The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) uses the generator turn on signal circuit to control the load of the generator on the engine. A high side driver in the ECM/PCM applies a voltage to the voltage regulator. This signals the voltage regulator to turn the field circuit ON and OFF. When the ECM/PCM turns ON the high side driver, the voltage regulator turns ON the field circuit. When the ECM/PCM turns OFF the high side driver, the voltage regulator turns OFF the field circuit.
The ECM/PCM monitors the state of the generator turn on signal circuit. The ECM/PCM should detect a low generator turn on signal circuit voltage when the key is ON and the engine is OFF, or when the charging system malfunctions. With the engine running, the ECM/PCM should detect a high generator turn on signal circuit. The ECM/PCM performs key ON and RUN tests to determine the status of the generator turn on signal circuit. During the key ON test, if the ECM/PCM detects a high generator turn on signal circuit voltage, DTC P0621 will set. DTC P0621 will also set if, during the RUN test, the ECM/PCM detects a low generator turn on signal circuit. When the DTC sets, the ECM/PCM will send a class 2 serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the charge indicator.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0621 Generator L-Terminal Circuit
| • | No generator, crankshaft position (CKP) sensors, or camshaft position (CMP) sensor DTCs are set. | 
| • | The key is in the RUN position. | 
| • | The engine is not running. | 
| • | No generator, CKP sensors, or CMP sensor DTCs are set. | 
| • | The engine is running. | 
| • | During the key ON test, the ECM/PCM detects a high signal voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit for at least 5 seconds. | 
| • | During the RUN test, the ECM/PCM detects a low signal voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit for at least 15 seconds. | 
| • | The ECM/PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) | 
| • | The ECM/PCM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only. | 
| • | The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction. | 
| • | The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function. | 
Step  | Action  | Value  | Yes  | No  | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Electrical Connector End Views  | ||||
1  | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?  | --  | Go to Step 2  | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information  | 
2  | 
 Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0621 has passed this ignition cycle?  | --  | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems  | Go to Step 3  | 
3  | 
 Does the scan tool indicate that the voltage is above the specified value?  | 13 V  | Go to Step 4  | Go to Step 5  | 
4  | 
 Is the voltage less than the first value with the generator OFF and greater than the second value with the generator ON?  | 1.5 V 4.6 V  | Go to Step 7  | Go to Step 6  | 
5  | Test the battery positive voltage circuit of the generator for a high resistance or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 10  | Go to Step 7  | 
6  | Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 10  | Go to Step 8  | 
7  | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the generator. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 10  | Go to Charging System Test  | 
8  | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM/PCM. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?  | --  | Go to Step 10  | Go to Step 9  | 
9  | 
 Important: The replacement ECM/PCM must be programmed Replace the ECM/PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement?  | --  | Go to Step 10  | --  | 
10  | 
 Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0621 failed this ignition?  | --  | Go to Step 3  | System OK  |