GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B1516 08 : Battery Current Sensor Signal Invalid

DTC B1516 66 : Battery Current Sensor Wrong Mounting Position

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

10-Volt Reference

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

B1516 08

Signal

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

B1516 08

Low Reference

--

B1516 08

--

B1516 08

Circuit/System Description

The battery current sensor is a 3-wire hall effect current sensor. The battery current sensor monitors the battery current. It directly inputs to the body control module (BCM). It creates a 10 volt pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5-95 percent. Between 0-5 percent and 95-100 percent are for diagnostic purposes.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1516 08

The BCM detects a duty cycle of PWM input signal is less than 4 percent or more than 96 percent for more 33 seconds.

B1516 66

The BCM detects the battery current sensor is improperly installed.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

No driver indication occurs when this DTC sets.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The DTC clears as current status when the battery sensed current returns to normal range for more than 5 seconds.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Charging System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

B1516 08

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the battery current sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0  ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range , test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 9.8 - 10.2 volts between the 10-Volt reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range , test the 10-Volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
    If greater than the specified range , test the 10-Volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Ignition ON, test for 9.8 - 10.2 volts between the battery current sensor signal circuit terminal C and ground.
  7. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the battery current sensor.

B1516 66

When diagnosing B1516 66 verify that the battery current sensor is installed securely and positioned in the correct current flow direction.

If the battery current sensor is not, remove and reinstall the sensor properly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Battery Current Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming