PCM Diagnostics & Tuning HP Tuners | Holley | Diablo

TAC/PCM troubleshooting

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 28, 2015 | 11:33 AM
  #1  
volvochimp's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default TAC/PCM troubleshooting

Hi-
New to the forum and to LSx. I am having trouble getting a 2005 dbw lq4 swap running. It is a complete pull-out (confirmed running by seller) and I had harness modification and PCM unlock done by a provider on ebay.

My problem is that I get no rpm signal out of the PCM. Crank and cam sensors show signal into PCM on a scope but no RPM registers on scan tool while cranking. I also notice that my throttle doesnt open when pedal is activated - throttle body also makes clicking noises. PCM grounds test under .3V on drop test.

Identifix lists no RPM from PCM problem as bad PCM - fix is to replace PCM. My harness guy said that a bad TAC could cause no rpm also.

Both PCM and TAC for 2005 are pretty expensive. How should I proceed to troubleshoot this issue? I'm stumped. What should I do next? Is it true that PCM requires TAC module to register rpm? That seems unlikely but I am new to this stuff.

Thanks!
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 02:38 PM
  #2  
DrX's Avatar
DrX
TECH Addict
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
Default

Is it also a 2005 truck pedal?
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 02:42 PM
  #3  
volvochimp's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by DrX
Is it also a 2005 truck pedal?
Yep! came with pull-out
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 04:34 PM
  #4  
DrX's Avatar
DrX
TECH Addict
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
Default

Should be working if all matching parts and tune, wiring is correct and engine harness is grounded to block. TAC ground is normally tied into engine harness ground. Don't see how TAC would affect RPM reported.
Reply
Old May 28, 2015 | 06:08 PM
  #5  
volvochimp's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by DrX
Should be working if all matching parts and tune, wiring is correct and engine harness is grounded to block. TAC ground is normally tied into engine harness ground. Don't see how TAC would affect RPM reported.
Yeah - so likely PCM? Do you know if pedal is supposed to operate throttle plate with just key power on? That is not happening on mine.
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 07:38 AM
  #6  
DrX's Avatar
DrX
TECH Addict
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
Default

Originally Posted by volvochimp
Yeah - so likely PCM? Do you know if pedal is supposed to operate throttle plate with just key power on? That is not happening on mine.
Could be wiring/grounds, wrong tune in PCM. I am more suspicious of a wiring issue with a "modified" harness. Also the TAC and PCM need to both power up and power down together.

Are any trouble codes set? If there is a problem with the throttle system, it will be disabled(Reduced Engine Power mode) and there will be codes set.
Normally the throttle will be operational with the key in the on/run position. It will power down after 15 sec(battery saver mode) but will re-activate as soon as you touch the pedal. When you first switch the key on it should quickly self test(close and return to startup position). If tests fail it will trigger REP mode. Need key-off for at least 15 sec to clear REP, but it will return at next key-on if problem is still present.

All 2003-2005 truck TAC/pedal/PCMs should be interchangeable.

Last edited by DrX; May 29, 2015 at 07:45 AM.
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 10:59 AM
  #7  
Pacer Racer's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 237
Likes: 15
Default

All 2003 to 2005 TAC's will not interchange. The TAC has to match the OS. Seeing the post about the TAC and PCM needing to be powered up at the same time reminds me of an issue I ran in to. The guy had a battery disconnect and sometimes would forget to turn it on before trying to start the car. When he was turning it on he wasn't turning off the key, causing the Ing and Bat power to be applied at the same time. This cause the PCM to improperly boot and the not to run right. So make sure rhat that battery power is on before the ignition
Reply
Old May 29, 2015 | 12:01 PM
  #8  
DrX's Avatar
DrX
TECH Addict
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Pacer Racer
All 2003 to 2005 TAC's will not interchange.
I have mixed them. Even a 2002 TAC will work, which is completely different and requires a TB with the TP signals moving in opposite directions rather than the 2003-2005 truck TBs which have the signals moving in the same direction. 2006 -2007 pedal and TAC are not compatible with 2003-2005.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:09 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE