Charge Indicator Malfunction

Charge Indicator Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

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. The ECM/PCM monitors the state of the generator turn ON signal circuit. The ECM/PCM should detect low voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit when the ignition is ON and the engine is OFF, or when the charging system malfunctions. With the engine running, the ECM/PCM should detect high voltage on the 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. If a malfunction is detected the ECM/PCM will illuminate the charge indicator in the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

* Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)
* Starting and Charging Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

* Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
* Charging System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, engine running, verify the scan tool Battery Voltage parameter is between 12.5 and 15.5 volts.

• If not within the specified range, refer to Charging System Test (Charging System Test).

2. Ignition ON, perform the display test with the scan tool. The charge indicator should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

• If the indicator does not turn ON and OFF between commanded states, replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for the IPC replacement, setup, and programming