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 B1517 03 : Battery Voltage Below Threshold

DTC B1517 07 : Battery Voltage Above Threshold

DTC B1517 52 : Battery Voltage Compare Failure

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

B1517

B1517

--

--

B+ high resolution

B1517

B1517

--

--

Ground

--

B1517

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel module (IPM) has designated circuits for monitoring vehicle system voltage. The IPM monitors the system voltage to ensure that the voltage stays within the proper range. Damage to components, and incorrect data may occur when the voltage is out of range. The IPM monitors the system voltage over an extended length of time. If the IPM detects the system voltage is outside an expected range for the calibrated length of time, or the IPM battery sense circuits differ by 3 V DTC B1517 will set. Other modules also monitor system voltage the system voltage message is sent to the other modules and will default to 12.9 V.

Conditions for Running the DTC

This DTC shall run only if the IPM has power, ground, and the ignition is not in START mode. This DTC shall execute regardless of the battery voltage, except when the DTC B1440 is set current.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1517 03

The battery voltage falls below 11 V, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 15 seconds.

B1517 07

The battery voltage is greater than 16 V, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 15 seconds.

B1517 52

The battery voltage differs by 3 V on the IPM battery sense circuits for 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the Battery Voltage Low Message.
    • The DIC displays the Battery Voltage High Message.
    • The DIC displays the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will clear current status when fault is no longer present.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: With any module voltage performance DTC, always perform the Charging System Test to ensure the charging system is functioning properly.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Body Control System 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 Verification

  1. Engine running, accessories OFF, measure and record the voltage at the battery voltage at the battery terminals. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 15.0 V.
  2. If not within the specified range, refer to Charging System Test
  3. Observe the scan tool IPM Battery Voltage parameter. The reading should be between 12.6 and 15.0 V.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the IPM.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 3.0 Ω between the ground circuits listed below and ground.
  3. •  Terminal 10 X3
    •  Terminal 3 X3
    If not within the specified range, test the ground circuits for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition On, verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuits listed below and ground.
  5. •  Terminal 1 X3
    •  Terminal 2 X3
    If not within the specified range, test the B+ circuits for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. If all the circuits test normal, replace the IPM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for IPM replacement, setup, and programming.