Inspection and Verification
INSPECTION AND VERIFICATIONWARNING:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 any specific pinpoint test. After the completion of any test, be sure to clear all codes in the PCM.
- All voltage measurements are referenced to the negative (-) battery post unless otherwise specified.
- When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the PCM relearns its fuel trim. The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the strategy.
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. Refer to Battery.
5. Observe the charging system warning indicator status under the following conditions:
- The charging system warning indicator illuminates with the key in the ON position and the engine off.
- The charging system warning indicator is off with the engine running.
- The charging system warning indicator is off with the key in the OFF position.
6. NOTE:
- The PCM requires 3 key cycles to re-learn the configuration.
- On California vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates if the lower generator circuit has 12 volts (which the PCM has commanded off) for 2 consecutive drive cycles.
Check the battery voltage before and after starting the engine to determine if the battery voltage increases.
7. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
If the concern is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).
8. NOTE: The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.
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.
- refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network), No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.
9. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the PCM DTC Chart or the Instrument Cluster DTC Chart. PCM DTC Chart Instrument Cluster DTC Chart
10. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures