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 Descriptor

DTC B1516 08: Battery Current Sensor Performance Signal Invalid

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Battery Current Sensor Supply Voltage

B1516

B1516

--

B1516

Circuit/System Description

The battery current sensor supplies a pulse width modulation (PWM) input signal to the body control module (BCM).

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a duty cycle of 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 SERVICE VEHICLE SOON warning message will be illuminated in the driver information center (DIC).

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC clears as current status when the battery sensed current returns to normal range for more than 5 seconds.
    • Using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function can clear the DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Starting and Charging Schematics
    •  Body Control System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Electrical Connector End Views
    •  Data Communication Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List for ECM

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition ON and the battery current sensor harness disconnected, with a DMM measure the voltage of the current sensor supply voltage, harness side and ground. The voltage should read 5 volts.
  2. If the voltage is less than 5 volts test the current sensor supply voltage for a short to ground, a high resistance, an open circuit.
    If the circuit tests good replace the BCM.
  3. Ignition ON and the battery current sensor harness disconnected, with a DMM measure the voltage of the current sensor signal circuit, harness side and ground. The voltage should read 5 volts.
  4. If the voltage is less than 5 volts test the current sensor signal circuit for a short to ground, a high resistance, an open circuit.
    If the circuit tests good replace the BCM.
  5. Ignition ON and the battery current sensor harness disconnected, with a DMM measure the voltage of the current sensor supply voltage and current sensor low reference circuit, harness side. The voltage should read 5 volts.
  6. If the voltage is less than 5 volts test the current sensor low reference circuit for a high resistance, an open circuit.
    If the circuit tests good replace the BCM.
  7. If all 3 circuits test good replace the battery current sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming.
    •  Battery Current Sensor Replacement