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 Performance Signal Invalid

DTC B1516 66: Battery Current Sensor Performance 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

--

--

Circuit/System Description

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 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 3-97 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 engine is not running.
    • DTC B1516 08 has run and passed.
    • DTC B1516 66 has not run and passed.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1516 08

The battery current signal is less than 3 percent or greater than 97 percent duty cycle for 2 minutes.

B1516 66

The battery current polarity 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 will pass when the battery current signal returns to the normal range for 2 minutes.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

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

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Starting and Charging Schematics
    •  Body Control System 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. Verify that the current sensor is mounted correctly on the negative battery cables. The sensor should be installed with the coil around the negative battery cables, with the tape tab pointing away from the battery.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the battery current sensor.
  3. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, remove the 30A IBCM 1 fuse 20 from the underhood fuse block, and wait 45 seconds. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  4. If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit and the BCM ground circuits for an open/high resistance. If the circuits tests normal, replace the BCM.
  5. Install the IBCM fuse in the underhood fuse block.
  6. Ignition ON, test for 4.5-5.5 volts on the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A.
  7. 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, 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, replace the BCM.
  8. Ignition ON, test for 4.5-5.5 volts on the signal circuit terminal C.
  9. 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 BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  10. If all circuits test normal, 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.