GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) 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 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 key is in the RUN position and the engine is OFF, the ECM should detect a duty cycle near 0 percent. However, when the engine is running, the duty cycle should be between 5-100 percent. The ECM monitors the PWM signal using a key ON test and a RUN test. During the tests, if the ECM detects an out of range PWM signal, DTC P0622 will set. When the DTC sets, the ECM will send a serial data message to the drivers information center (DIC) to display a warning message.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC: DTC P0622 Generator F-Terminal Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

Key ON Test

    • No generator, crankshaft position (CKP) sensors, or camshaft position (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 ECM detects a PWM signal greater than 65 percent for at least 5 seconds.
    • During the RUN test, the ECM detects a PWM signal less than 5 percent for at least 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The ECM 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

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Electrical Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

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

Does the scan tool indicate that the GEN-F Terminal Signal 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 Signal equal the specified value?

0%

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the generator connector.
  3. Connect test lamp to battery positive voltage.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Probe the GEN-F Terminal in the generator connector.
  6. Observe the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter in the ECM data list.

Is the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter near the specified value?

100%

Go to Charging System Test

Go to Step 5

5

Test the GEN-F Terminal Signal circuit for a short voltage, an open or a high resistance Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Important: The replacement ECM must be programmed.

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

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8

  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