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 B1488: Generator L-Terminal Circuit High

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

B1492

B1492

--

--

Field Duty Cycle Signal

B1492

B1492

--

--

Turn On Signal

B1487

--

B1488

--

Circuit/System Description

The generator battery control module (GBCM) controls the generator through the generator turn on signal circuit, or L-Terminal circuit. The signal is a 5 V pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz. Normal duty cycle is 0% when the engine is off.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The engine is OFF.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The generator turn on signal is greater than 65 percent duty cycle for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The charge indicator turns ON.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE CHARGSYS message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will pass when the generator turn on signal is less than 65 percent duty cycle for 5 seconds.
    • The charge indicator and SERVICE CHARGSYS message turn off when the DTC passes.

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 Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the generator.
  2. Ignition ON, engine OFF, GEN L-Terminal Signal Command 0%, test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the GBCM.
  4. Engine running, command the GEN L-Terminal Signal ON to 80% duty cycle with a scan tool. Test for greater than 3 V between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground, or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the GBCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the generator.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Generator Replacement
    •  Control Module References for GBCM replacement, setup, and programming.