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 B1516 08 : Battery Current Sensor Signal Invalid

DTC B1516 66 : Battery Current Sensor Wrong Mounting Position

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

--

Signal

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08, B1516 66

Low Reference

--

B1516 08

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The battery current sensor is a 3-wire hall effect current sensor. The body control module (BCM) supplies 5 V and ground to the battery current sensor. The battery current sensor measures the amount of current flowing to or from the battery, and supplies a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the BCM. The BCM monitors the battery current signal, and sets DTC B1516 08 if the signal is outside the normal range if 4-96 percent duty cycle. The BCM also monitors the current polarity, and sets DTC B1516 66 if reverse polarity is detected.

Conditions for Running the DTC

B1516 08

The BCM is awake.

B1516 66

    • The BCM is awake.
    • The engine is OFF.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1516 08

The battery current signal is less than 4 percent or greater than 96 percent duty cycle for 2 minutes.

B1516 66

The battery current polarity is positive for 2 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The regulated voltage control (RVC) is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The DTC passes when the battery current returns to the normal range for 15 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC B1516 08 could be set by overcharging with a battery charger or jump starting.

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

B1516 08

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the battery current sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 Ω between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than specified range , test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 V between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range , test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests, normal replace the BCM.
    If greater than the specified range , test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests, normal replace the BCM.
  6. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 V between the signal circuit terminal C and ground.
  7. 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 BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the battery current sensor.

B1516 66

  1. Verify that the battery current sensor is installed securely around the negative battery cable, with the tape tab pointing away from the negative terminal on the battery.
  2. If the battery current sensor is not installed correctly, remove and reinstall the sensor properly.
  3. Replace the battery current sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Battery Current Sensor Replacement for current sensor replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming