🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Chevrolet (CHEVY)
Description / Error Code: Driver 1 Line 6
Summary: Fault reported on Driver 1, Line 6 circuit. This terminology typically indicates an internal control module output driver fault (commonly logged by the PCM, TCM, or BCM on GM Class 2/GMLAN-based architectures) tied to a specific actuator, solenoid, relay, or injector output line. Exact vehicle model, year, and affected control module were not provided in the intake data; technician must pull the full DTC string and freeze-frame data from the scan tool to positively identify the controlling module and circuit before proceeding, as pin assignment, wire color, and exact voltage specifications vary by platform and model year.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: [Intermediate]
Provisional rating. Driver circuit faults generally require electrical testing with a scan tool and a multimeter, plus access to the wiring harness and, in some cases, module replacement and programming. Final tier to be confirmed after Step 2 verification, since an open/shorted driver circuit is routine diagnostic work, but a confirmed internal module driver failure requiring programming raises the difficulty and cost significantly.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify the customer complaint and retrieve freeze-frame data before disassembly.
- Record all active, pending, and stored DTCs related to the Driver 1 / Line 6 fault, and cross-reference the exact code definition in the OEM service information for this specific model and year, since driver/line circuit faults are module-specific and not standardized across all GM platforms.
- Identify which control module owns the fault (PCM, TCM, BCM, or other body/chassis module) using the scan tool’s module network map.
- Inspect the connector at the identified module and the associated output component (solenoid, relay, injector, or actuator) for corrosion, bent pins, spread terminals, or moisture intrusion.
- Inspect the harness routing between the module and the output component for chafing, pinched sections, or heat damage.
- Check battery state of charge and verify all chassis and engine block ground connections for excessive voltage drop using a digital multimeter under load.
- Check for recent aftermarket modifications, water exposure, or prior repairs in the affected circuit area.
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- With the circuit unplugged at the module, confirm reference/control voltage is present using a digital multimeter against a known good ground (most GM low-side driver circuits will show battery voltage when open-circuit tested, or near 0V when the driver is actively grounding the circuit; actual values are module and circuit dependent).
- Perform a continuity and resistance check of the full circuit (module to component) against the specification published in the OEM service manual for this exact vehicle; do not assume a universal resistance value, as this varies by component type (solenoid, relay coil, injector, etc.).
- Check for shorts to ground and shorts to voltage at the harness and at both the module connector and component connector, with the circuit isolated from both ends.
- Clear DTCs, then run the module’s relevant bidirectional output test (command the driver ON/OFF through the scan tool) to confirm whether the module properly commands the circuit when wiring is confirmed intact.
- Confirm whether the fault is hard (constant) or intermittent by wiggle-testing the harness and connectors while monitoring live scan data for the DTC status and circuit voltage.
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Repair the faulty section by replacing the damaged wire, connector, or terminal per OEM splicing and connector repair procedures (use OEM-spec wire gauge and weatherproof heat-shrink connectors, not generic butt splices, on any circuit exposed to engine bay or underbody moisture).
- If the output component (solenoid, relay, injector, actuator) is confirmed faulty by resistance/continuity testing, replace it with an OEM or OEM-equivalent part.
- If the control module itself is confirmed faulty (internal driver failure with wiring and component verified good), replace the module and perform the required programming/configuration using the GM Global Diagnostic System (GDS2) or Techline Connect with a valid Service Programming System (SPS) subscription; VIN-specific calibration and module setup are mandatory on any GM module replacement.
- Apply dielectric grease to all reconnected terminals and fully reseat and reseal connectors, confirming a positive locking click.
- Clear all DTCs and perform a final diagnostic scan across all modules to confirm no codes return, including a check for any communication (U-code) faults introduced by the repair.
- Complete a road test or the applicable OEM drive cycle/system verification procedure for the affected system and document the results, including a final live-data capture of the repaired circuit.
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Output component (solenoid, relay, injector, or actuator) — exact part dependent on Step 2 findings
- Control module (PCM/TCM/BCM) — only if internal driver failure is confirmed
- Wiring repair kit, OEM-spec connector terminals, heat-shrink splices, and dielectric grease
- Scan tool with bidirectional control and OEM-level programming capability (e.g., GM GDS2/Techline Connect with active SPS subscription)
Average Component Price:
- Connector or wiring repair materials: $15 – $75
- Output component replacement (relay, solenoid, sensor-type actuator): $40 – $250
- Control module replacement (PCM/TCM/BCM, part only, not including programming): $350 – $1,400 depending on module and platform
- Dealer/OEM programming or calibration fee (if module replaced): $100 – $300
Estimated Labor Hours:
- Diagnosis and circuit verification (Steps 1–2): 1.0 – 1.8 hrs
- Wiring repair or component replacement (Step 3, non-module): 0.5 – 2.0 hrs depending on access/location
- Control module replacement (if required): 1.0 – 3.0 hrs depending on mounting location and accessibility
- Programming, reset, and final road test/verification: 0.5 – 1.2 hrs
Note: All pricing and labor figures are general industry-standard ranges for GM vehicles; final cost is highly dependent on the confirmed model, year, and which specific module/component owns the Driver 1 / Line 6 circuit. Obtain the exact DTC definition and OEM labor guide time for the confirmed vehicle before quoting the customer a final price.