GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: This diagnostic procedure is only for an APO that is inoperative or with a Driver Information Center (DIC) message, and with no DTC’s set

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

The auxiliary power outlet (APO) switch controls the operation of the hybrid control module (HCM) APO state manager. The APO state manager commands one of 3 states from the starter generator control module (SGCM), (APO Off, APO Normal, APO Continuous). The APO switch is a momentary button, its output signal an input to an HCM analogue channel. Five volts are supplied to the switch, the returned voltage is measured relative to HCM signal ground to determine the switch state. A resistor network in the switch circuitry ensures that shorted high and low states can be diagnosed successfully. There are 2 valid voltage ranges of the return signal, one representing switch open, the other representing switch closed. If the voltage is lower than a threshold, a short low is indicated. Similarly, if the voltage is greater than the short high threshold, a short 'high' is indicated.

The SGCM uses the interlock circuit to monitor the plugs and connectors for hybrid system function. The interlock indicates the state of the connectors in the 120 voltage circuits. In the SGCM, the primary side of the transformer is connected to a low frequency oscillator circuit. When the loop is complete, the shorted secondary reduces the oscillator voltage, and a comparator senses this as a good and complete interlock loop. If the loop is open, the oscillator amplitude increases and the comparator senses this as a problem. Short Circuits, Overloads and Ground Fault Detection (GFD)

Short Circuits, Overloads and Ground Fault Detection (GFD)

The SGCM monitors ground faults and overloads as well as APO system faults and will disable the APO’s when these faults occur. The SGCM tests the ground fault circuit integrity once per ignition cycle and every time the APO is enabled.

The 120-volt AC power outlets are protected against short circuits, overloads and ground faults. If the system detects a short or overloaded circuit, it will immediately shut down the outlets and the light next to the APO button will flash, while at the same time a 120V OVERLOAD or GROUND FAULT message will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC). After the fault condition is corrected, the system can be reset by pressing and releasing the APO button. See "APO Operating Mode" for more information on the APO button. Short circuits may occur because a defective extension cord or defective electrical device is plugged into an outlet.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Cigar Lighter/Power Outlet Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Power Outlet Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Testing

Important: Always perform the Hybrid Battery Service Disconnect/Connect before diagnosing or servicing any PHT systems.

  1. With the ignition OFF, Isolate the APO circuit that is inoperative by disconnecting the 120-volt harness (orange) from the energy storage box (ESB) and the SGCM.
  2. With a DMM, independently test the APO phase A (hot) and the APO neutral circuits for an open. Also, test the same circuits for a short between each other. Refer to Cigar Lighter/Power Outlet Schematics .
  3. Test the APO ground circuits for any shorts. As the circuits are normally open.
If a defective circuit is found, repair as necessary.
If no trouble found with the APO circuits, replace the appropriate APO receptacles.

Repair Instructions

120-Volt Accessory Power Receptacle Replacement