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 Descriptors

DTC B1516 08 : Battery Current Sensor Signal Invalid

DTC B1516 66 : Battery Current Sensor Wrong Mounting Position

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

--

Signal

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08, B1516 66

Low Reference

--

B1516 08

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Battery Current - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF. Headlamps, HVAC, and all accessories Off.

Parameter Normal Range: -5 amps to -10 amps

5-Volt Reference

-59.9 amps

-59.9 amps

--

Signal

-59.9 amps

59.9 amps

59.9 amps

Low Reference

--

59.9 amps

--

Circuit/System Description

The battery current sensor is a 3-wire hall effect current sensor. The body control module (BCM) supplies 5 volts and ground to the battery current sensor. The battery current sensor measures the amount of current flowing to or from the battery, and supplies a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the BCM. The normal operating range of the current sensor is 5-95 percent duty cycle. The BCM monitors the battery current signal, and sets DTC B1516 08 if the signal is outside the range of 4-96 percent duty cycle. The BCM also monitors the current polarity, and sets DTC B1516 66 if reverse polarity is detected.

Conditions for Running the DTC

B1516 08

The BCM is awake.

B1516 66

    • The BCM is awake.
    • The hood, doors, and rear hatch are closed.
    • The engine is not running.
    • DTC B1516 08 has run and passed.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1516 08

The battery current sensor signal is less than 4 percent or greater than 96 percent duty cycle for 2 minutes.

B1516 66

The battery current is positive for 2 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The regulated voltage control (RVC) is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The DTC passes when the battery current returns to the normal range for 15 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC B1516 66 may set if a battery charger is used.

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. Ignition ON, engine OFF, turn off the headlamps and all accessories. Do not connect a battery charger.
  2. Observe the scan tool BCM Battery Current parameter. The reading should be between -5 and -10 amps, and change with the amount of current draw from the battery.

Circuit/System Testing

B1516 08

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the battery current sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range , test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, then replace the BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, then replace the BCM.
  6. Verify the scan tool BCM Battery Current is greater than 50 amps.
  7. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal C for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal C and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool BCM Battery Current is less than -50 amps.
  9. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  10. If all circuits test normal, replace the battery current sensor.

B1516 66

  1. Verify the battery current sensor is installed securely around the negative battery cable, and positioned with the tape tab pointing away from the negative terminal of the battery.
  2. If the battery current sensor is not installed correctly, remove and reinstall the sensor.
  3. Replace the battery current sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Battery Current Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming.