GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B1492: Generator F-Terminal Circuit Low

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

B1492

B1492

--

--

Field Duty Cycle Signal

B1492

B1492

--

--

Charge Indicator Control

B1487

--

B1488

--

Circuit/System Description

The generator battery control module (GBCM) monitors the generator through the field duty cycle signal circuit, or F-Terminal circuit. The signal is pulse width modulated (PWM) by the generator. The normal duty cycle with the engine running is 5-99 percent.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC B1487 or B1488 are not set.
    • The engine is running.
    • The engine speed is less than 1,000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The GBCM detects that the field duty cycle signal is less than 5 percent for 2 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The charge indicator turns ON.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will pass when the field duty cycle signal is greater than 5 percent.
    • The charge indicator and the DIC message will remain ON until the next ignition cycle.

Diagnostic Aids

Do not use the ECM GEN F-Terminal scan tool parameter on light-duty vehicles built after mid-year 2005. The ECM does not monitor the field duty cycle signal circuit on these vehicles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Engine Electrical 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

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit ring terminal and ground.
  2. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the GBCM.
  4. Engine running, test for 5-99 percent duty cycle on the signal circuit terminal B.
  5. If not within the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the generator.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the GBCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Generator Replacement
    •  Control Module References for GBCM replacement, setup, and programming.