Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
INSPECTION AND VERIFICATIONWARNING:
- 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 can 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 fuse 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. Verify the battery condition. Refer to Battery.
5. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- check that the program card is correctly installed.
- check the connections to the vehicle.
- check the ignition switch position.
6. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool operating manual.
7. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
- SCP+, SCP-, ISO circuits fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to Module Communications Network (Information Bus).
- no response/not equipped for powertrain control module (PCM) , refer to Module Communications Network (Information Bus).
- 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.
8. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the PCM Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index. Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
9. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures