Battery replacement indicator was illuminated, replaced the batteries and pressed the '1' to perform a re-test. Passes the re-test but the battery indicator lights continue to blink in unison. It has been nearly a week since I replaced the batteries (should be fully recharged).

Indicator

This code indicates that a fault has been detected in the generator lamp control circuit. The PCM may have also detected an abnormal voltage reading from the vehicle battery, starting, or charging system.

Code Set Parameters

In the event of generator lamp control circuit fault, a trouble code will be stored and a service engine soon lamp will be illuminated. Some models require multiple drive cycles (as many as 8) with a failure in order for the service engine soon lamp to be illuminated and others will activate it on the initial failure.

Symptoms

This code indicates that a fault has been detected in the charging system circuit. The PCM may have also detected an abnormal voltage reading from the vehicle battery, starting, or charging system.

Common Causes

The most common cause of this code can be traced to a faulty alternator. Other causes could include a bad battery or starter, open or shorted wiring or battery cables, insufficient battery primary or secondary grounds, defective voltage regulator, corroded battery terminal ends, a faulty PCM (rare), a large battery drain, or a defective battery.

Common Misdiagnosis

Technicians report that batteries and starters are often replaced in error when the alternator is either not charging or overcharging. If the battery is discharged, charge it and test the vehicle charging system to make sure that it is operating properly.

Diagnosis

• The starting/charging system is monitored by the PCM whenever the key is placed in the "ON" position, as is the generator lamp circuit for the instrument panel
• When the engine is running, the PCM is programmed to anticipate between 13.8 and 14.4 volts from the charging system
• If a voltage reading that either exceeds or underachieves, a code will be stored and a service engine soon lamp illuminated
• Some vehicle models (especially Chrysler) also use the PCM to regulate charging system voltage
• System voltage malfunctions related to the PCM are much more common in vehicles equipped with this type of system than in other systems. Before beginning your diagnosis, make sure that the battery is fully charged
• If the battery fails to take or hold a charge, it should be replaced. Several tools will be instrumental in successfully diagnosing this code
• A suitable OBD-II scanner (or code reader) and a digital volt/ohmmeter will be most helpful in performing a successful diagnosis
• Begin with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors
• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary
• Always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data
• This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored
• Continue by clearing the code and operating the vehicle to see if it returns
• This will help to determine whether or not the malfunction is intermittent
• After the codes are cleared, test drive the vehicle to see if the code returns
• If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made
• Continue with a visual inspection of the battery and battery cables
• Should you find excessive corrosion on the battery terminals, suspect a poor battery connection
• If this is the case, disconnect the battery cables from the battery (always disconnect the ground cable first and see manufacturer's recommendations for disconnecting/reconnecting the battery) and remove the corrosion from the battery posts and terminals
• Reconnect the battery and retest the charging system
• Connect the starting/charging system tester to the battery and perform a load test
• If the battery fails the load test, replace it
• If the battery passes the load test, leave the tester connected and start the engine
• Observe the voltage readings on the tester and compare your findings with manufacturer's specifications
• Replace starting/charging system components as required
• Typical alternator output should read approximately 14 volts with the engine started and no accessories or lighting turned on
• Leave the tester connected and use the amp probe to test the starter current draw
• Compare your findings to manufacturer's specs and repair or replace starting system cables or other components as needed. The generator lamp circuit is used to activate a charging system indicator in the instrument panel if system voltage is abnormal
• Voltage readings that are too low may indicate worn brushes in the alternator
• High voltage readings may be indicative of a defective voltage regulator (usually integrated in the alternator but some are part of the PCM)
• Before performing any continuity and resistance testing on the generator lamp circuit, be sure to disconnect the wiring from the instrument panel to prevent damage to system controllers and circuit boards
• Consult the vehicle service manual for reference voltage readings and other precautions. If the starting/charging system are in proper working order, you will need to test secondary wiring
• Disconnect the alternator connector and test all circuits using the digital volt/ohmmeter
• If alternator wiring values are in line with acceptable specifications, disconnect the PCM connector and perform a continuity test on all system circuits
• Compare actual findings with manufacturer's specifications and repair open or shorted electrical wiring as necessary. If the malfunction has still not been rectified, suspect a defective PCM.

?€¢
The IPC determines that the system voltage is less than 11 volts or greater than 16 volts. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the body control module (BCM) indicating the system voltage

Charge Indicator Always On
Step
Action
Yes
No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check for Starting and Charging? yes or no
Go to Step 2 yes
Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical no

2

1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Observe the Charge indicator on the instrument cluster (IPC)

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the generator connector.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Automatic: The UPS performs a self-test automatically when turned on, and every

two weeks thereafter (by default). During the self-test, the UPS briefly operates the

connected equipment on battery.
Manual: Press and hold the button for a few seconds to initiate the self-test

REPLACE BATTERY LED ILLUMINATES

Replace Battery LED flashes and

short beep is emitted every two

seconds to indicate the battery is

disconnected.

Check that the battery connectors are fully engaged.

Weak battery. Allow the battery to recharge for 24 hours. Then, perform a self-test. If the

problem persists after recharging, replace the battery.

Failure of a battery self-test. The UPS emits short beeps for one minute and the Replace Battery LED

illuminates. The UPS repeats the alarm every five hours. Perform the self-test

procedure after the battery has charged for 24 hours to confirm the Replace

Battery condition. The alarm stops and the LED clears if the battery passes the
self-test.