P0621

DTC P0621 (Gasoline)

Diagnostic Instructions

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

DTC Descriptor
DTC P0621
- Generator L-Terminal Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the charge indicator signal circuit, or L-terminal circuit, to control the load of the generator on the engine. A high side driver in the ECM applies a voltage to the voltage regulator. This signals the voltage regulator to turn the field circuit ON and OFF. The ECM monitors the state of the charge indicator signal circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* The engine is running.
* No generator, CKP sensors, CMP sensor DTCs are set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The charge indicator signal circuit is shorted to ground or shorted to voltage for 15 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The charge indicator turns ON.
* The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

* The DTC will pass when the condition for setting the DTC is no longer present for 1 second.
* A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
* The charge indicator and DIC message will remain ON until the DTC passes or is cleared, even if the ignition is cycled.

Diagnostic Aids

A scan tool can be used to command the GEN L-Terminal circuit ON to 85% and OFF to 14% while the engine is running. Typical voltage values for the charge indicator control circuit are 4.3 V at 85% and 0.85 V at 14%.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

Charging System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Control Module References) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

4.3L Engine
1. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the generator B+ terminal 1 X2 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the generator.
3. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. Engine running, test for greater than 3.5 V between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the generator.

4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L, or 7.0L Engine
1. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the generator B+ terminal 1 X2 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the generator.
3. Ignition ON, test for 4.5-5.5 V between the control circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If less than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.

4. If the circuits test normal, replace the generator.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Generator Replacement (V6) (Service and Repair)Generator Replacement (V8) (Service and Repair)Generator Replacement (Diesel) (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Control Module References) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.