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 U1863: Starter/Generator Control Module Lost Communication With Body Control Module

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Battery Positive Voltage

U1863

U1863

--

Ignition Voltage

U1863

U1863

--

Module Ground

--

U1863

--

Circuit Description

Modules connected to the high speed GMLAN serial data circuits monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the modules. The modules have prerecorded information about what messages are needed to be exchanged on the serial data circuits, for each virtual network. The messages are supervised and also, some periodic messages are used by the receiver module as an availability indication of the transmitter module. Each message contains the identification number of the transmitter module.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Voltage supplied to the modules is in the normal operating voltage range.
    • The vehicle power mode requires serial data communication to occur.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

A supervised periodic message that includes the transmitter module availability has not been received.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The module uses a default value for the missing parameter.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC clears when the malfunction is no longer present.
    • A history DTC clears when the module ignition cycle counter reaches the reset threshold of 50, without a repeat of the malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A poor connection at the inoperative module may cause this DTC to set.
    • An improperly powered module may cause this DTC to set.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Data Communication Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Data Link Communications 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. Using the DTC Descriptor and Diagnostic Aids above, determine the module that is not communicating that should be tested.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the module that is not communicating.
  3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between all battery positive voltage circuits and ground.
  4. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit fuse is open, also test the positive voltage outputs of the module for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the module.
  5. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between all ignition voltage circuits and ground.
  6. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit fuse is open, also test the positive voltage outputs of the module for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the module.
  7. Test for less than 10 ohms between the module ground circuits and ground.
  8. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for open/high resistance.
  9. Test for less than 1 ohm on the high speed GMLAN serial data circuits between the non-communicating module and the module that displays the DTC.
  10. If greater than the specified range, test the serial data circuits for an open/high resistance.
  11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the module that is not communicating.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  GMLAN Wiring Repairs
    •  Control Module References for module replacement, setup, and programming