Circuit Description
The PCM Output (L) terminal to the alternator determines when the alternator will be turned off. It is on under all normal vehicle operating conditions except during low RPM conditions. The alternator is turned off during low RPM conditions to remove excess load from the engine.
The PCM Input Field (F) terminal from the alternator provides a 400 Hz PWM signal to the PCM. The duty cycle of the F terminal mimics the duty cycle of the field coils in the alternator, Thus, the F terminal duty cycle indicates the relative electrical load on the alternator.
The alternator Telltale lamp will illuminate any time the ignition is on and engine is not running. The Telltale will go out after the engine is running and the alternator is putting out the desired amperage.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running. |
| • | The Voltage telltale is on. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
- (L) terminal voltage is low while the PCM is commanding the generator on.
- The above condition is present for more than 30 seconds.
OR
- (F) terminal PWM is less than 5%.
- Engine RPM is less than 2500.
- The above conditions are present for more then 30 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The PCM stores conditions which were present when the DTC set as Failure Records only. This information will not be stored as Freeze Frame Records.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present. |
| • | The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction free warm-up cycles. |
| • | The PCM receives a clear code command from the scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for the following conditions:
Important: : Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.
| • | Poor terminal connection. |
| Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , and Connector Repairs Wiring Systems. |
| • | Damaged harness. |
| Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the sensor display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the sensor display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. |
| • | Inspect the PCM and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. |
If the DTC is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Fail Records can be useful in determining when the DTC was last set.
Test Description
The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table:
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Was the OBD System Check performed? | -- | ||
2 | Using scan tool monitor Generator PWM. Does the scan tool indicate that the Generator PWM is within the indicated range? | 5% - 95% | Go to Charging System Check | |
3 |
Command the Generator on with the scan tool while monitoring the J 39200 DMM. Does the voltage change from the first indicated value to the second indicated value? | 0.0V 5.0V | ||
4 |
Is the Generator PWM display affected? | -- | Go to Charging System Check | |
5 | Test the (L) circuit for an open or short to ground and repair if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Was a problem found? | -- | ||
6 | Test the (L) circuit for a short to voltage and repair if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Was a problem found? | -- | ||
7 | Test the (F) circuit for an open or short to ground and repair if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Was a problem found? | -- | ||
8 | Test the (F) circuit for a short to voltage and repair if necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Was a problem found? | -- | ||
9 | Check for a poor connection at the PCM and repair if necessary. Refer to Testing for Continuity , Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , Repairing Connector Terminals , and Connector Repairs . was a problem found. | -- | ||
|
Important: : Replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | ||
11 |
Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0620 failed this ignition? | -- | System OK |
