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 5A: Battery Voltage Plausibility Failure

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+ Terminal D12 X3

B1325 03, B1517 5A*

B1325 03, B1517 5A*

--

--

B+ Terminal 11 X1

B1517 5A

B1517 5A

--

--

Ground

--

B1517 5A

--

--

*The scan tool will not power up from the DLC if the B+ circuit terminal D12 X3 is open or shorted to ground.

Typical Scan Tool Data

Battery Voltage Signal - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, Engine OFF.

Parameter Normal Value: 12.60 Volts

B+ Terminal D12 X3

0.00 Volts*

0.00 Volts*

--

*The scan tool will not power up from the DLC if the B+ circuit terminal D12 X3 is open or shorted to ground.


Batt. Voltage High Res. - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, Engine OFF.

Parameter Normal Value: 12.600 Volts

B+ Terminal 11 X1

0.000 Volts

0.000 Volts

--

Ground Terminal 9 X1

--

0.000 Volts

--

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) has two circuits for monitoring vehicle system voltage. The circuits are supplied by the IBCM 1 fuse and the BATT SENSE fuse. The BCM monitors the system voltage on the two B+ circuits to ensure that the voltage stays within the normal range. Damage to components, and incorrect data may occur when the voltage is out of range.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The BCM has power and ground.
    • The ignition is not in the START position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The voltage of the two BCM battery sense circuits differs by 2 V for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the charge indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will pass when the condition is no longer present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A high or low voltage DTC in multiple modules indicates a concern in the charging system.
    • This DTC may be set by overcharging with a battery charger, or jump by starting.

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

  1. Engine running, accessories OFF, measure and record the battery voltage at the battery terminals. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 15.0 V.
  2. If not within the specified range, refer to Charging System Test.
  3. Observe the scan tool BCM Battery Voltage Signal parameter and the Batt. Voltage High Res. parameter. The reading for both parameters should be between 12.6 and 15.0 Volts, and should be within 2 Volts of each other.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ONSTAR fuse in the BCM and ground.
  2. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the BCM.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 Ω of resistance between the ground circuit terminals listed below and ground.
  5. • Terminal 9 X1
    • Terminal E12 X4
    If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminals listed below and ground.
  7. • Terminal 11 X1
    • Terminal D12 X3
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. If all circuits tests 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.