Pinpoint Test N: The Charging System Warning Indicator Flickers Or Is Intermittent
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- N1 CHECK THE DTCS IN THE PCM
- Key in OFF position.
- Connect the diagnostic tool.
- Key in ON position.
- With the key ON, engine OFF, check the PCM for DTCs with the diagnostic tool.
- Do generator DTCs exist?
- Yes : GO to the appropriate pinpoint test listed in the Symptom Chart.
- No : GO to N2.
- N2 CHECK THE BATTERY VOLTAGE
- Key in START position.
- With the key ON, engine running, and all the accessories turned off, measure the voltage at the battery while varying the engine rpm.
- Is the voltage greater than 15.5 volts?
- Yes : GO to PINPOINT TEST O .
- No : GO to N3.
- N3 CHECK THE CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR OPERATION
- Key in OFF position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool: Active Commands.
- Key in ON position.
- With the key ON, engine OFF, enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool: Active Commands. Command the charging system warning indicator on.
- Does the charging system warning indicator illuminate?
- Yes : GO to N4.
- No : REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
- N4 CHECK THE PCM OPERATION
- Key in OFF position.
- Disconnect the diagnostic tool.
- Key in ON position.
With the key ON, engine OFF, monitor the charging system warning indicator.
- Is the lamp illuminated?
- Yes : PCM is operating correctly. RECHECK generator circuits (including generators) for intermittent shorts or opens. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : GO to N5.
- N5 CHECK FOR CORRECT PCM OPERATION
- Disconnect all the PCM connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the PCM connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
- Yes : INSTALL a new PCM. REFER to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - DIESEL ENGINE . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.
- No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test. TEST the system for normal operation.