Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Cadillac ATS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Control modules constantly monitor the vehicle for any condition which may adversely affect vehicle performance. If a condition is detected, the module sets a DTC and sends a serial data message to the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sets a DTC to inform the technician that the module has set a DTC. The serial data message sent by the module also contains a request for the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
The technician can observe the DTC that was set by the module by reviewing the ECM Freeze Frame records on the scan tool. The ECM Freeze Frame records also contain the engine operating conditions present when the DTC set.