Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Description: Trip

A trip is an interval of time during which the diagnostic test runs. A trip may consist of only a key cycle to power up the powertrain control module (PCM), allow the diagnostic to run, then cycle the key off to power down the PCM. A trip may also involve a PCM power up, meeting specific conditions to run the diagnostic test, then powering down the PCM. The definition of a trip depends upon the diagnostic. Some diagnostic tests run only once per trip (i.e., catalyst monitor) while other tests run continuously during each trip (i.e., misfire).