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

DTC B1517 07: Battery Voltage Above Threshold

DTC B1517 5A: Battery Voltage Plausibility Failure

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+

B1517 03, B1517 5A

B1517 03, B1517 5A

--

--

B+ High resolution

B1517 03, B1517 5A

B1517 03, B1517 5A

--

--

Ground

--

B1517 03, B1517 5A

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) has designated circuits for monitoring vehicle system voltage. The BCM monitors the system voltage to ensure that the voltage stays within the proper range. Damage to components, and incorrect data may occur when the system voltage is out of range. The BCM monitors the system voltage over an extended length of time. If the BCM detects the system voltage is outside an expected range for the calibrated length of time.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The BCM has power and ground.
    • The ignition is not in the START position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1517 03

    • The battery voltage is less than 11 V.
    • The engine speed is greater than 1,100 RPM.
    • The above conditions are met for 15 seconds.

B1517 07

    • The battery voltage is greater than 16 V.
    • The engine speed is greater than 1,100 RPM.
    • The above conditions are met for 15 seconds.

B1517 5A

The battery voltage differs by 2 V on the BCM battery sense circuits 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 warning message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will clear current status when fault is no longer present.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A high or low voltage DTC set in multiple modules indicates a concern in the charging system. Refer to.
    • This DTC may be set by overcharging with a battery charger, or jump by starting.
    •  Inspect the ground connection G409 and ensure that it is clean and tight.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Starting and Charging Schematics
    •  Body Control System 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 Verification

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

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the BCM.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 3 Ω between the ground circuit terminal  9 X4 and ground.
  3. 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 B+ circuit and terminal 10X4 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuits 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