Inspection and Verification

INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION

WARNING:
- Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Also, shield your eyes when working near batteries to protect against possible splashing of the acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- Batteries normally produce explosive gases which may cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances to come near the battery. When charging or working near a battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide ventilation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the end walls could cause acid to spew through the vent caps resulting in personal injury, damage to the vehicle or to the battery. Lift with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite corners. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION:
- Do not make jumper connections except as directed. Incorrect connections may damage the voltage regulator test terminals, fuses, or fusible links.
- Do not allow any metal object to come in contact with the generator housing and internal diode cooling fins. A short circuit may result and burn out the diodes.

NOTE:
- While carrying out any pinpoint test, disregard any DTCs set while following any specific pinpoint test. After the completion of any test, be sure to clear all codes in the PCM.
- All voltage measurements are referenced to the negative (-) battery post unless otherwise specified.
- When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module PCM) relearns its fuel trim. The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the strategy.

1. Verify the customer concern.

Visual Inspection Chart:

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
3. If the inspection reveals obvious concern(s) that can be readily identified, service as necessary.
4. Verify the battery condition. Refer to Battery.
5. Observe the charging system warning indicator status under the following conditions:
- The charging system warning indicator illuminates with the key in the ON position and with the engine OFF.
- The charging system warning indicator is off with the engine running.
- The charging system warning indicator is off with the key in the OFF position.

Normal Charging System Voltages:

6. NOTE:
- The PCM requires 3 key cycles re-learn the configuration.
- On California vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates if the lower generator circuit has 12 volts (which the PCM has commanded off) for 2 consecutive drive cycles.

Check the battery voltage before and after starting the engine to determine if the battery voltage increases. Refer to the Normal Charging System Voltages chart.

7. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the vehicle selection cannot be entered:
- Check that the program card is correctly installed.
- Check the connections to the vehicle.
- Check the ignition switch position.

8. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool operating manual.
9. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
- CAN or ISO circuits fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network.
- No response/not equipped for powertrain control module (PCM), refer to Computers and Control Systems.
- System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs, and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.

10. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index or the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index
11. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics. Diagnosis By Symptom - Dual Generators