GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the control center of the fuel injection system. The PCM receives the information from the various sensors, and controls the systems that effect the vehicle performance. The PCM also performs the diagnostic function of the system. The PCM can recognize any operational problems, alert the driver through the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) (Check Engine), and store a DTCs which identify the problem areas in order to aid you in making repairs. An electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) houses the program information and the calibrations required for the engine, the transmission, and the powertrain diagnostics operation. The PCM uses a value called a checksum for an error detection of the software. The checksum is a value that is equal to all of the numbers in the software added together. The PCM adds all of the values in the software. If that value does not equal the checksum value, this indicates that there is an error in the checksum.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects more than 3 incorrect checksums.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The PCM will attempt to record the operating conditions at the time during which you detect this failure, however, since this is a internal PCM failure, you cannot rely on this information. This information will store in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
    • A history DTC stores.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault.
    • Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.

Test Description

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

  1. The replacement PCM must be programmed and the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn procedure must be performed.

DTC P0601-PCM Memory

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 OFF the ignition.
  2. Important:: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

  3. Replace PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 3

--

3

  1. Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK