GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2006 🢒 XLR 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.6L (LH2) 🢒 Fuel System Diagnosis

System Description

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON position, the control module enables the fuel pump relay, which in turn powers the fuel pump. The fuel pump remains ON as long as the engine is cranking or running, and the control module receives ignition reference pulses. If there are no ignition reference pulses, the control module shuts the fuel pump OFF within 2 seconds after the ignition was switched to the ON position, or if the engine stops.

The fuel system is a returnless on-demand design. The fuel pressure regulator is a part of the fuel tank module, eliminating the need for a return pipe from the engine. A returnless fuel system reduces the internal temperature of the fuel tank by not returning hot fuel from the engine to the fuel tank. Reducing the internal temperature of the fuel tank results in lower evaporative emissions.

Two fuel tanks store the fuel supply. An electric turbine style fuel pump attaches to the fuel tank module inside the left fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies high pressure fuel through the fuel filter and the fuel feed pipe to the fuel injection system. The fuel pump provides fuel at a higher rate of flow than is needed by the fuel injection system. The fuel pump also supplies fuel to a Venturi pump located on the bottom of the left fuel tank module. The function of the Venturi pump is to fill the left fuel tank module reservoir. The primary fuel pressure regulator, a part of the left fuel tank module, maintains the correct fuel pressure to the fuel injection system. The left fuel tank module contains a reverse flow check valve. The check valve, the primary fuel pressure regulator, and the secondary fuel pressure regulator maintain fuel pressure in the fuel feed pipe and the fuel rail in order to prevent long cranking times.

The fuel pump also supplies a small amount of pressurized fuel through the auxiliary fuel feed pipe to the siphon jet pump inside the right fuel tank. The pressurized fuel creates a Venturi action inside the siphon jet pump. The Venturi action causes the fuel to be drawn out of the right fuel tank. The fuel transfers from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank through the auxiliary fuel return pipe. The auxiliary fuel return pipe inside the left fuel tank contains an anti-siphon hole in order to prevent fuel from siphoning from the left fuel tank into the right fuel tank. Both the auxiliary fuel feed pipe and the auxiliary fuel return pipe are located inside the convoluted stainless steel crossover hose.

The right fuel tank module contains a secondary fuel pressure regulator. The secondary fuel pressure regulator has a lower set point than the primary regulator in order to allow fuel to flow to the siphon jet pump on the right fuel tank module. When the engine is shut off, the pressure in the feed pipes immediately drops to the secondary regulator set point. This prevents the siphon jet pump from operating and in turn prevents the equalization of the left and right fuel tanks. The secondary fuel pressure regulator maintains fuel pressure in the auxiliary fuel feed pipe which reduces the time to prime the siphon jet pump. The pressurization also reduces fuel vaporization and boiling in the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Fuel Hose/Pipes Routing Diagram

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Observe the Fuel Level Sensor Left and Right parameters with a scan tool.

Is the Fuel Level Sensor Left parameter less than the specified value?

0.8 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Important: Venting of fuel vapors during refueling is done through the fill limiter vent valve (FLVV) located on the right fuel tank. The fuel system may be difficult to fill if the Fuel Level Sensor Right parameter is more than 2.3 volts, indicating that the right fuel tank is full. The addition of fuel may be easier when done at a slow rate with a portable gasoline container.

Add the specified amount of fuel.

Did you complete the action?

15 L (4 gal)

Go to Step 4

--

4

    Important: The engine coolant temperature must be below the operating temperature in order to avoid irregular fuel pressure readings due to hot soak fuel boiling.

  1. Install a J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage. Refer to Fuel Pressure Gage Installation and Removal .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: The fuel pump may need to be commanded ON a few times in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure.

  3. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
  4. Observe the J 34730-1A with the fuel pump running.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified value?

380-427 kPa (55-62 psi)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 12

5

Important: The fuel pressure will decrease when the fuel pump stops operating. After the fuel pump stops operating, the fuel pressure should stabilize and remain constant.

Observe the J 34730-1A for 5 minutes.

Does the fuel pressure decrease to less than the specified value?

350 kPa (51 psi)

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

Observe the Fuel Level Sensor Right parameter.

Is the Fuel Level Sensor Right parameter less than the specified value?

1 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

Fill the fuel system until the Fuel Level Sensor Right parameter is more than the specified value.

Did you complete the action?

1 V

Go to Step 8

--

8

Drain the left fuel tank until the Fuel Level Sensor Left parameter is less than the specified value. Refer to Fuel Tank Draining .

Did you complete the action?

1.5 V

Go to Step 9

--

9
  1. Start the engine.
  2. Observe the Fuel Level Sensor Left and the Fuel Level Sensor Right parameters with a scan tool for 5 minutes.

Does the Fuel Level Sensor Right parameter decrease while the Fuel Level Sensor Left parameter increases?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 15

10
  1. Operate the vehicle within the conditions to reproduce the original symptoms.
  2. Observe the O2 and the fuel trim parameters with a scan tool.

Do the scan tool parameters indicate a lean condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Symptoms - Engine Controls

11
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief .
  3. Disconnect the fuel feed hose from the fuel rail pipe. Refer to Metal Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service .
  4. Install the J 37287 Fuel Line Shut-off Adapter between the fuel hose and the fuel rail pipe.
  5. Open the valve on the J 37287 .
  6. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  7. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
  8. Bleed the air from the fuel pressure gage.
  9. Command the fuel pump ON and then OFF with a scan tool.
  10. Close the valve on the fuel line shut-off adapter.
  11. Observe the fuel pressure gage for 1 minute.

Does the fuel pressure remain constant?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 28

12

Is the fuel pressure more than the specified value?

427 kPa (62 psi)

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 13

13

Inspect the following components for a restriction:

    • The fuel feed pipe
    • The fuel feed rear pipe

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 14

14

Inspect the harness connectors, the circuits of the fuel pump, and the fuel pump control module for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 21

15
  1. Remove the fuel tank crossover tube/hose. Refer to Fuel Tank Crossover Tube Replacement .
  2. Inspect the auxiliary fuel feed pipe and the auxiliary fuel return pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose for a restriction.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 16

16
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 Evaporative Emissions System Tester (EEST) to one end of the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 Brass Cone Adapter from the J 41413-300 EVAP Cap/Plug Kit.
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.
  3. Cap the other end of the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose using the J 41413-306 Small Red Cap from the J 41413-300 .
  4. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 17

17
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to one end of the 3/8-inch auxiliary fuel return pipe inside of the crossover hose using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel return pipe.
  3. Cap the other end of the 3/8-inch auxiliary fuel return pipe inside of the crossover hose using the J 41413-307 from the J 41413-300 .
  4. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 18

18

Inspect for damaged O-rings at the crossover hose to fuel tank connections.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 19

19
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the left fuel tank using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.
  3. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 20

20
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the right fuel tank using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.
  3. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 30

21
  1. Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief .
  2. Remove the J 37287 , if previously installed.
  3. Connect the fuel feed hose to the fuel rail pipe, if previously disconnected.
  4. Remove the fuel tank crossover tube/hose. Refer to Fuel Tank Crossover Tube Replacement .
  5. Connect the J 41413-200 to one end of the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  6. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.
  7. Cap the other end of the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose using the J 41413-306 from the J 41413-300 .
  8. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 22

22
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to one end of the 3/8-inch auxiliary fuel return pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel return pipe.
  3. Cap the other end of the 3/8-inch auxiliary fuel return pipe inside of the crossover tube/hose using the J 41413-307 from the J 41413-300 .
  4. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 31

Go to Step 23

23

Inspect for damaged O-rings at the crossover hose to fuel tank connections.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 24

24
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the right fuel tank using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.
  3. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 25

25
  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to the 5/16-inch auxiliary fuel feed pipe inside of the left fuel tank using the appropriate hose and the J 41413-311 from the J 41413-300 .
  2. Apply nitrogen to the auxiliary fuel feed pipe.
  3. Observe the flow meter on the J 41413-200 .

Does the flow meter indicate a leak?

--

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 29

26
  1. Remove the left fuel tank module. Refer to Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement - Left Side .
  2. Inspect the auxiliary fuel feed and return pipes inside of the left fuel tank for damage or restriction.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 29

27
  1. Remove the right fuel tank module. Refer to Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement - Right Side .
  2. Inspect the auxiliary fuel feed and return pipes inside of the right fuel tank for damage or restriction.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 30

28
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Raise the fuel rail, with the fuel line connected. Refer to Fuel Injection Fuel Rail Assembly Replacement .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
  5. Locate and replace the leaking fuel injector. Refer to Fuel Injector Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 32

--

29

Replace the left fuel tank module. Refer to Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement - Left Side .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 32

--

30

Replace the right fuel tank module. Refer to Fuel Tank Fuel Pump Module Replacement - Right Side .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 32

--

31

Replace the fuel tank crossover tube/hose. Refer to Fuel Tank Crossover Tube Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 32

--

32

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 4