GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Chevrolet C-Series Medium Duty Truck B7 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console 🢒 DTC P1637

Circuit Description

The PCM uses the generator turn on signal circuit to control the load of the generator on the engine. A high side driver in the PCM applies a voltage to the voltage regulator. This signals the voltage regulator to turn the field circuit ON and OFF. When the PCM turns ON the high side driver, the voltage regulator turns ON the field circuit. When the PCM turns OFF the high side driver, the voltage regulator turns OFF the field circuit.

The PCM monitors the state of the generator turn on signal circuit. The PCM should detect a low generator turn on signal circuit voltage when the key is ON and the engine is OFF, or when the charging system malfunctions. With the engine running, the PCM should detect a high generator turn on signal circuit. The PCM performs key ON and RUN tests to determine the status of the generator turn on signal circuit. During the key ON test, if the PCM detects a high generator turn on signal circuit voltage, DTC P01637 will set. DTC P1637 will also set if, during the RUN test, the PCM detects a low generator turn on signal circuit. When the DTC sets, the PCM will turn on the charge indicator in the IPC.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The engine speed is more than 1000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The PCM detects the GEN L-Terminal active with the ignition ON.
    • The PCM detects the GEN L-Terminal inactive with the engine operating.
    • The above conditions are present for 6 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The PCM will record the operating conditions presents when the DTC set as Failure Records data only.
    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays a message.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The Conditions for Setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 malfunction free ignition cycles.
    • The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

1

Did you perform the Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. With a scant tool, monitor the DTC information for DTC P1637 in Engine Controls.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P1637 has passed?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Programming in Engine Controls 8.1L.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls 8.1L.

Did you compete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6
  1. Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear any DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor the Specific DTC info for this DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that this DTC failed this ignition?

Go to Step 2

System OK