Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
CHARGING SYSTEM
Inspection and Verification
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not allow the battery to come in contact with flames, sparks or burning substances. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield eyes when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes, then get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:Always lift a plastic-cased battery with a battery carrier or with hands on opposite corners. Excessive pressure on the battery end walls may cause acid to flow through the vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
CAUTION:Do not make jumper connections except as directed. Incorrect connections may damage the voltage regulator test terminals, fuses or fusible links.
CAUTION:Do not allow any metal object to come in contact with the generator housing and internal diode cooling fins. A short circuit may result and burn out the diodes.
NOTE:While carrying out any pinpoint test, disregard any DTCs set while following a specific pinpoint test. After the completion of a test, make sure to clear all DTCs in the PCM.
NOTE:All voltage measurements are referenced to the negative (-) battery post unless otherwise specified.
1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
Visual Inspection Chart
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
4. Verify the battery condition. See Pinpoint Tests.
5. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).
NOTE:Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
NOTE:The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.
6. If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- See to diagnose no power to the scan tool.
7. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- see Pinpoint Test 1: The PCM Does Not Respond To The Scan Tool to diagnose no response from the PCM.
8. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, see Description and Operation.
9. Retrieve continuous memory DTCs (CMDTCs) from all modules.
NOTE:Use the integrated diagnostic system (IDS) feature that retrieves all CMDTCs from all modules at one time.
10. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, see PCM DTC Chart. For all other DTCs, see - Communications Network - DTC Chart.
NOTE:If no charging system DTCs are present, the charging system is operating correctly. If the charging system has a concern, it will always set a charging system DTC.
11. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, see.
PCM DTC Chart
