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For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit 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 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, or the BCM battery sense circuits differ by 2 volts DTC B1517 will set. Other modules also monitor system voltage the system voltage message is sent to the other modules and will default to 12.9 volts.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B1517 Battery Voltage

This vehicle has DTCs which include DTC symptoms. For more information, refer to DTC Symptom Description in Vehicle DTC Information.

DTC Symptom

DTC Symptom Descriptor

03

Voltage Below Threshold

07

Voltage Above Threshold

5A

Battery Voltage Plausibility Failure

Conditions for Running the DTC

This DTC shall run only if the BCM has power, ground, and the ignition is not in START mode. This DTC shall execute regardless of the battery voltage.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The battery voltage falls below 11 volts, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 15 seconds.
    • The battery voltage is greater 16 volts, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 15 seconds.
    • The battery voltage differs by 2 volts on the BCM battery sense circuits for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

B1517 03

The Battery indicator turn ON, the driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM Message.

B1517 07

The Battery indicator turn ON, the DIC displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM Message.

B1517 5A

The Battery indicator turn ON, the DIC displays the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will clear current status when the fault is no longer present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the scan tool Clear DTC function to clear the DTC.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for the proper voltage at battery positive voltage sense circuits of the BCM. If voltages are not within the proper operating range, the voltage sense circuits needs to be tested.

  2. This step tests the ground sense circuit of the BCM.

  3. This step tests for the proper voltage of the battery sense circuits to the BCM. If voltage is not within the proper operating range, the battery positive voltage and ground circuits of the BCM need to be tested.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics or Power Distribution Schematics and Body Control System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Battery Voltage parameters in the body control module (BCM) data list.

Do any of the voltages differ more than the specified value?

2 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the BCM harness connectors.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage between the battery positive voltage circuits of the BCM and the ground circuits of the BCM.

Do the voltages differ more than the specified value?

2 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 4

4

Measure the voltage from the battery positive voltage circuits of the BCM and a good ground.

Do the voltages differ more than the specified value?

2 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Measure the voltage between the battery positive voltage circuits of the BCM and the ground circuits of the BCM.

Does the voltage measure within the specified range?

10.5-15.5 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Measure the voltage between the battery positive voltage circuits of BCM and a good ground.

Does the voltage measure within the specified range?

10.5-15.5 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Test the battery positive voltage circuits of BCM for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

8

Test the ground circuits of the BCM for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the module BCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK