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 B1517 03 : Battery Voltage Below Threshold

DTC B1517 07 : Battery Voltage Above Threshold

DTC B1517 5A : Battery Voltage Plausibility Failure

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

B1517

B1517

--

--

B+ high resolution

B1517

B1517

--

--

Ground

--

B1517

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) has designated circuits for monitoring vehicle system voltage. The BCM monitors the system voltage to ensure that the voltage stays within the proper range. Damage to components, and incorrect data may occur when the voltage is out of range. The BCM monitors the system voltage over an extended length of time. If the BCM detects the system voltage is outside an expected range for the calibrated length of time, or the BCM battery sense circuits differ by 2 volts, DTC B1517 will set. Other modules also monitor system voltage the system voltage message is sent to the other modules and will default to 12.9 volts.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DTC shall run only if the BCM has power, ground, and the ignition is not in the START mode. This DTC shall execute regardless of battery voltage.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1517 03

The battery voltage falls below 11 volts, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 15 seconds.

B1517 07

The battery voltage is greater than 16 volts, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 15 seconds.

B1517 5A

The battery voltage differs by 2 volts on the BCM battery sense circuits for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM warning message and the Charge Indicator on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will clear current status when fault is no longer present.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A high or low voltage DTC set in multiple modules indicates a concern in the charging system.
    • A possible cause of this DTC could be overcharging with a battery charger or jump starting.
    • A high or low voltage value in multiple modules indicates a concern in the charging system.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Body Control System 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

  1. Engine running, accessories OFF, measure and record the voltage at the battery voltage at the battery terminals. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 15.0  volts.
  2. If not within the specified range, refer to Charging System Test
  3. Observe the scan tool BCM Battery Voltage parameter. The reading should be between 12.6 and 15.0   volts.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the BCM.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 3.0  ohms between the ground circuit terminal 9 X4 and ground.
  3. If not within the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition On, verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuits terminals listed below and ground.
  5. • Terminal 3 X3
    • Terminal 10 X4
    If the test lamp did not illuminate, test the appropriate B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the BCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming