Circuit Description
The 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 PCM applies a voltage to the voltage regulator. This signals the voltage regulator to turn the field circuit ON and OFF. When the PCM turns ON the high side driver, the voltage regulator turns ON the field circuit. When the PCM turns OFF the high side driver, the voltage regulator turns OFF the field circuit.
The PCM monitors the state of the generator turn on signal circuit. The PCM should detect a low generator turn on signal circuit voltage when the key is ON and the engine is OFF, or when the charging system malfunctions. With the engine running, the PCM should detect a high generator turn on signal circuit. The PCM performs key ON and RUN tests to determine the status of the generator turn on signal circuit. During the key ON test, if the PCM detects a high generator turn on signal circuit voltage, DTC P0621 will set. DTC P0621 will also set if, during the RUN test, the PCM detects a low generator turn on signal circuit. When the DTC sets, the PCM will send a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the charge indicator.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0621 Generator L-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 running. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | During the key ON test, the PCM detects a high signal voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit for at least 5 seconds. |
| • | During the RUN test, the PCM detects a low signal voltage on the generator turn on signal circuit for at least 15 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The PCM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Fail Records data only. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction. |
| • | The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function. |
Diagnostic Aids
If DTC P0621 is intermittent on the V6 engine, the B+ cable from the generator might be getting voltage induced from the spark plug wires. Shielding the B+ cable around the area of the ignition module with nickel tape might correct the intermittent condition.
Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views in Engine Controls - 3.5L (LX9), or Power and Grounding Connector End Views | |||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information |
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0621 has passed? | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems | Go to Step 3 |
3 | With a scan tool, monitor the DTC information for DTC P0621 and DTC P0622 in Engine Controls. Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0621 and DTC P0622 have failed? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 |
6 | Repair the high resistance or open in the battery positive voltage circuit of the generator. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 8 | -- |
7 |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 8 | -- |
8 |
Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0621 failed this ignition? | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
