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 B1517 03: Battery Voltage Below Threshold - BCM

DTC B1517 07: Battery Voltage Above Threshold - BCM

DTC B1517 5A: Battery Voltage Plausibility Failure - BCM

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

BCM B+

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1517 5A

--

High Resolution B+

B1517 03, B1517 5A

B1517 03, B1517 5A

B1517 07

--

Ground

--

B1516 08, B1517 03, B1517 5A

B1517 07

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Battery Voltage - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF.

Parameter Normal Value: 12.60 Volts

BCM B+

26.00 Volts

26.00 Volts

--


Batt. Voltage High Res. - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF.

Parameter Normal Value: 12.600 Volts

High Resolution B+

0.000 Volts

0.000 Volts

--

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) has 2 circuits for monitoring vehicle system voltage. The BCM B+ is supplied to terminal 3 X3 by the BCM fuse, and the high resolution B+ is supplied to the BCM terminal 10 X4 by the IPC fuse. The BCM monitors the system voltage on both circuits to ensure that the voltage stays within the proper range. Damage to components, and incorrect data may occur when the voltage is out of range. If the BCM detects the system voltage on the high resolution B+ circuit is outside the normal range, DTC B1517 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The BCM is awake.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1517 03

The voltage of the high resolution B+ circuit is less than 11 volts for 2 minutes.

B1517 07

The voltage of the high resolution B+ circuit is greater than 16 volts for 15 seconds..

B1517 5A

The voltage of the high resolution B+ circuit is 2 volts less than the voltage of the BCM B+ circuit for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the charge indicator.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will pass when the battery voltage is in the normal range for 15 seconds.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A high or low voltage DTC in multiple modules indicates a concern in the charging system. Refer to Charging System Test .
    • Verify that the ground connections G103 and G201 are clean and tight.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Body Control System Schematics
    •  Power Distribution Schematics
    •  Ground Distribution Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Data Communication 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 Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Engine running, accessories OFF, measure and record the battery voltage at the battery terminals. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 15.0 volts.
  2. If not within the specified range, refer to Charging System Test .
  3. Observe the scan tool BCM Battery Voltage parameter and the Batt. Voltage High Res. parameter. Both readings should be between 12.60 and 15.00 volts.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the BCM.
  2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 ohms between the following ground circuit terminals and ground:
  3. • Terminal 1 X3
    • Terminal 5 X3
    • Terminal 9 X4
    If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the following B+ circuit terminals and ground:
  5. • Terminal 3 X3
    • Terminal 10 X4
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the appropriate B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the BCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming.