GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the generator field duty cycle signal circuit to monitor the duty cycle of the generator and fault indication. The generator field duty cycle signal circuit connects to the high side of the field winding in the generator. A pulse width modulated (PWM) high side driver in the voltage regulator turns the field winding ON and OFF. The ECM uses the PWM signal input to determine the generator load on the engine. This allows the ECM to adjust the idle speed to compensate for high electrical loads.

The ECM monitors the state of the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. When the key in the ON position, with the engine OFF, the ECM should detect a duty cycle that is 0 percent.

The ECM monitors the PWM signal using a key ON test and a RUN test. During the tests, if the ECM detects an out of range PWM signal, a DTC will set.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0626 Generator F-Terminal Circuit High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No generator, crankshaft position (CKP) sensors, or camshaft position (CMP) sensor DTCs are set.
    • The engine is not running.
    • The key is in the ON position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a PWM signal greater than 5 percent for at least 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The ECM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only.
    • The ECM will send a class 2 serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and driver information center (DIC) to illuminate the charge indicator or display a charging message.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The conditions for setting DTC P0626 are not present.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Power and Grounding Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF
  3. With a scan tool, observe the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter in the engine control module (ECM) data list .

Does the scan tool indicate that the GEN-F Terminal parameter is within the specified range?

0-5%

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the generator harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp to battery positive voltage and repeatedly probe the generator field duty cycle signal circuit in the harness connector while monitoring the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter on the scan tool.

Is the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter affected?

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Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the generator field duty cycle signal circuit for a short to battery voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the generator. Refer to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Charging System Test

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Important: The replacement ECM must be programmed.

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 8

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8

  1. Review and record the scan tool Failure Records data.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTC.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  4. Using the scan tool, observe the specific DTC information for DTC P0626 until the test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0626 failed?

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Go to Step 2

System OK