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 B1390: Device Voltage Reference Input 1 Circuit - GBCM RVC VSENSE B+

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

RVC PWR B+

--

--

--

--

RVC VSENSE B+

B1390

B1390

--

--

Ground

--

B1390

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Battery Voltage Signal - GBCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON

Parameter Normal Value: 12.60 V

RVC PWR B+

12.60 V

12.60 V

12.60 V

RVC VSENSE B+

0.00 V

0.00 V

12.60 V

Circuit/System Description

The generator battery control module (GBCM) monitors the battery voltage for precision electrical power management. The GBCM monitors both the RVC PWR B+ circuit and the RVC VSENSE B+ circuit to precisely determine system voltage. If the RVC VSENSE B+ circuit is 1.5 V less than the RVC PWR B+ circuit for 7 seconds, then DTC B1390 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

This diagnostic runs every 100 ms.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The RVC VSENSE B+ circuit is 1.5 V less than the RVC PWR B+ circuit for 7 seconds

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The GBCM will request the driver information center (DIC) to display the SERVICE CHARGSYS message.
    • The GBCM uses the less accurate RVC PWR B+ circuit for voltage readings.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • During the current ignition cycle, the difference between the less precision battery positive voltage circuit reading and the high precision battery voltage sense circuit reading is less than 1.5 V.
    • The SERVICE CHARGSYS DIC message will turn off 7 seconds after the voltage on the RVC VSENSE B+ circuit returns to normal.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the RVC PWR and RVC VSENSE fuses for opens.
    • Inspect ground G102. Verify that it is clean and tight.

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 GBCM Battery Voltage Signal parameter. The reading should be between 12.6 and 15.0 V.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the GBCM.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 6.5 Ω between the ground circuit terminals listed below and ground.
  3. • Terminal H
    • Terminal F
    If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminals listed below and ground.
  5. • Terminal A
    • Terminal C
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. If all circuits tests normal, replace the GBCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for GBCM replacement, setup, and programming