GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B1517 03 : Battery Voltage Below Threshold

DTC B1517 07 : Battery Voltage Above Threshold

DTC B1517 5A : Battery Voltage Plausibility Failure

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Battery Positive Voltage Circuit

B1517 03

B1517 03

B1517 07

B1517 5A

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) has designated circuits for monitoring vehicle system voltage. The BCM monitors the system voltage to ensure that the voltage stays within the proper range. Damage to components, and incorrect data may occur when the voltage is out of range. The BCM monitors the system voltage over an extended length of time. If the BCM detects the system voltage is outside an expected range for the calibrated length of time, or the BCM battery sense circuits differ by 2 volts, DTC B1517 will set. Other modules also monitor system voltage the system voltage message is sent to the other modules and will default to 12.9 volts.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DTC shall run only if the BCM has power, ground, and the ignition is not in the START mode. This DTC shall execute regardless of battery voltage.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B1517 03

The battery voltage falls below 12 volts, engine speed greater than 1,100 RPM for 120 seconds or the battery voltage falls below 11 volts, engine speed less than 1,100 RPM for 120 seconds.

B1517 07

The battery voltage rises above 16 volts for 15 seconds.

B1517 5A

The battery voltage differs by 2 volts on the BCM battery sense circuits for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM warning message and the Charge Indicator on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will clear current status when fault is no longer present.
    • The history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles have occurred without a malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: With any module voltage performance DTC, always perform the Charging System Test to ensure the charging system is functioning properly.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Body Control System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Data Communication Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Circuit/System Testing

  1. If the DTC is history, refer to Charging System Test .
  2. If the DTC is current, turn ON the ignition, and with a DMM, measure the voltage between the battery positive voltage circuits of the BCM and the ground circuits of the BCM.
  3. If the voltage is within 9.5-15 volts, replace the BCM.
    If the voltage is not within 9.5-15 volts, measure the voltage between the battery positive voltage circuits of the BCM and a separate ground.
    If the voltage is within 9.5-15 volts, test the battery positive and ground circuits of the BCM for high resistance or an open, and repair as necessary.
    If the voltage differs by more than 2 volts, repair the circuit as necessary.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming