GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the generator field duty cycle signal circuit to monitor the duty cycle of the generator. The generator field duty cycle signal circuit connects to the high side of the field winding in the generator. A pulse width modulated (PWM) high side driver in the voltage regulator turns the field winding ON and OFF. The PCM uses the PWM signal input to determine the generator load on the engine. This allows the PCM to adjust the idle speed to compensate for high electrical loads.

The PCM monitors the state of the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. When the key is in the RUN position and the engine is OFF, the PCM should detect a duty cycle near 0 percent. However, when the engine is running, the duty cycle should be between 5 percent and 100 percent. The PCM monitors the PWM signal using a key ON test and a RUN test. During the tests, if the PCM detects an out of range PWM signal, DTC P0622 will set. When the DTC sets, the PCM will send a class 2 serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the charge indicator.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Key ON Test

    • No generator, CKP sensors, or CMP sensor DTCs are set.
    • The key is in the RUN position.
    • The engine is not running.

Run Test

    • No generator, CKP sensors, or CMP sensor DTCs are set.
    • The engine is less than 3,000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • During the key ON test, the PCM detects a PWM signal greater than 65 percent for at least 5 seconds.
        OR
    • During the RUN test, the PCM detects a PWM signal less than 5 percent for at least 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems

1

Did you perform the Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the GEN - F Terminal parameter in the PCM data list .

Does the scan tool indicate that the GEN - F Terminal parameter is within the specified range?

5-95%

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

With the scan tool command the generator OFF.

Does the GEN - F Terminal equal the specified value?

0%

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the generator harness connector.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Measure the voltage between the generator turn on signal circuit and a known good ground.
  5. With the scan tool command the generator ON and OFF.

Is the voltage equal to the first value with the generator OFF and equal to the second value with the generator ON?

0.0 V

5.0 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Connect a test lamp to battery positive voltage and repeatedly probe the generator field duty cycle signal circuit in the harness connector while monitoring the Generator PWM on the scan tool.

Is the Generator PWM display affected?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

7

Test the generator field duty cycle signal circuit for a short or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the generator. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Charging System Test

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.0L.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

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11

  1. Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTC.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
  4. Using the scan tool, observe the Specific DTC Information for DTC P0622 until the test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0622 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK