Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
Circuit  | Short to Ground  | Open/High Resistance  | Short to Voltage  | Signal Performance  | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
B+  | B1492  | B1492  | --  | --  | 
Field Duty Cycle Signal  | B1492  | B1492  | --  | --  | 
Charge Indicator Control  | B1487  | --  | B1488  | --  | 
The generator battery control module (GBCM) monitors the generator through the field duty cycle signal circuit, or F-Terminal circuit. The signal is pulse width modulated (PWM) by the generator. The normal duty cycle with the engine running is 5-99 percent.
| • | DTC B1487 or B1488 are not set. | 
| • | The engine is running. | 
| • | The engine speed is less than 1,000 RPM. | 
The GBCM detects that the field duty cycle signal is less than 5 percent for 2 minutes.
| • | The charge indicator turns ON. | 
| • | The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM message. | 
| • | The DTC will pass when the field duty cycle signal is greater than 5 percent. | 
| • | The charge indicator and the DIC message will remain ON until the next ignition cycle. | 
Do not use the ECM GEN F-Terminal scan tool parameter on light-duty vehicles built after mid-year 2005. The ECM does not monitor the field duty cycle signal circuit on these vehicles.
Starting and Charging Schematics
Engine Electrical Connector End Views
Charging System Description and Operation
| ⇒ | If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. | 
| ⇒ | 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 generator. | 
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Control Module References for GBCM replacement, setup, and programming. |