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 P0A7E: Hybrid Battery Pack Overtemperature

DTC P1ABE: Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Pack Overtemperature

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Temperature Sensors 1-4 Signal

P0A9D, P0AC7, P0ACC, P0AEA

P0A9E, P0AC8, P0ACD, P0AEB

P0A9E, P0AC8, P0ACD, P0AEB

Temperature Sensors 1-4 Low Reference

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P0A9E, P0AC8, P0ACD, P0AEB

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Typical Scan Tool Data

Hybrid Batt Mod Temperature 1-4

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: The ignition is ON.

Parameter Normal Value: 26°C (78.8°F)

Temperature Sensors 1-4 Signal

100°C (212°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

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Circuit/System Description

The drive motor generator battery control module is also referred to as the battery energy control module (BECM). The BECM will diagnose its own systems and determine when a fault condition is present. Diagnostics and system status is communicated from the BECM to the hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) through serial data. The HPCM is the host controller for diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information.

The drive motor generator battery has four hybrid battery temperature sensors. The hybrid battery temperature sensors are located on the top of the hybrid batteries. The temperature sensor is a variable resistor that measures the temperature of the hybrid batteries. The BECM supplies 5 V to the signal circuit and a ground for the low reference circuit. The hybrid battery temperature sensor resistance changes with battery temperature. The lower the temperature, the higher the resistance of the sensor. The higher the temperature, the lower the resistance of the sensor. The BECM uses the battery temperature sensors to control the battery cooling fan operation.

The HPCM monitors the average battery pack temperature over serial data. When the average drive motor generator battery temperature exceeds the calibrated temperature the HPCM will set DTC P0A7E and send a command to the BECM to open the high voltage contactor relays.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0A9C, P0A9D, P0A9E, P0AC6, P0AC7, P0AC8, P0ACB, P0ACC, P0ACD, P0AE9, P0AEA, or P0AEB is not set.
    • The vehicle power mode is RUN.
    • Accessory voltage is 9-18 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0A7E

The HPCM detects an average battery temperature greater than 73°C (163°F) for 5 seconds.

P1ABE

One of the following conditions exists:

    • The BECM detects an average battery temperature increase of 2°C (3.6°F) in a 20 second event for 3 consecutive events totaling 60 seconds.
    • The BECM detects 2 battery temperature sensors greater than 65°C (149°F) for 5 seconds.
    • The BECM detects any battery temperature sensor greater than 70°C (158°F).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

P0A7E

    • DTC P0A7E is a type C DTC.
    • The HPCM commands the BECM to open the high voltage contactor relays when the vehicle speed is below 5 km/h (3 mph).

P1ABE

    • DTC P1ABE is a type C DTC.
    • The BECM sends a message to the HPCM requesting the high voltage contactor relays open. The HPCM will command the contactor relays open when the vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph).

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0A7E and P1ABE are type C DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Battery temperatures can be affected by vehicle load, outside temperature and customer driving conditions. Test drive the vehicle, and attempt to simulate the Freeze Frame/Failure Record conditions this DTC set under.
    • Inspect for the following:
       - Air inlet and outlet for blockage.
       - Loose or poor connections at the drive motor generator battery control module temperature sensor module X3 harness connector.
       - Damage to the drive motor generator battery control module temperature sensor module wiring harness.
       - Damage to the fan or blades.
    • Test the resistance across each temperature sensor 5 V reference and low reference circuits. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance.
    • If the hybrid batteries are at or above the temperature values for setting these DTCs, allow the hybrid batteries to cool down by letting the vehicle stand at room temperature, this could take 4 to 8 hours.
    • Use the scan tool output control to test the drive motor generator battery vent fan operation.
    • Inspect the ground circuit for the drive motor generator battery vent fan relay.
    • Inspect the drive motor generator battery vent fan relay connections.
    • Refer to Generator Battery Temperature Sensor Location for the proper locations of the four temperature sensors.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Hybrid Cooling Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Drive Motor Generator Battery Venting and Cooling Description

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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Special Tools

EL-48900 HEV Safety Kit

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that DTC P0A81, P0A9C, P0A9D, P0A9E, P0AC6, P0AC7, P0AC8, P0ACB, P0ACC, P0ACD, P0AE9, P0AEA, or P0AEB is not set.
  2. If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  3. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BECM hybrid battery temperature parameters. The readings should be between -39 and +65°C (-40 and +149°F).
  4. Command the drive motor generator battery vent fan ON in all speed ranges with a scan tool. You should hear the vent fan relay softly click when turned ON and OFF. You should notice a change in fan speed as you increase the commanded speed. There is approximately a 5 second delay from when the battery vent fan speed is commanded before the vent fan speed changes.

Circuit/System Testing

    Danger: Before working on any high voltage system, be sure to wear the following Personal Protection Equipment:

       • Safety glasses with appropriate side shields when within 50 feet of the vehicle, either indoors or outdoors
       • Certified and up-to-date Class "0" Insulation gloves rated at 1000V with leather protectors
          -  Visually and functionally inspect the gloves before use.
          -  Wear the Insulation gloves at all times when working with the high voltage battery assembly, whether the system is energized or not.
    Failure to follow the procedure exactly as written may result in serious injury or death.

  1. Ignition OFF, disable the high voltage at the drive motor generator battery. Refer to High Voltage Disabling.
  2. Remove the drive motor generator battery upper cover. Refer to Drive Motor Battery Case Upper Cover, Front Cover, and Right Side Cover Replacement.
  3. Verify that there is no cooling fan inlet duct or outlet duct obstruction.
  4. If obstructed, remove or repair as needed for proper air flow.
  5. Inspect the vent fan for any damage to the fan blades.
  6. If fan or blades are damaged replace the battery vent fan.
  7. Unclip and remove all four hybrid battery temperature sensors from the batteries and allow them to stand at room air temperature for approximately 3 minutes. If the batteries are hot, allow them to cool.
  8. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the BECM.
  9. Test for the resistance specified in Temperature Versus Resistance between the signal terminals and the ground terminals of the temperature sensors listed below. All sensors should also be within 500 Ω of each other.
  10. • Terminals 1 and 2 (battery sensor 1)
    • Terminals 3 and 4 (battery sensor 2)
    • Terminals 5 and 6 (battery sensor 3)
    • Terminals 7 and 8 (battery sensor 4)
    • Terminals 9 and 10 (air inlet sensor)
    • Terminals 11 and 12 (air outlet sensor)
    If not within the specified range, replace the drive motor battery sensor module wiring harness assembly.
  11. If all circuits test normal, replace the drive motor generator battery control module.

Component Test

Temperature Sensor Test

Test for the resistance specified in Temperature Versus Resistance between the signal terminals and the ground terminals of the temperature sensors listed below. All sensors should also be within 500 Ω of each other.

    • Terminals 1 and 2 (battery sensor 1)
    • Terminals 3 and 4 (battery sensor 2)
    • Terminals 5 and 6 (battery sensor 3)
    • Terminals 7 and 8 (battery sensor 4)
    • Terminals 9 and 10 (air inlet sensor)
    • Terminals 11 and 12 (air outlet sensor)
If not within the specified range, replace the drive motor battery sensor module wiring harness assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

    •  Generator Battery Vent Fan Replacement
    •  Drive Motor Battery Sensor Module Wiring Harness Replacement
    •  Control Module References for drive motor generator battery control module replacement, setup and programming.