GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The battery current sensor pulse width modulation (PWM) input signal is monitored by the body control module (BCM) which sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) when the PWM input signal is out of the normal operating range.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B1516 Battery Current Sensor Performance

DTC Symptom

DTC Symptom Descriptor

08

Signal Invalid

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The key is in the ON position.
    • The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1516 08

Sets as current when the duty cycle of the PWM input signal is less than 4 percent or more than 96 percent for more than 33 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE warning message will be set in the IPC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The DTC clears as a current status when the battery sensed current returns to normal range for more than 15 seconds.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Electrical Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Disconnect the battery current sensor.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Using a DMM, measure the voltage between the current sensor supply voltage circuit on the wiring harness and ground.

Does the voltage read less than specified?

5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

Using a DMM, measure the voltage between the current sensor signal circuit on the wiring harness and ground.

Does the voltage read less than specified?

5 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Using a DMM, measure the voltage between the current sensor supply voltage circuit and the current sensor low reference circuit on the wiring harness.

Does the voltage read less than specified.

5 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

Test the current sensor supply voltage circuit for the following:

    • A short to ground
    • A high resistance
    • An open

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

6

Test the current sensor signal circuit for the following:

    • A short to ground
    • A high resistance
    • An open

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

7

Test the current sensor low reference circuit for high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the battery current sensor. Refer to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the body control module (BCM). Refer to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the battery current sensor. Refer to Battery Current Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

Operate the vehicle and verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2