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

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

--

Signal

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08

Low Reference

--

B1516 08

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Battery Current - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF. Headlamps and all accessories Off.

Parameter Normal Range: -5 amps to -10 amps

5-Volt Reference

-59.9 amps

-59.9 amps

--

Signal

-59.9 amps

59.9 amps

59.9 amps

Low Reference

--

59.9 amps

--

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 5 V pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5-95 percent.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The BCM is awake.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects that the duty cycle of the battery current sensor signal is less than 4 percent or greater than 96 percent for 2 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The regulated voltage control (RVC) is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The DTC passes when the battery current sensor duty cycle returns to normal range for 15 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 Verification

Ignition ON, engine OFF, headlamps and all accessories OFF, observe the scan tool BCM Battery Current parameter. The reading should be between -5 amps and -10 amps, and change with the amount of current draw on the battery.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify that the current sensor is mounted correctly. The sensor should be installed with the coil around the positive battery cable, with the tape tab pointing toward the battery.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the battery current sensor.
  3. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, remove the 60A IP BEC fuse from the underhood fuse block. Test for less than 5 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  4. If greater than the specified value, test the current sensor low reference circuit and the BCM ground circuits for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the BCM.
  5. Ignition ON, test for 4.5-5.5 V on the 5 V reference circuit terminal A.
  6. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. Ignition ON, test for 4.5-5.5 V on the signal circuit terminal C.
  8. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests 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.
  9. If all circuits test normal, replace the battery current sensor.

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.