GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The vehicle communication interface module (VCIM) detects the Back-up Battery (BUB) is no longer connected to the VCIM.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B1447 Back-up Power Source

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition must be in the RUN or ACC position.
    • The system voltage is at least 9.5 volts and no more than 15.5 volts.
    • All the above conditions are present for greater than 10 seconds

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The VCIM detects no voltage from the back-up battery

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The VCIM will be unable to place a call in the event of a main battery disconnect during a collision event.
    • The OnStar® status LED turns RED.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The VCIM detects voltage from the back-up battery.
    • A history DTC clears after 50 malfunction-free ignition cycles.
    • The VCIM receives the clear DTC command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC B1447 may set if the VCIM has been incorrectly disconnected or services. When disconnecting the VCIM, disconnect the harness connector C1 at the VCIM prior to disconnecting any other harness connectors. This will ensure the BUB is preserved when voltage is removed from the VCIM.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: OnStar Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Cellular Communication Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Important: Shorting the Back-Up Battery Positive Voltage Circuit to the Back-Up Battery Ground Circuit or chassis ground will activate the internal circuit protection of the Back up Battery (BUB), rendering the BUB inoperable.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the BUB connector.
  3. Measure the voltage from the Back-Up Battery positive voltage circuit to Back-Up Battery negative voltage circuit (Pin A to Pin B on the BUB Connector)

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

16.0 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

Inspect the following circuits for an open or short to ground:

    • Back-Up Battery Positive Voltage Circuit
    • Back-Up Battery Ground Circuit

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the vehicle communication interface module (VCIM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the BUB. Refer to Communication Interface Module Battery Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

6

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  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