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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE2004BRAVADA RWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1596 (BATTERY, CHARGING SYSTEM AND STARTING SYSTEM)DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION & PROCEDURESCHARGING SYSTEM TEST
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWD

Charging System Test

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION Charging System Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Charging System Test

Step Action Value(s) Yes No
1 Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check for Engine Electrical? - Go to Step 2  Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical 
2
IMPORTANT: The battery must be above a 70 percent state of charge.
Did you perform the Battery Inspection Test?		 - Go to Step 3  Go to Battery Inspection/Test (Non-HP2) 
3
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. With a scan tool, command the GEN-L Terminal OFF and ON.
  4. Observe the Ignition 1 Signal parameter.
Does the voltage change with each command?		 - Go to Step 4  Go to Step 8 
4
  1. Turn ON the following accessories:
    • Headlights - high beams
    • A/C on Max
    • Blower fan - ON high
    • Heated seats - if equipped
  2. With a scan tool, observe the ignition 1 signal parameter in the engine data list.
  3. Increase engine speed to 2,500 RPM.
Is the voltage within the specified value?		 12.0-15.5 V Go to Step 5  Go to Step 6 
5
  1. Turn OFF all accessories.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
    3. CAUTION: Make sure that the load is completely turned off before connecting or disconnecting a carbon pile load tester to the battery. Otherwise, sparking could ignite battery gasses which are extremely flammable and may explode violently.
  3. Connect a carbon pile tester to the vehicle.
    4. IMPORTANT: When measuring generator output current, be sure the inductive probe encircles the generator output wire.
  4. Connect an inductive ammeter probe to the output circuit of the generator.
  5. Start the engine.
  6. With a scan tool, command the GEN-L Terminal ON.
  7. Increase engine speed to 2,500 RPM.
  8. Adjust the carbon pile as necessary in order to obtain the maximum current output.
Is the generator output greater than or equal to the load test value as specified in Generator Usage  ?		 - System OK Go to Step 7 
6 Is the voltage measured greater than 15.5 volts? - Go to Step 12  Go to Step 7 
7
  1. Leave the vehicle accessories ON or maintain load test value.
  2. Maintain engine speed at 2,500 RPM.
  3. Measure the voltage between the generator output terminal and the generator metal housing.
Is the voltage measured equal to the specified value?		 B+ Go to Step 14  Go to Step 9 
8
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the generator harness connector.
  3. Measure the voltage between the generator turn ON signal circuit and ground.
  4. With a scan tool, command the GEN-L Terminal ON and OFF.
Does the voltage measure greater than the first value ON and near the second value OFF?		 4.7 V
0 V		 Go to Step 14  Go to Step 11 
9
  1. Maintain the engine speed at 2,500 RPM and continue to operate the generator at the load test value.
  2. Measure the voltage drop from the battery negative terminal to the metal housing of the generator. Refer to CIRCUIT TESTING and WIRING REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Is the voltage measured less than the specified value?		 0.5 V Go to Step 10  Go to Step 15 
10
  1. Maintain the engine speed at 2,500 RPM and continue to operate the generator at the load test value.
  2. Measure the voltage drop from the output terminal of the generator to the positive terminal on the battery. Refer to CIRCUIT TESTING and WIRING REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Is the voltage measured less than the specified value?		 0.5 V Go to Step 14  Go to Step 16 
11 Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short, or open. Refer to CIRCUIT TESTING and WIRING REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 - Go to Step 19  Go to Step 13 
12 Test the generator battery voltage sense circuit, if equipped, for an open or high resistance. Refer to CIRCUIT TESTING and WIRING REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 - Go to Step 19  Go to Step 14 
13 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR CONNECTIONS and CONNECTOR REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 - Go to Step 19  Go to Step 17 
14 Inspect for poor connections at the generator. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR CONNECTIONS and CONNECTOR REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 - Go to Step 19  Go to Step 18 
15 Repair the high resistance or open in the ground circuit of the generator. Refer to WIRING REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?		 - Go to Step 19  -
16 Repair the high resistance or open in the generator output circuit. Refer to WIRING REPAIRS in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?		 - Go to Step 19  -
17 Replace the PCM. Refer to CONTROL MODULE REFERENCES in Body Control System.
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 19  -
18 Replace the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement (4.2L Engine) .
Did you complete the replacement?		 - Go to Step 19  -
19 Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?		 - System OK Go to Step 2 
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.