DTC P1361 Ignition Coil Control Circuit Low Voltage
NOTE
Applicable vehicles:
  • Astro, Safari (VIN M/L)

DTC P1361 Ignition Coil Control Circuit Low Voltage

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Circuit Description

The enhanced ignition system uses the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor in order to provide a timing input to the control module. Ignition control (IC) spark timing for each cylinder is based on this input. The control module provides the ignition timing signal to the ignition control module (ICM) to control the ignition coil. Each timing pulse detected by the ICM allows it to energize the ignition coil. A large secondary ignition voltage is induced in the secondary coil by the primary coil. This high voltage is switched to the correct spark plug by the distributor.

This DTC will set if the vehicle control module (VCM) detects an unusually low voltage on the ignition timing signal circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

  • The ignition control is enabled.
  • The engine speed is less than 250 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ignition control voltage is less than 0.04 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

  • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) the first time the diagnostic runs and fails.
  • The control module will set the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores the failure information in the scan tools Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC

  • The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.
  • A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle.
  • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for intermittents. If the connections and the harness check OK, connect a DMM between VCM terminal C3 pin 9 and C4 pin 18 and monitor the voltage while moving related connectors and wiring harness. If the failure is induced, the voltage reading will change. This may help isolate the malfunction.

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

  • A poor connection
  • Rubbed through wire insulation
  • A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. This step determines if the IC signal from the VCM is available at the ignition coil module.

Step / Action / Values / 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. Clear the DTCs.
  2. Disconnect the injector harness connector.
  3. Crank the engine for 15 seconds.
Does DTC P1361 set? / -- / Go to Step 3 / Go to Diagnostic Aids
3 /
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Reconnect the injector connector.
  3. Disconnect the ignition control module harness connector.
  4. Probe the ignition control module harness connector terminal B with a DMM set to the AC scale.
  5. Crank the engine.
  6. Observe the voltage.
Is the voltage reading within the specified value? / 1-4 V / Go to Step 6 / Go to Step 4
4 /
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the VCM C3 connector.
  3. Probe the VCM C3 connector pin 9 with an unpowered test lamp connected to B+.
Is the test lamp ON? / -- / Go to Step 5 / Go to Step 11
5 / Repair the short to ground in the IC control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the action complete? / -- / Go to Step 12 / --
6 /
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Probe the ignition control module harness connector terminal C with a test lamp connected to B+.
Is the test lamp ON? / -- / Go to Step 8 / Go to Step 7
7 / Repair the open ignition control module ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the action complete? / -- / Go to Step 12 / --
8 / Check for a poor ignition control module connection.
Did you find a problem? / -- / Go to Step 10 / Go to Step 9
9 / Replace the ignition control module. Refer to Ignition Coil and Ignition Coil Module Replacement in Engine Electrical.
Is the action complete? / -- / Go to Step 12 / --
10 / Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs or Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the action complete? / -- / Go to Step 12 / --
11 / WARNING
Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed.
Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .
Is the action complete? / -- / Go to Step 12 / --
12 /
  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  4. Select DTC and the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number which was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting this DTC, until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic Ran.
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed? / -- / Go to Step 13 / Go to Step 2
13 / Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? / -- / Go to the applicable DTC table / System OK