GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) uses the generator field duty cycle signal circuit to monitor the duty cycle of the generator. 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/PCM uses the PWM signal input to determine the generator load on the engine. This allows the ECM/PCM to adjust the idle speed to compensate for high electrical loads.

The ECM/PCM monitors the state of the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. When the key is in the RUN position and the engine is OFF, the ECM/PCM should detect a duty cycle near 0 percent. However, when the engine is running, the duty cycle should be between 5 percent and 100 percent. The ECM/PCM monitors the PWM signal using a key ON test and a RUN test. During the tests, if the ECM/PCM detects an out of range PWM signal, DTC P0622 will set. 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.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0622 Generator F-Terminal Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

Key ON Test

    • 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.

Run Test

    • No generator, CKP sensors, or CMP sensor DTCs are set.
    • The engine is less than 3,000 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • During the ignition ON test, the ECM/PCM detects a PWM signal is out of range.
    • During the RUN test, the ECM/PCM detects a PWM signal less then 5 percent for more than 6 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ECM/PCM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The Conditions for Setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 malfunction free ignition cycles.
    • The ECM/PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Step

Action

Value(s)

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?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the GEN - F Terminal parameter in the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) data list .

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

5-95%

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

With the scan tool command the generator OFF.

Does the GEN - F Terminal equal the specified value?

0%

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the generator connector.
  3. Connect test lamp to battery positive voltage.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Probe the F-Terminal in the generator connector.
  6. Observe the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter in the ECM/PCM data list.

Is the GEN-F Terminal Signal parameter near the specified value?

100%

Go to Charging System Test

Go to Step 5

5

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

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

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 8

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8

  1. Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear any DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor the Specific DTC info for this DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that this DTC failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK