For 1990-2009 cars

### 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 Descriptors

DTC P0685: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit
DTC P0690: Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback Circuit High Voltage

### Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit | Short to Ground | High Resistance | Open | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Battery Supply Voltage - Coil | P1516, P1682, P2101 | P0685 | P1682, P1516, P2101 | -- | --
Battery Supply Voltage - Armature | -- | P1516, P1682, P2101 | P1516, P1682, P2101 | -- | --
Powertrain Relay Control Circuit | P0690 | P0685 | P1516, P1682, P2101 | P0685, P1516, P1682, P2101, P2176 | --
Ignition 1 Voltage Circuit | -- | P1516, P1682, P2101 | P1682, P1516, P2101 | -- | --

### Typical Scan Tool Data

#### Engine Control Ignition Relay Feedback Signal

Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage
--- | --- | --- | ---
Operating Conditions: With the engine running, turn the ignition ON. Parameter Normal Range: 11.9-12.9V
Battery Supply Voltage - Coil | 0 V | 0 V | --
Battery Supply Voltage - Armature | 0 V | 0 V | --
EC Ignition Relay Control | 0 V | 0 V | --
Engine Control Ignition Relay Feedback | 0 V | 0 V | More than 2 V¹
¹DTC P0690 will be set if the ECM detects voltage with the ignition OFF.

### Circuit/System Description

The powertrain 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 relay switch contact at all times. The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies the ground path to the relay coil control circuit through an Output Driver Module (ODM). The ODM for the powertrain relay also incorporates a fault detection circuit, which is continuously monitored by the ECM. When the ECM commands the powertrain relay ON, ignition 1 voltage is supplied to fuses in the underhood fuse block.

The ignition 1 voltage that is supplied to the ECM, provides power to the internal ECM circuits associated with the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) operation. The ECM also monitors the voltage level on the ignition 1 voltage circuit to confirm that the powertrain relay contacts have closed.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

#### P0685

• | The battery voltage is between 9-18 volts.

• | Ignition ON.

• | The powertrain relay has been commanded ON.

#### P0690

• | The battery voltage is within 9-16 volts.

• | Ignition Off.

• | The powertrain relay has been commanded OFF.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

#### P0685

• | The commanded state of the ODM does not match the actual state of the control circuit.

• | It occurs 8 times during 10 tests.

#### P0690

• | The ECM detects more than 2 volts on the ignition 1 voltage circuit to the ECM.

• | This condition is present for more than 2 seconds.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0685 and P0690 is a type B DTC.

### Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0685 and P0690 is a type B DTC.

### Diagnostic Aids

• | This test procedure assumes that the vehicle battery has passed a load test and is completely charged. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test.

• | 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 correct tension.

### Reference Information

#### Schematic Reference

• | Engine Controls Schematics

• | Power Distribution Schematics

#### Connector End View Reference

• | Component Connector End Views

• | Electrical Center Identification Views

#### Electrical Information Reference

• | Circuit Testing

• | Connector Repairs

• | Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

• | Wiring Repairs

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Wiring Repairs

#### DTC Type Reference

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

#### Scan Tool Reference

• | Scan Tool Data List

• | Scan Tool Data Definitions

• | Engine Control Module Scan Tool Information

#### Special Tools

J 43244 Relay Puller Pliers

### Circuit/System Verification

1. With engine OFF, turn the ignition ON, command the engine control ignition relay ON and OFF several times using the scan tool output control function. You should either hear or feel the relay click with each command.
2. With the ignition ON, engine OFF, probe both test points of the fuses supplied with voltage by the powertrain relay.

⇒ | The test lamp should illuminate on at least one test point of each fuse. If the test lamp does not illuminate continue with Circuit/System Testing.

### Circuit/System Testing

1. With the ignition OFF, remove the powertrain relay from the underhood fuse block.
2. With the ignition ON, measure for battery positive voltage (B+) between the battery supply voltage coil circuit terminal R48 and ground.

⇒ | If the voltage measures less than B+, repair the open or high resistance in the circuit to the relay coil. All wire circuit resistance should measure less than 2 ohms.

3. Measure the voltage between the powertrain relay control circuit and ground.

⇒ | If voltage is measured on the control circuit of the relay, test for a short to voltage.

4. Connect a test lamp between the battery supply voltage coil terminal R48 and the powertrain relay control circuit terminal R50. Use a scan tool to command the powertrain relay ON and OFF using the Engine Controls Ignition Relay selection. The test lam should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒ | If the test lamp stays ON all the time, test for a short to ground on the powertrain relay control circuit or a faulty ECM.

⇒ | All wire circuit resistance should measure less than 2 ohms.

5. Measure for battery voltage between the relay battery supply voltage switch circuit terminal R47 and ground.

⇒ | All wire circuit resistance should measure less than 2 ohms.

6. With the ignition ON, test for voltage on each test point of the V8 ECM fuse.

⇒ | If voltage is present, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit between the V8 ECM, the powertrain relay, and the V8 ECM fuse for a short to voltage.

⇒ | If both circuits test normal, replace the ECM.

7. Connect a 20-amp fused jumper wire between the B+ terminal R47 and the ignition 1 voltage terminal R49 of the powertrain relay at the underhood fuse block. With a test lamp, probe both test points of the V8 ECM fuse.

⇒ | If the test lamp illuminates at both test points of the V8 ECM fuse, repair the ignition 1 voltage circuit between the V8 ECM fuse and the ECM for an open, high resistance, or a faulty ECM. All circuit resistance should be measured less than 2 ohms.

⇒ | If the test lamp only illuminates at one test point of the V8 ECM fuse, repair the short to ground in the ignition 1 voltage circuit between the fuse and the applicable component. Replace the fuse as necessary.

⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate on either test point of the V8 ECM fuse, repair the open or high resistance between the powertrain relay and the V8 ECM fuse. All wire circuit resistance should be measured 2 ohms or less.

### Component Testing

• | Measure for 70-110 ohms between terminals 85 and 86 of the relay.

⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the relay.

• | Measure for infinite resistance between terminals 30 and 86 of the relay.

⇒ | If continuity is detected, replace the relay.

• | Measure for infinite resistance between terminals 30 and 87 of the relay.

⇒ | If continuity is detected, replace the relay.

• | Measure for infinite resistance between terminals 30 and 85 of the relay.

⇒ | If continuity is detected, replace the relay.

• | Measure for infinite resistance between terminals 85 and 87 of the relay.

⇒ | If continuity is detected, replace the relay.

• | Connect a 20-amp fused jumper wire between the battery positive cable and the relay terminal 85. Connect a jumper wire between the battery negative cable and the relay terminal 86. Measure for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87 of the resistance with a DMM.

⇒ | If the resistance measures is more than 2 ohms, replace the relay.

### Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

1. Refer to Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.
2. Clear any DTCs with a scan tool.
3. Turn the ignition OFF for 30 seconds.
4. Start the engine. If engine does not run, refer to Engine Cranks But Does Not Run.
5. If other DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.