GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 13337  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Engine Oil Level Sensor/ Generator/ EBTCM/ Shift Select Switch
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
ESD Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM monitors the voltage level on the L-terminal circuit while the generator is commanded ON and expects to see approximately B+. If the PCM monitors a low voltage level on CKT 225 at PCM connector C1 terminal 75 indicating that the generator is turned OFF, DTC P1637 is set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Test Condition

Engine running.

Failure Condition

The state of the L-terminal feedback is indicating the generator is not charging, low input voltage, for 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    •  PCM turns ON the low voltage warning lamp.
    •  The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    •  The PCM will command a message to be displayed.
    •  The PCM may record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the Message/DTC

    •  The PCM will turn the message OFF after one run and pass of the diagnostic test.
    •  A History DTC will clear after forty consecutive warm-up cycles with no failures of any non-emission related diagnostic test.
    •  A Last Test Failed (current) DTC will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • Use a scan tool to clear DTCs.
    • Interrupting PCM battery voltage may or may not clear DTCs. This practice is not recommended. Refer to Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes in PCM Description and Operation.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC P1637 and a low battery charge may be caused by a generator fault. Such as a shorted output diode, malfunctioning regulator, open or shorted rotor, or open sense lead. Refer to engine electrical for further information and generator diagnosis. This DTC will not set if circuit 225 is shorted to voltage but may cause a parasitic load on the battery with the key OFF.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. Checking if PCM/ wiring or generator/ S terminal wiring is at fault.

  2. Checking if problem is S terminal circuit problem or generator problem.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged.
  2. Disconnect the generator connector.
  3. Start the engine
  4. Using DVM J 39200, measure voltage to ground at generator harness connector terminal L.

Is the voltage the same or more than the value specified?

10 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Record the fluid life indexes, turn the key to OFF and wait 30 seconds.
  2. Disconnect PCM connector C1.
  3. Measure resistance to ground at generator harness connector terminal L.

Is the resistance the same or more than the value specified?

10K ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Measure resistance between generator harness connector terminal L and PCM connector C1 terminal 75.

Is the resistance the same or less than the value specified?

5 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

Repair short to ground in the L terminal circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

6

Repair open/high resistance in the L terminal circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

7

Check terminal contact at PCM connector C1 terminal 75.

Was a terminal problem found and corrected?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the PCM. Refer to PCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

9

  1. Turn the key OFF.
  2. Measure and record voltage between underhood positive junction block and ground.
  3. Measure voltage between generator harness connector terminal S and ground.

Are the measured voltages within the value specified of each other?

1.0 volts

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Repair open or high resistance in the S terminal circuit or in the battery temperature sensor. Refer to Section Engine Electrical .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

11

Repair or replace generator. Refer to Section Engine Electrical ).

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--