Diagnosis And Testing - Charging System: Inspection

The BCM monitors critical input and output circuits of the charging system, making sure they are operational. A DTC is assigned to each input and output circuit monitored by the OBD system. Some charging system circuits are checked continuously, and some are checked only under certain conditions.

Perform the following inspections before attaching the diagnostic scan tool.

1. Inspect the battery condition.
2. Inspect condition of battery cable terminals, battery posts, connections at engine block, starter solenoid and relay. They should be clean and tight. Repair as required.
3. Inspect all fuses in both the BCM and Power Distribution Center (PDC) for tightness in receptacles. They should be properly installed and tight. Repair or replace as required.
4. Inspect generator mounting bolts for tightness. If necessary, replace worn or damaged bolts, then tighten all bolts to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
5. Inspect generator drive belt condition and tension.
6. Inspect automatic belt tensioner (if equipped).
7. Inspect generator electrical connections at generator field, battery output, and ground terminal (if equipped). Also check generator ground wire connection at engine (if equipped). They should all be clean and tight. Repair as required.