GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars
Table 1: PTO- Preset Mode Engine Speeds
Table 2: PTO Preset Mode Function Chart
Table 3: PTO- Variable Mode Engine Speeds
Table 4: PTO -- Variable Mode Function Chart

The PTO is an Upfitter integrated system that allows the user to create an auxiliary power source that will drive either a hydraulic pump or a generator. When the operator requests PTO the PTO switch will be turned ON and the engine RPM will go to a default standby speed. Turning the PTO switch to OFF or pressing the brake pedal will turn the PTO off.

The PTO system is integrated with the cruise control system and the engine controls. The PTO system utilizes the following original equipment (OE) parts:

    • PTO Switch
    • Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch
    • PCM
    • TAC Module

The PTO system utilizes the following upfitter installed parts:

    • PTO Solenoid
    • PTO Relay
    • Remote Tap Up and Tap Down Switches
    • Remote Emergency Shutdown Switch

When the ignition switch is in RUN or START, voltage will be present on the Ignition 1 Voltage circuit at the PTO switch. When the PTO switch is turned ON, the contacts will close and voltage will be present on the Ground circuit and the PTO On Switch-Signal circuit at the upfitter connector. When the PTO switch is turned ON the indicator will illuminate. The PTO Switch Output Enable circuit also supplies the PCM with a PTO Supply-Voltage requesting the PCM to engage the PTO. If all of the engage conditions are met, the PCM will ground the PTO Control circuit. Current will now flow through the coil in the relay and the normally open contacts will close. Solenoid engagement should only occur when the PTO relay contacts are closed. The PTO solenoid has a dedicated ground wire.

In the event that any of the PTO requirements are no longer met then the PCM or TAC Module will return the engine RPM to idle and turn the PTO Solenoid off.

Modes of Operation

PTO -- Preset Mode Factory Default Setting

The PTO preset mode is used for stationary applications. PTO will remain engaged while mobile in the preset mode however PTO set and resume speed controls will be inoperative. The engine RPM will also return to normal. This mode provides a default standby speed of 800 or 850 RPM depending on the engine and transmission combination. This mode also provides 2 default PTO control speeds: PTO set speed and PTO resume speed. Please note that the standby speed is not to be used as a PTO control speed. Vehicles not equipped with cruise control will not have the resume speed capability.

PTO- Preset Mode Engine Speeds

Programmable Parameters

Factory Setting (RPM)

Minimum Value (RPM)

Maximum Value (RPM)

PTO Max Engine Speed

2200

2100

4200

PTO Standby Speed

1200

Normal engine idle will override if higher than requested PTO base idle

1300

PTO Set Speed

1400

PTO Set speed cannot be set below PTO Standby speed

4200

PTO Resume Speed

1700

PTO Set Speed

4200

PTO Preset Mode Function Chart

The following chart shows how to toggle between the 2 PTO speeds through the SET and RES switches.

PTO Preset Mode Function Chart

Present PTO State

Pressing

Resulting PTO State

PTO Standby Speed

SET

PTO Set Speed

PTO Standby Speed

RES

PTO Resume Speed

PTO Set Speed

SET

PTO Standby Speed

PTO Set Speed

RES

PTO Resume Speed

PTO Resume Speed

SET

PTO Set Speed

PTO Resume Speed

RES

PTO Standby Speed

PTO -- Variable Mode

The PTO speed control mode is used for both stationary and mobile applications. This mode allows PTO to be controlled in a fashion similar to cruise control. The operator is able to hold an engine RPM with the SET or RESUME switch on the cruise stock. The operator can "tap up" to increase engine speed in 100 RPM increments with the RESUME switch. The operator may also "tap down" to decrease engine speed with the SET switch. Vehicles not equipped with cruise control will not have the "tap up" capability.

PTO- Variable Mode Engine Speeds

Programmable Parameters

Factory Setting (RPM)

Minimum Value (RPM)

Maximum Value (RPM)

PTO Max Engine Speed

2200

L18-2100

L18-4200

PTO Standby Speed

L18-1200

L18-650

1300

PTO Set Speed

1400

PTO Set speed cannot be set below PTO Standby speed

4200

PTO Resume Speed

1700

PTO Set Speed

4200

PTO -- Variable Mode Function Chart

Switch

Set

Resume (w/Cruise Only)

Pressed Once

Engine speed will decrease by 100  RPM decrements and will maintain new engine speed value. Engine speed can be decreased down to PTO Standby RPM speed value, all further SET inputs will be ignored

Engine Speed will increase by 100  RPM increments and will maintain new engine speed value. Engine speed can be increased up to the PTO max engine speed value, all further RESUME inputs will be ignored

Held

Decelerates engine speed down to the PTO standby speed value

Increases engine speed up to the PTO max engine speed value

PTO Components

PTO Switch

The PTO Switch is mounted on the upper left side of the Instrument Panel. The PTO Switch has two positions: ON and OFF. The PTO indicator light is integral with the switch and will illuminate when the switch is turned ON. The presence of the indicator being on does not mean that the PTO Solenoid is engaged. The Cruise Control Multi-Function Switch may be used in conjunction with the PTO Switch. If the vehicle does not have cruise control there will not be any tap up or tap down capability.

Cruise Control Multi-Function Switch

The operation of the PTO system may be through the function control switches located on the multifunction turn signal lever. The cruise control function control switches includes the ON/OFF, SET/COAST, and R/A. The switch assembly provides driver control of the PTO as well as the cruise control system. The SET/COAST and R/A switches may be used to increase and decrease engine RPM. See the chart above for recommended speeds.

PTO Relay

The PTO Relay is an upfitter supplied and installed part. The PTO Switch controls the voltage to the coil of the PTO Relay while the PCM controls the ground.

PTO Solenoid

The PTO Solenoid is used on clutch activated PTOs. The PTO Relay supplies the solenoid with voltage when the relay is energized. The solenoid is an Upfitter supplied part and is replaceable on most PTOs.

PCM

The powertrain control module (PCM) is the control center of the PTO system. The PCM monitors numerous engine and vehicle functions. To engage the PTO, the PCM must see the following conditions:

    • Engine must be running
    • Transmission must be in PARK or NEUTRAL
    • Park Brake must be set, for Manual Transmission Only
    • Vehicle speed must be zero
    • Brake or Clutch must not be depressed

The PCM constantly looks at the information from various sensors and other inputs, and controls the systems that affect vehicle performance. The PCM also performs a diagnostic test on the Cruise Control system.

TAC Module

The TAC module is the control center for the electronic throttle system. The TAC module and the PCM communicate through a dedicated redundant serial data circuit. The TAC module and the PCM monitor the commanded throttle position and compare the commanded position to the actual throttle position. This is accomplished by monitoring the APP and the throttle position (TP) sensor. These 2 values must be within a calibrated value of each other or a DTC may be set. The TAC module also monitors each individual circuit of the TP sensor and the APP to verify proper operation. The TAC module commands the TAC motor to increase or decrease the engine RPM.

TAC Motor

The TAC motor is part of the throttle body and controls the position of the throttle. The motor is bi-directional and is controlled by the TAC Module . The TAC motor increases or decreases the engine RPM. The motor is not serviceable.