GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    â€¢ Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    â€¢ Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    â€¢  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B1516 08: Battery Current Sensor Performance Signal Invalid

DTC B1516 66: Battery Current Sensor Performance Wrong Mounting Position

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

BCM B+

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

--

5-Volt Reference

B1516 08

B1516 08

--

--

Signal

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08

B1516 08, B1516 66

Low Reference

--

B1516 08

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Battery Current - BCM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, engine OFF. Headlamps and all accessories Off.

Parameter Normal Range: -5 amps to -25 amps

BCM B+

-59.9 amps

-59.9 amps

--

5-Volt Reference

-59.9 amps

-59.9 amps

--

Signal

-59.9 amps

59.9 amps

59.9 amps

Low Reference

--

59.9 amps

--


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+

25.60 Volts

26.10 Volts

--

Circuit/System Description

The battery current sensor is a 3 wire hall effect current sensor. The battery current sensor monitors the battery current. The signal circuit is an input to the body control module (BCM). The sensor creates a 5 volt pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 4-96 percent. The signal circuit is an input to the body control module (BCM). If the duty cycle is outside of the normal range, DTC B1516 08 sets. The BCM also tests for correct polarity of the sensor. If the BCM detects positive current flow with the engine OFF, DTC B1516 66 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

DTC B1516 08.

The BCM is awake.

DTC B1516 66.

    â€¢ The BCM is awake.
    â€¢ The engine is OFF.
    â€¢ The hood and doors are closed.
    â€¢ DTC B1516 08 has run and passed during this ignition cycle.
    â€¢ DTC B1516 66 has not already run and passed during this ignition cycle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC B1516 08.

The BCM detects the sensor signal duty cycle is less than 4 percent or greater than 96 percent for 2 minutes.

DTC B1516 66.

The BCM detects positive battery current when the engine is OFF.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Regulated voltage control (RVC) is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    â€¢ The DTC passes when the battery sensed current returns to the normal range for 15 seconds.
    â€¢ A history DTC will clear after 100 ignition cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    â€¢  Starting and Charging Schematics
    â€¢  Body Control System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    â€¢  Engine Electrical Connector End Views
    â€¢  Data Communication Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Charging System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    â€¢  Circuit Testing
    â€¢  Connector Repairs
    â€¢  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    â€¢  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    â€¢  Scan Tool Output Controls
    â€¢  Scan Tool Data List
    â€¢  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, headlamps and all accessories OFF, observe the scan tool BCM Battery Current parameter. The reading should be between -5 amps and -25 amps, and change with the amount of current draw on the battery.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BCM Battery Voltage parameter. The reading should be equal to B+ voltage.
  2. ⇒If not the specified value, test the following BCM circuits for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the BCM.
    • B+ circuit terminal 3 X3
    • Ground circuit terminal 1 X3
    • Ground circuit terminal 5 X3
    • Ground circuit terminal 9 X4
  3. Verify that the current sensor is mounted correctly on the negative battery cables. The sensor should be installed with the internal coil around the negative battery cables, with the tape tab pointing away from the battery.
  4. ⇒If the sensor is not installed correctly, remove and reinstall the sensor.
  5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the battery current sensor.
  6. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  7. ⇒If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. Ignition ON, test for 4.5 - 5.5 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  9. ⇒If not within 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.
  10. Ignition ON, test for 4.5 - 5.5 volts between the signal circuit terminal C and ground.
  11. ⇒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 BCM.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the battery current sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    â€¢  Battery Current Sensor Replacement
    â€¢  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming.