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 P0621 : Generator L-Terminal Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

P0622

P0622

--

--

Turn ON Signal

P0621

P0621

P0621

--

Field Duty Cycle Signal

P0622

P0622

P0622

P0622

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) uses the generator turn ON signal circuit to control the load of the generator on the engine. A high side driver in the ECM/PCM applies a voltage to the voltage regulator. This signals the voltage regulator to turn the field circuit ON and OFF. The ECM/PCM monitors the state of the generator turn ON signal circuit. The ECM/PCM should detect low voltage on generator turn on signal circuit when the ignition is ON and the engine is OFF, or when the charging system malfunctions. With the engine running, the ECM/PCM should detect high voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit. The ECM/PCM performs ignition ON and RUN tests to determine the status of the generator turn on signal circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No generator, crankshaft position (CKP) sensors, or camshaft position (CMP) sensor DTCs are set.
    • The ignition ON engine OFF for ignition on test.
    • The engine is running for the run test.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • During the ignition on test, the ECM/PCM detects high voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit for 5 seconds.
    • During the run test, the ECM/PCM detects low voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit for 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the charge indicator.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the CHARGING SYSTEM / GENERATOR FAULT warning message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0621 is a C type DTC.

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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the generator.
  2. Ignition ON, test for less than 1  volt between the generator turn on signal circuit terminal 1 X1 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM/PCM.
  4. Engine running, test for greater than 3.5 volts between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  5. 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 ECM/PCM.
  6. If the circuit tests normal, replace the generator.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Generator Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM/PCM replacement, setup, and programming