P0620 - voltage light on - 2003 Buick Park Avenue
Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2023 5:50 pm
2003 Buick Park Avenue 3.8 with a P0620. Voltage light comes on dash after running 30 seconds. I have replaced the alternator and the PCM. Alternator does charge, digital cluster displays 13.6v, multimeter directly on battery shows 14.7v.
I followed the Factory Service Manual steps for this DTC:
1. Did you perform the Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check? = Yes, Go to Step 2
2. Install a scan tool. Start the engine. With a scan tool, observe the Generator PWM parameter in the PCM data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Generator PWM parameter is within the specified range? 5-95% = Yes, Go to Step 3
3. With the scan tool command the generator OFF. Does the Generator PWM equal the specified value? 0% = No, 7-14%, Go to Step 4
4. Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the generator harness connector. Start the engine. Measure the voltage between the generator turn on signal circuit and a known good ground. With the scan tool command the generator ON and OFF. Is the voltage equal to the first value with the generator OFF and equal to the second value with the generator ON? 0.0v / 5.0v = No, 0.1v / 5.11v, Go to Step 6
6. Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short or open.
Based on this, I investigated the red and gray wires going from the PCM to the alternator for continuity and all was good. I even went as far as running new red and gray alternator wires directly from the PCM (red=C2 61 to pin B on alt & gray=C2 29 to pin C on alt). All terminals at PCM and alternator looked perfect. I'm at a loss.
I followed the Factory Service Manual steps for this DTC:
1. Did you perform the Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check? = Yes, Go to Step 2
2. Install a scan tool. Start the engine. With a scan tool, observe the Generator PWM parameter in the PCM data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Generator PWM parameter is within the specified range? 5-95% = Yes, Go to Step 3
3. With the scan tool command the generator OFF. Does the Generator PWM equal the specified value? 0% = No, 7-14%, Go to Step 4
4. Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the generator harness connector. Start the engine. Measure the voltage between the generator turn on signal circuit and a known good ground. With the scan tool command the generator ON and OFF. Is the voltage equal to the first value with the generator OFF and equal to the second value with the generator ON? 0.0v / 5.0v = No, 0.1v / 5.11v, Go to Step 6
6. Test the generator turn on signal circuit for a short or open.
Based on this, I investigated the red and gray wires going from the PCM to the alternator for continuity and all was good. I even went as far as running new red and gray alternator wires directly from the PCM (red=C2 61 to pin B on alt & gray=C2 29 to pin C on alt). All terminals at PCM and alternator looked perfect. I'm at a loss.