illuminate.
  5. If the test lamp illuminates, test for a short to ground on the control circuit. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Ignition ON. Verify the test lamp illuminates when the ignition switch is cycled ON.
  7. If the test lamp remains OFF all the time, test for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance on the control circuit. If circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.

    Important: The ignition 1 voltage circuit is between the PT relay and the ECM. The ignition 1 voltage is a feedback circuit.

  8. Connect a 15A fused jumper wire between the B+ supply voltage circuit terminal C6, and the ignition 1 voltage circuit terminal A5, of the PT relay.
  9. Attempt to start the engine. The engine should start.
  10. If the engine does not start, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit between the PT relay and the ECM for a short to ground or for an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  11. If all circuits/connections test normal, test or replace the PT relay.

Component Testing

  1. Test for 70-110 ohms of resistance between terminals 85 and 86 of the PT relay.
  2. If not within the specified range, replace the PT relay.
  3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals of the PT relay:
  4. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
    If continuity is detected, replace the PT relay.
  5. Connect a 15A fused jumper wire from the positive terminal of the battery to relay terminal 85. Connect a jumper wire from the negative terminal of the battery to relay terminal 86. Test for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87 of the relay.
  6. If greater than the specified range, replace the PT relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming