2010 Chevrolet Traverse LS

2010 ELECTRICAL Engine Electrical - Acadia, Enclave, Outlook & Traverse

CHARGING SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Electrical Power Management (EPM) Overview

The electrical power management (EPM) system is designed to monitor and control the charging system and
send diagnostic messages to alert the driver of possible problems with the battery and generator. This EPM
system primarily utilizes existing on-board computer capability to maximize the effectiveness of the
generator, to manage the load, improve battery state-of-charge and life, and minimize the system's impact on
fuel economy. The EPM system performs 3 functions:

l It monitors the battery voltage and estimates the battery condition.

l It takes corrective actions by boosting idle speeds, and adjusting the regulated voltage.
l It performs diagnostics and driver notification.

The battery condition is estimated during ignition-off and during ignition-on. During ignition-off the state-
of-charge (SOC) of the battery is determined by measuring the open-circuit voltage. The SOC is a function
of the acid concentration and the internal resistance of the battery, and is estimated by reading the battery
open circuit voltage when the battery has been at rest for several hours.

The SOC can be used as a diagnostic tool to tell the customer or the dealer the condition of the battery.
Throughout ignition-on, the algorithm continuously estimates SOC based on adjusted net amp hours, battery
capacity, initial SOC, and temperature.

While running, the battery degree of discharge is primarily determined by a battery current sensor, which is
integrated to obtain net amp hours.

In addition, the EPM function is designed to perform regulated voltage control (RVC) to improve battery
SOC, battery life, and fuel economy. This is accomplished by using knowledge of the battery SOC and
temperature to set the charging voltage to an optimum battery voltage level for recharging without detriment
to battery life.

The Charging System Description and Operation is divided into 3 sections. The first section describes the
charging system components and their integration into the EPM. The second section describes charging
system operation. The third section describes the instrument panel cluster (IPC) operation of the charge
indicator, driver information center (DIC) messages, and voltmeter operation.

Charging System Components

Generator

The generator is a serviceable component. If there is a diagnosed failure of the generator it must be replaced
as an assembly. The engine drive belt drives the generator. When the rotor is spun it induces an alternating
current (AC) into the stator windings. The AC voltage is then sent through a series of diodes for
rectification. The rectified voltage has been converted into a direct current (DC) for use by the vehicles
electrical system to maintain electrical loads and the battery charge. The voltage regulator integral to the
generator controls the output of the generator. It is not serviceable. The voltage regulator controls the
amount of current provided to the rotor. If the generator has field control circuit failure, the generator
defaults to an output voltage of 13.8 volts.

Body Control Module (BCM)

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 2010 Chevrolet Traverse LS
2010 ELECTRICAL Engine Electrical - Acadia, Enclave, Outlook & Traverse

The body control module (BCM) is a GMLAN device. It communicates with the engine control module
(ECM) and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) for electrical power management (EPM) operation. The BCM
determines the output of the generator and sends the information to the ECM for control of the generator
field control circuit. It monitors the generator field duty cycle signal circuit information sent from the ECM
for control of the generator. It monitors a battery current sensor, the battery positive voltage circuit, and
estimated battery temperature to determine battery state of charge (SOC). The BCM performs idle boost.

Battery Current Sensor

The battery current sensor is attached to the positive battery cable, and is not serviceable. If the current
sensor requires replacement the positive battery cable must be replaced. The battery current sensor is a 3-
wire hall effect current sensor. The battery current sensor monitors the battery current. It directly inputs to
the BCM. It creates a 5-volt pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100
percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5-95 percent. Between 0-5 percent and 95-100 percent are for
diagnostic purposes.

Engine Control Module (ECM)

The ECM directly controls the generator field control circuit input to the generator. The ECM receives
control decisions based on messages from the BCM. It monitors the generators generator field duty cycle
signal circuit and sends the information to the BCM.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

The IPC provides a means of customer notification in case of a failure and a voltmeter. There are 2 means of
notification, a charge indicator and a driver information center (DIC) message of SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM.

Charging System Operation

The purpose of the charging system is to maintain the battery charge and vehicle loads. There are 6 modes
of operation and they include:

l Battery Sulfation Mode

l Charge Mode
l Fuel Economy Mode
l Headlamp Mode
l Start Up Mode
l Voltage Reduction Mode

The engine control module (ECM) controls the generator through the generator field control circuit. It
monitors the generator performance though the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. The ECM controls
the generator through the generator field control circuit. The signal is a 5-volt pulse width modulation
(PWM) signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5-95 percent.
Between 0-5 percent and 95-100 percent are for diagnostic purposes. The following table shows the
commanded duty cycle and output voltage of the generator:

Commanded Duty Cycle Generator Output Voltage

10% 11 V
20% 11.56 V

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 2010 Chevrolet Traverse LS
2010 ELECTRICAL Engine Electrical - Acadia, Enclave, Outlook & Traverse

30% 12.12 V
40% 12.68 V
50% 13.25 V
60% 13.81 V
70% 14.37 V
80% 14.94 V
90% 15.5 V

The generator provides a feedback signal of the generator voltage output through the generator field duty
cycle signal circuit to the ECM. This information is sent to the body control module (BCM). The signal is a
5-volt PWM signal of 128 Hz with a duty cycle of 0-100 percent. Normal duty cycle is between 5-99
percent. Between 0-5 percent and 100 percent are for diagnostic purposes.

Battery Sulfation Mode

The BCM will enter this mode when the interpreted generator output voltage is less than 13.2 volts for 45
minutes. When this condition exists the BCM will enter Charge Mode for 2-3 minutes. The BCM will then
determine which mode to enter depending on voltage requirements.

Charge Mode

The BCM will enter Charge Mode when ever one of the following conditions are met.

l The wipers are ON for than 3 seconds.

l GMLAN (Climate Control Voltage Boost Mode Request) is true, as sensed by the HVAC control
head. High speed cooling fan, rear defogger and HVAC high speed blower operation can cause the
BCM to enter the Charge Mode.
l The estimated battery temperature is less than 0°C (32°F).
l Battery State of Charge is less than 80 percent.
l Vehicle Speed is greater than 145 km/h (90 mph)
l Current Sensor Fault Exists
l System Voltage was determined to be below 12.56 Volts

When any one of these conditions is met, the system will set targeted generator output voltage to a charging
voltage between 13.9V and 15.5V, depending on the battery state of charge and estimated battery
temperature.

Fuel Economy Mode

The BCM will enter Fuel Economy Mode when the estimated battery temperature is at least 0°C (32°F) but
less than or equal to 80°C (176°F), the calculated battery current is less than 15 amperes and greater than -8
amperes, and the battery SOC is greater than or equal to 80 percent. Its targeted generator output voltage is
the open circuit voltage of the battery and can be between 12.5 and 13.1 volts. The BCM will exit this mode
and enter Charge Mode when any of the conditions described above are present.

Headlamp Mode

The BCM will enter Headlamp Mode when ever the headlamps are ON (high or low beams). Voltage will
be regulated between 13.9 and 14.5 volts.

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 2010 Chevrolet Traverse LS
2010 ELECTRICAL Engine Electrical - Acadia, Enclave, Outlook & Traverse

Start Up Mode

When the engine is started the BCM sets a targeted generator output voltage of 14.5 volts for 30 seconds.

Voltage Reduction Mode

The BCM will enter Voltage Reduction Mode when the calculated ambient air temperature is above 0°C
(32°F). The calculated battery current is less than 1 ampere and greater than -7 amperes, and the generator
field duty cycle is less than 99 percent. Its targeted generator output voltage is 12.9 volts. The BCM will exit
this mode once the criteria are met for Charge Mode.

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Operation

Charge Indicator Operation

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the charge indicator and displays a warning message in the
driver information center (DIC) when the one or more of the following occurs:

l The engine control module (ECM) detects that the generator output is less than 11 volts or greater
than 16 volts. The IPC receives a GMLAN message from the ECM requesting illumination.
l The IPC determines that the system voltage is less than 11 volts or greater than 16 volts for more than
30 seconds. The IPC receives a GMLAN message from the body control module (BCM) indicating
there is a system voltage range concern.
l The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for
approximately 3 seconds.
l The ignition is ON, with the engine OFF.

Battery Voltage

The IPC voltage gauge displays the system voltage as received from the BCM over the GMLAN serial data
circuit. If there is no communication with the BCM, the DIC display will read all dashes and the voltage
gauge will be at minimum until communication is restored.

SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

The BCM and the ECM will send a GMLAN message to the DIC for the SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM message to be displayed. It is commanded ON when a charging system DTC is a
current DTC. The message is turned OFF when the conditions for clearing the DTC have been met.

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