Non-Monitored Circuits

NON-MONITORED CIRCUITS
The PCM does not monitor all circuits, systems and conditions that could have malfunctions causing driveability problems. However, problems with these systems may cause the PCM to store diagnostic trouble codes for other systems or components. For example, a fuel pressure problem will not register a fault directly, but could cause a rich/lean condition or misfire. This could cause the PCM to store an oxygen sensor or misfire diagnostic trouble code.

The major non-monitored circuits are listed below along with examples of failures modes that do not directly cause the PCM to set a DTC, but for a system that is monitored.

Engine Timing
The PCM cannot detect an incorrectly indexed timing chain, camshaft sprocket, or crankshaft sprocket. The PCM also cannot detect an incorrectly indexed distributor. This could result in a rich or lean condition causing the PCM to store an oxygen sensor or fuel system diagnostic trouble code. (*)

Fuel Pressure
The fuel pressure regulator controls fuel system pressure. The PCM cannot detect a clogged fuel pump inlet filter, clogged in-line fuel filter, or a pinched fuel supply or return line. However, these could result in a rich or lean condition causing the PCM to store an oxygen sensor or fuel system diagnostic trouble code. (*)

Fuel Requirements
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling, and stumble. Use of methanol-gasoline blends may result in starting and driveability problems. (See individual symptoms and their definitions in Glossary of Terms).

Secondary Ignition Circuit
The PCM cannot detect an inoperative ignition coil, fouled or worn spark plugs, ignition cross firing, or open spark plug cables.

Cylinder Compression
The PCM cannot detect uneven, low, or high engine cylinder compression. (*)

Exhaust System
The PCM cannot detect a plugged, restricted or leaking exhaust system. It may set a EGR or Fuel system fault or O2S. (*)

Fuel Injector Mechanical Malfunctions
The PCM cannot determine if a fuel injector is clogged, the needle is sticking or if the wrong injector is installed. However, these could result in a rich or lean condition causing the PCM to store a diagnostic trouble code for either misfire, an oxygen sensor, or the fuel system. (*)

Excessive Oil Consumption
Although the PCM monitors engine exhaust oxygen content when the system is in closed loop, it cannot determine excessive oil consumption.

Throttle Body Air Flow
The PCM cannot detect a clogged or restricted air cleaner inlet or filter element. (*)

Vacuum Assist
The PCM cannot detect leaks or restrictions in the vacuum circuits of vacuum assisted engine control system devices. However, these could cause the PCM to store a MAP sensor diagnostic trouble code and cause a high idle condition.

PCM System Ground
The PCM cannot determine a poor system ground. However, one or more diagnostic trouble codes may be generated as a result of this condition. The module should be mounted to the body at all times, also during diagnostic.

PCM Connector Engagement
The PCM may not be able to determine spread or damaged connector pins. However, it might store diagnostic trouble codes as a result of spread connector pins.

(*) NOTE: Any of these conditions could result in a rich or lean condition causing an oxygen sensor trouble code to be stored in the PCM, or the vehicle may exhibit one or more of the driveability symptoms listed in TEST NTC-1A - No Trouble Code Test Menu.