Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Auto Shut Down Relay: Operation
The engine switched battery (NGC vehicles) informs the PCM when the ASD relay energizes. A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM that the ASD has been activated. This input is also used to power certain drivers on NGC vehicles.
When energized, the ASD relay on NGC vehicles provides power to operate the injectors, ignition coil, generator field, O2 sensor heaters (both upstream and downstream), evaporative purge solenoid, EGR solenoid (if equipped) wastegate solenoid (if equipped), and NVLD solenoid (if equipped).
The ASD relay also provides a sense circuit to the PCM for diagnostic purposes. If the PCM does not receive 12 volts from this input after grounding the control side of the ASD relay, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM energizes the ASD any time there is an engine speed that exceeds a predetermined value (typically about 50 RPM). The ASD relay can also be energized after the engine has been turned off to perform an O2 sensor heater test, if vehicle is equipped with OBD II diagnostics.
As mentioned earlier, the PCM energizes the ASD relay during an O2 sensor heater test. On NGC vehicles it checks the O2 heater upon vehicle start. The PCM still operates internally to perform several checks, including monitoring the O2 sensor heaters.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.