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. 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 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 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: All voltage measurements are referenced to the negative (-) battery post unless otherwise specified.

1. Verify the customer concern.

Visual Inspection Chart:

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

4. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).

5. Check the operation of the charging system warning indicator in the instrument cluster as follows:
- With the key in the OFF position, the charging system warning indicator should be off.
- With the key in the ON position and the engine off, the charing system warning indicator should be off.
- With the engine running, the charging system warning indicator should be off.

6. Turn off the headlamps and the A/C system (if equipped). Turn the climate control blower to low/off. Check the battery voltage before and after starting the engine to determine if the battery voltage increases.

7. NOTE: The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.

If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network), No power to the scan tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.

8. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network) to diagnose no response from the powertrain control module (PCM).

9. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network).
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

10. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Instrument Cluster.
11. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index or the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index. For all other DTCs, refer to Body Control Systems (Multifunction Electronic Control Module). Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index Instrument Cluster Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index
12. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures