Principles Of Operation

Smart Junction Box (SJB)

Principles of Operation

NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) is also known as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

NOTE: The time out for the battery saver relay and the accessory delay relay (both are controlled by the SJB) is one minute if the vehicle has less than 80 km (50 miles). Once the vehicle passes the approximate mileage threshold of 80 km (50 miles), the time out for both relays is 10 minutes. For the battery saver relay, refer to Lighting and Horns. For the accessory delay relay, refer to Windows and Glass.

The SJB is a multifunction electronic module that controls many of the vehicle systems. Most of the SJB functions utilize hardwired inputs and/or outputs. The SJB controls the following hardwired functions, using the corresponding inputs and outputs:





In addition, the SJB is involved in other vehicle systems through communication over the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN). For a detailed list of SJB network inputs and outputs, refer to the Principles of Operation in Information Bus. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Some SJB parameters are programmable. Two types of programmable parameters are available: vehicle configuration and customer preference. Refer to Information Bus.

Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Protection

Field-Effect Transistor (FET) is a type of transistor that when used with module software can be used to monitor and control current flow on module outputs. The FET protection strategy is used to prevent module damage in the event of excessive current flow.

The SJB utilizes an FET protective circuit strategy for many of its outputs (for example, a headlamp output circuit). Output loads (current level) are monitored for excessive current (typically short circuits) and are shut down (turns off the voltage or ground provided by the module) when a fault event is detected. A continuous DTC is stored at the fault event and a cumulative counter is started.

When the demand for the output is no longer present, the module resets the FET circuit protection to allow the circuit to function. The next time the driver requests a circuit to activate that has been shut down by a previous short (FET protection) and the circuit remains shorted, the FET protection shuts off the circuit again and the cumulative counter advances.

When the excessive circuit load occurs often enough, the module shuts down the output until a repair procedure is carried out. Each FET protected circuit has 3 predefined levels of short circuit tolerance based on the harmful effect of each circuit fault on the FET and the ability of the FET to withstand it. A module lifetime level of fault events is established based upon the durability of the FET. If the total tolerance level is determined to be 600 fault events, the 3 predefined levels would be 200, 400 and 600 fault events.

When each tolerance level is reached, the continuous DTC that was stored on the first failure cannot be cleared by a command to clear the continuous DTCs. The module does not allow this code to be cleared or the circuit restored to normal operation until a successful self-test proves that the fault has been repaired. After the self-test has successfully completed (no on-demand DTCs present), DTC B106E and the associated continuous DTC (the DTC related to the shorted circuit) automatically clears and the circuit function returns.

When the first or second level is reached, the continuous DTC (associated with the short circuit) sets along with DTC B106E. These DTCs can be cleared using the module on-demand self-test, then the Clear DTC operation on the scan tool (if the on-demand test shows the fault corrected). The module never resets the fault event counter to zero and continues to advance the fault event counter as short circuit fault events occur.

If the number of short circuit fault events reach the third level, then DTCs B106F and B1342 set along with the associated continuous DTC. This DTC cannot be cleared and the module must be replaced.

The SJB FET protected output circuits for the headlamp system are the LH low beam output and the RH low beam output circuits.