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 P0AC0: Hybrid Battery Current Sensor Performance

Circuit/System Description

The battery energy control module (BECM) monitors for the following:

    • Golden range check, ensures the zero point for both current sensors are set within a valid range.
    • Correlation check, ensures that the difference between the two sensors are not too large.
    • Polarity check, ensures that the pack voltage and pack current are tracking each other.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Golden range check fault:
       - Low range zero point raw A/D is outside of 2.5 volts +/- 0.7 percent.
       - High range zero point raw A/D is outside of 3.3 volts +/- 1 percent.
    • Correlation check fault: The absolute value (current sensor 1 - current sensor 2) is greater than 5 amps.
    • Polarity check fault:
       - In Charge, pack voltage final is less than pack voltage initial -1 volt after 1 second.
       - In Discharge, pack voltage final is greater than pack voltage initial +1 volt after 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Hybrid system is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Golden range check fault:
       - Current sensor DTCs = PASSED.
       - Contactor command = transition to CLOSED.
    • Correlation check fault:
       - Current sensor DTCs = PASSED.
       - Current Sensor 1 and 2 = VALID.
       - -30 amps is less than current sensor 1 and is less than 30 amps.
       - -350 amps is less than current sensor 2 and is less than 150 amps.
    • Polarity check fault:
       - Pack current = VALID.
       - Pack and module voltages = VALID.
       - Current sensor DTCs = PASSED.
       - Pack and module DTCs = PASSED.
       - Pack current is greater than 50 amps or pack current is less than -50 amps.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Hybrid Energy Storage Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Generator Battery Carrier 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

Special Tools

J 35616 GM Approved Terminal Test Kit

Circuit/System Testing

Warning: To help avoid personal injury, additional precautions must be taken prior to working on the generator control module or the generator starter. After removing the 36V battery cables from the generator battery, remove both engine wiring harness connectors from the generator control module. Wait at least 5 minutes and then remove the generator control module cover. Verify voltage levels at all 36V, 12V, and 3-phase connections, are less than 3 volts using a DMM before proceeding.

Warning: To help avoid personal injury, be careful when working in the vicinity of the generator battery disconnect control module. Internal components will still be live, 36V potential, even when the cover has been opened or removed.

Note: Use the following list to identify the appropriate terminals to test:

    • J-35616-65B for female terminals
    • J-35616-64B for male terminals
  1. Verify that the DTC is set as current.
  2. If the DTC is history, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections.
  3. Disconnect harness connector X1 for the BECM. Refer to Hybrid Battery Service Disconnect/Connect.
  4. Disconnect current sensor harness.
  5. Test for less than 1 ohm between the following circuits.
  6. • X1 terminal 20 to current sensor connector terminal A
    • X1 terminal 9 to current sensor connector terminal B
    • X1 terminal 19 to current sensor connector terminal C
    • X1 terminal 10 to current sensor connector terminal D
    If greater than specified value, replace the current sensor harness assembly.
  7. If all circuits test normal, replace the current sensor / BECM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BECM replacement, setup, and programming