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

This diagnostic DTC is used to monitor the field voltage of the generator. The generator is able to produce the desired voltage by varying the duty cycle of the field current. At low engine speeds, the field may have a duty cycle of 90%. At higher engine speeds and lower electrical loads, the duty cycle will be less. The generator produces a PWM signal that is monitored by the PCM on CKT 23 at connector C1 terminal 54. This signal duty cycle is sent to the PCM and if it falls below a certain duty cycle for too long, DTC P1638 will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Test Conditions

    •  Engine has been running for at least 60 seconds
    •  Engine speed between 500 and 3000 RPM.

Failure Condition

Generator F-terminal duty cycle is 5% or less for 20 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    •  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.

Test Description

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

  1. If DTC P0560 is also set, diagnose it first because the charging system may be faulty.

  2. If the DTC is history, an intermittent wire problem may be present.

  3. If the duty cycle is greater than 0%, the generator may be faulty.

  4. If the duty cycle is greater than the failure threshold, the PCM may be faulty.

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

Connect diagnostic tool, key On.

Is DTC P0560 also set?

--

Go to DTC P0560 System Voltage

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Start and idle engine for two minutes.
  2. Using a scan tool note the DTC information Fail This Ign.

Has this DTC failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Fault not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Key ON, engine OFF.
  2. Using a scan tool note Gen F Terminal display.

Is the duty cycle greater than the value specified?

0%

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Is the duty cycle less than 5%?

--

Go to Section Engine Electrical, Generator Functional Check

Go to Step 12

6

  1. Record the fluid life indexes, turn the key to OFF and wait 30 seconds.
  2. Disconnect PCM connector C1 and generator connector C1.
  3. Turn the key On
  4. Using DVM J 39200 measure voltage to ground at PCM connector C1 terminal 54 (harness side).

Is the voltage more than the value specified?

0.1 volts

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

Measure resistance to ground at PCM connector C1 terminal 54 (harness side).

Is resistance less than the value specified?

10K ohms

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Measure the resistance between PCM connector C1 terminal 54 and generator connector C1 terminal F.

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

5 ohms

Go to Section 6D, Engine Electrical, Generator Functional Check

Go to Step 11

9

Repair short to voltage on the F terminal circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

10

Repair short to ground on the F terminal circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

11

Repair open in the F terminal circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--

12

  1. Check terminal contact at the generator connector.
  2. Repair terminal contact if needed.

Was terminal contact repaired?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

Go to Step 13

13

  1. Check terminal contact at the PCM connector C1 terminal 54.
  2. Repair terminal contact if needed.

Was terminal contact repaired?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the PCM. Refer to PCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

--