Malibu Engine Light Code- Reference Circuit High

Problem with my 1999 Chevy Malibu V6.
Code scanned for Reference A high code. Repair work done prior = Initial customer concern was a racing idle. Code existed for MAF. IAC motor was frozen and unable to be commanded with the Tech 2 scanner. Work done to repair this problem = Replaced IAC motor and MAF.

Question:
Replaced IAC and idle no longer raced but still was too high. MAF code for reference voltage. Back probed sensor and found 4.2 V at the MAF. Disconnected MAF and reference pin was at 5V. Replaced MAF, code cleared. Idle still erratic. Code set for Reference A voltage high.

Back probed TP, Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor, MAP, and EGR and found 5V reference either connected or disconnected. Noticed that upon key on, Reference A will go to 6.2V. Took fuel pump out of the circuit and Reference A stays at 5V with key on.

Jumping in the fuel pump causes the Reference A voltage to go to 6.2V with or without the sensors connected. All grounds have been checked good and tight. Any ideas of what next? I can't imagine a voltage regulator in the PCM failing in such a way to cause this behavior, but I'm at a loss as to what's causing it. Maybe a back EMF on the ground from the fuel pump? In any case, any help/insight would be greatly appreciated.

Chevy Malibu

Answer:
What is the code you are getting? Is it P1635? When you say you took fuel pump out of circuit, volts go to normal 5V, did you actually just disconnect the fuel pump at the pump, or the entire sending unit harness elsewhere.

Have not heard back from you in while, but anyway. The fuel pump power and ground circuit would have nothing to do with the 5 volt reference. Although that relay also has something to do with the A/C compressor control in my schematics.

You need to test for 5 volts on one of the sensor with everything back together, and disconnect the sensors on that circuit 1 by 1 until volts drop back to normal 5 volts. A/C pressure sensor, TPS, MAP, MAF, Fuel tank pressure sensor. (See attached schematic) Have had either of these sensors or the wiring to them cause the 5 volt reference circuit to have problems.

Also, check the harness from under the body going to the fuel tank module. A pinched wires above the tank for the tank pressure sensor can cause this. As well as the tank pressure sensor itself. Lower the tank enough the access the sensor and unplug it only. Not the pump connector. Then cycle key, check to see if 5 volt circuit is normal.

Thanks, already had the schematic. Found a corrosion bridge between Reference A and fuel pump supply in the pass through connector to the fuel pump. This was causing the change in the reference when the fuel pump circuit was energized. Cleaned the pass through connector and repair checks good. Thanks for the response.


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