GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The DTC U1500 is set when the VIU detects no communication between the VIU and the Vehicle Communication Unit (VCU) .

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition must be in the RUN or ACC position.
    • The VIU will run this test every 300 ms.
    • Battery voltage must be greater than 9.5 volts.
    • Battery voltage must be less than 15.5 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

When DTC U1500 is current the VIU does not communicate with the VCU. No calls can be placed.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The VIU does not detect a short to ground or short to B+ on the RTN serial data circuit.
    • The VIU does not detect a short to ground or short ro B+ on the CMP serial data circuit.
    • The VIU does not detect a short to ground or short ro B+ on the TRU serial data circuit.
    • The VIU does not detect an open on the battery positive voltage circuit.
    • A history DTC clears after 50 malfunction free ignition cycles.
    • The VIU receives the clear DTC command from the scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. By disconnecting the VCU you can check the three wire bus supply and carrier voltages supplied by the VIU.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: OnStar Schematics

1

Did you perform the Cellular Communications Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to OnStar System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the VCU connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the RTN serial data circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

0.04 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

Measure the voltage from the CMP serial data circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

Measure the voltage from the TRU serial data circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

Measure the voltage from the battery positive voltage circuit from the VIU to the VCU to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

10 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

6

Test the RTN serial data circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

7

Test the the CMP serial data circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

8

Test the the TRU serial data circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

9

Test the battery positive voltage circuit for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

10

Test the following circuits for a short to voltage:

    • RTN serial data
    • CMP serial data
    • TRU serial data

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

11

Important: Perform the OnStar® setup procedure.

Replace the VCU. Refer to Vehicle Interface Unit and Vehicle Communication Unit Modules Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Important: Perform the OnStar® setup procedure.

Replace the VIU. Refer to Vehicle Interface Unit and Vehicle Communication Unit Modules Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK