INTERMITTENT CODE 16,E16,EO16 GENERATOR OUTPUT TOO HIGH

SUBJECT: INTERMITTENT CODE 16, E16, E016

MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1991 DE VILLES AND FLEETWOODS 1986-1991 ELDORADOS AND SEVILLES

Some 1985-1991 DeVilles and Fleetwoods, and 1986-1991 Eldorados and Sevilles may experience a code 16, E16, E016; and the trouble code diagnosis may lead to intermittents or to charging system diagnosis.

This may be caused by a poor connection at the starter terminal B for the generator sense lead (circuit 2), high resistance in the circuit, or a poor connection at the generator. This can result in a voltage drop to the generator sense terminal, and the generator responds by putting out higher voltage to compensate for what it monitors as a low voltage condition.

To test for this problem monitor the voltage at the battery terminal of the generator and at the "S" terminal; they should be identical. If sense voltage is low, trace and repair excessive feedback resistance, poor connection, or damaged wire. If the sense wire voltage is as high as battery terminal voltage, then follow Service Information Manual procedure for internal generator repair.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.