GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 422333  Size: LF
Data Link Communications Components
Data Link Connector Schematics

Circuit Description

The serial data circuit is used to communicate information between each system connected to the serial data line. Each system is assigned a specific recognition code (source ID). This code is used to identify which system is communicating on the serial data line. Systems communicate with others by periodically sending messages on the serial data line. These messages contain specific information (or commands) a system requires to function properly. When a system receives a message it also learns the source ID of the system that sent it. This source ID is used to determine which system actually sent the message and for State of Health (SOH) monitoring. SOH monitoring determines if a system is unable to communicate properly. Systems periodically send a SOH message to each other containing their source ID. If a system fails to receive a SOH message back from a system that it communicates with, then a DTC identifying what system did not respond will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • A system sends out a (SOH) message on the serial data line to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and no SOH message response was sent back.
    • Condition must be present for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC U1016 in the system that was unable to communicate with the PCM.
    • The system unable to communicate with the PCM may set false DTCs and substitute default values for certain functions.
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • This DTC requires an ignition cycle in order to change from current to history.
    • A system sends out a (SOH) message on the serial data line to the PCM, and a SOH message response was sent back.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the IPC clearing DTCs feature.
    • Use a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the problem is an intermittent loss of communications. Carefully inspect the serial data line and related components for the following intermittent conditions:
       - There is an intermittent open or short (to ground or voltage) in the serial data line.
       - Intermittent loss of communication with the PCM.
       - Damaged or loose star connector terminals.
       - Poor connections/terminal tension at a harness connector.
       - Intermittent PCM communication due to a loss of power or ground to the PCM.
    • Communication DTCs do not necessarily indicate a malfunction. These DTCs are only intended to aid in diagnosing an intermittent communication malfunction that is accompanied by a symptom. If the vehicle does not experience a symptom related to a communication malfunction, these DTCs can be disregarded.
    • If the serial data line is shorted to ground or shorted to voltage, all systems connected to the same serial data line will not be able to communicate properly. Systems capable of storing loss of communication DTCs (DTCs with the letter U as a prefix) will have these codes stored in their memory. If a DTC U1016 is stored in a system's memory, check for the same DTC stored in other systems capable of setting a DTC U1016. The IPC, RFA, LDCM, RDCM, and BCM all monitor the SOH message from the PCM. If other systems have a DTC U1016 stored, check the PCM for an intermittent malfunction. If other systems do not have a DTC U1016 stored, check for an intermittent malfunction in the system that set a DTC U1016. After repairing a DTC U1016, clear all DTCs from all systems capable of storing communication DTCs.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This test determines if communications can be established between the scan tool and the BCM. The BCM is responsible for sending ignition position status on the serial data line. This information is utilized by certain systems to enter a wake-up state. The BCM must be diagnosed first if the scan tool cannot communicate with the BCM. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control System.

  2. This test determines if communications can be established between the scan tool and the PCM. If the scan tool cannot communicate with the PCM. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls.

  3. This test determines if communications can be established between the scan tool and the system that set the DTC U1016. If the scan tool intermittently cannot communicate with the system that stored a DTC U1016, the PCM is not cause the malfunction and the applicable system must be diagnosed first. Refer to the appropriate Diagnostic System Check.

  4. This test for any opens in the serial data line between the system that set a DTC U1016 and the PCM. It also checks for any intermittent malfunctions associated with the serial data line.

  5. This test will determine if DTC U1016 was set due to a loss of communications with the PCM. If the malfunction is due to a intermittent loss of communications with the PCM, other systems capable of storing a DTC U1016 may have this DTC stored.

DTC U1016 Loss of Communications with the PCM

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Were you sent here from the Data Link Communications Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Data Link Communications

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Communicate with the BCM.

Does the scan tool communicate with the BCM?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

3

Communicate with the PCM.

Does the scan tool communicate with the PCM?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

4

Using a scan tool, attempt to establish communications with the applicable system that set a DTC U1016.

Does the scan tool communicate with the applicable system?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

Test the serial data line for the following intermittent conditions:

    • An open in the serial data line between the system that set the DTC U1016 and the PCM.
    • Short to ground
    • Short to voltage
    • Check star connector #1 and star connector #2, make sure the bus bar is properly inserted.

Was a problem found and repaired?

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Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Using a scan tool, observe for a DTC U1016 set in other systems capable of storing this DTC.

Is a DTC U1016 set in any of the specified systems?

BCM

RFA

IPC

LDCM

RDCM

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Test for intermittent operation/communications in the applicable system that set the DTC U1016. Refer to the applicable Diagnostic System Check.

Was a problem found and repaired?

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Go to Step 9

Go to Diagnostic Aids

8

Test for intermittent PCM operation. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls.

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Step 9

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9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Connect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Clear all DTCs.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Data Link Communications

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