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 P0625: Generator F-Terminal Circuit Low Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

P0625

P0625

P0626

--

Generator Field Duty Cycle Signal

P0625

P0625

P0626

--

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the generator field duty cycle signal circuit to monitor the duty cycle of the generator and fault indication. 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 ECM uses the PWM signal input to determine the generator load on the engine. This allows the ECM to adjust the idle speed to compensate for high electrical loads.

The ECM monitors the state of the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. When the engine is running, the ECM should detect a duty cycle that varies up to 100 percent. The ECM monitors the PWM signal using a Ignition ON test and a RUN test. During the tests, if the ECM detects an out of range PWM signal, a DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    •  Engine is running.
    • Engine speed less than 3,000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal less than 5  percent for 15  seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

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

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0625 is a C type DTC.

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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Engine running, observe the scan tool GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter. The GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter should read between 5-95 percent.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the generator output B+ circuit terminal  1 X2 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 connector X1 at the generator.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ECM GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter displays less than 5 percent.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal  2 X1 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between B+ and the signal circuit.
  7. Verify the scan tool ECM GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter displays greater than 95 percent.
  8. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  9. If the circuit tests normal replace the generator.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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