GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 130568  Size: MF
Audible Warnings Components
Instrument Cluster: Analog Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics

Circuit Description

The battery positive voltage (B+) is supplied to the Instrument Cluster (IPC) on CKT 440 (ORN) at connector C2 terminal A1. The IPC monitors this voltage to determine if it is within a valid operating range and the alternator is operating properly.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The battery positive voltage (B+) level falls below 9 volts for approximately 1.2 seconds or more.
    • Engine RPM is greater than 1500 rpm.
    • The alternator is not operating properly. The IPC receives this status from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) via Class 2 message.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC B1981 is stored in the IPC memory.
    • The IPC does not respond to inputs when the voltage is less than 9 volts.
    • BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW message is displayed on the DIC.
    • DTC B1983 does not set when DTC B1981 is current.
    • Other IPC DTCs do not set while DTC B1981 is current.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • This DTC clears (status changes from current to history when the Battery Positive Voltage (B+) level rises above 9.5 volts for approximately 1.2 seconds and alternator output, as reported by the PCM, is normal.
    • A history DTC clears after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • Current and history DTCs may be cleared using a scan tool or using the IPC on-board clearing DTCs feature.

Diagnostic Aids

The IPC does not check for low battery positive voltage (B+) during and for 2 seconds following the engine START mode. This delay ensures that DTC B1981 will not erroneously set.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. Perform the Instrument Cluster (IPC) Diagnostic System Check before continuing with the diagnosis of this DTC.

  2. Checks that DTC was not set erroneously.

  3. Determines whether the malfunction is in the charging system or the Instrument Cluster (IPC).

  4. Clear all DTCs after the repair procedure is complete.

IPC DTC B1981 -- Battery Voltage Too Low (Alternator Problem)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Instrument Cluster (IPC) Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2

  1. Ignition switch ON.
  2. Connect a scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
  3. Select DATA from the Instrument Cluster (IPC) DATA LIST.

Is the Battery Positive Voltage (B+) greater than the specified value?

9.5 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Ignition switch OFF.
  2. Disconnect the IPC connector C2.
  3. Measure the voltage between the IPC connector C2 terminal A1, CKT 440 (ORN) and ground.

Is the measured voltage less than the specified value?

9.5 V

Refer to Charging System Check in Engine Electrical

Go to Step 4

4

Replace the Instrument Cluster (IPC). Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Is the module replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 5

--

5

  1. Ignition switch OFF.
  2. Reconnect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected.
  3. Ignition switch ON.
  4. Clear any DTCs. Refer to Clearing DTCs .

Are all DTCs cleared?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

--