U185A
DTC U185A
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC U185A
- Lost Communication with Battery Energy Control Module on High Voltage Energy Management CAN Bus
For symptom byte information, refer to Symptom Byte List Symptom Byte List.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
Devices connected to the serial data circuits monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the devices. The devices have prerecorded information about what messages are needed to be exchanged on the serial data circuits, for each virtual network. The messages are supervised and also, some periodic messages are used by the receiver device as an availability indication of the transmitter device. Each message contains the identification number of the transmitter device.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The system voltage is more than 10 V.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
A supervised periodic message that includes the transmitter device availability has not been received for more than 500 ms.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTC U185A is a type A DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
DTC U185A is a type A DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
* Sometimes, while diagnosing a specific customer concern or after a repair, you may notice a history U-code present. However, there is no associated "current" or "active" status. Loss-of- communication U-codes such as these can set for a variety of reasons. Many times, they are transparent to the vehicle operator and technician, and/or have no associated symptoms. Eventually, they will erase themselves automatically after a number of fault-free ignition cycles. This condition would most likely be attributed to one of these scenarios:
- A device on the data communication circuit was disconnected while the communication circuit is awake.
- Power to one or more devices was interrupted during diagnosis.
- A low battery condition was present, so some devices stop communicating when battery voltage drops below a certain threshold.
- Battery power was restored to the vehicle and devices on the communication circuit did not all re-initialize at the same time.
- If a loss-of-communication U-code appears in history for no apparent reason, it is most likely associated with one of the scenarios above. These are all temporary conditions and should never be interpreted as an intermittent fault, causing you to replace a part.
* A device may have a U-code stored in history that does not require any repairs. Issues with late or corrupted messages between devices can be temporary with no apparent symptom or complaint; this does not mean the device is faulty. Do not replace a device based only on a history U-code.
* Do not replace a device reporting a U-code. The U-code identifies which device needs to be diagnosed for a communication issue.
* Communication may be available between the device and the scan tool with one or more GMLAN serial data systems inoperative. This condition is due to the device using multiple GMLAN busses.
* Use Data Link References Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview to determine what GMLAN serial data communications the non communicating device uses.
* The device may not have internal protection for specific control circuits and may open a B+ or ignition fuse. If a fuse is open and the B+ or ignition circuit is not shorted to ground, ensure none of the control circuits are shorted to ground before replacing the non communicating device.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
* Data Communication Schematics [1][2]Electrical Diagrams
* Hybrid Energy Storage Schematics Hybrid Energy Storage Schematics
* Control Module References Programming and Relearning
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Hybrid/EV Battery Pack X1
Description and Operation
Data Link Communications Description and Operation Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Programming and Relearning for scan tool information
Special Tools
* EL-48900 - HEV Safety Kit
* EL-50211 - Low Voltage Jumper Harness Extension
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.
Circuit/System Verification
1. Vehicle in Service Mode.
2. Verify that DTC U1838 is not set.
• If DTC U1838 is set
Refer to DTC U007A U007A.
3. Verify that DTC U0111 is not set.
• If DTC U0111 is set
Refer to DTC U0100-U02FF U0100.
• If DTC U0111 is not set
4. Verify that DTC U0073, U0074, U0077, U0078, U007A, P06E4, P1EB9, U1814, U2099, B1325, B1330, B1370, B1380, B1424, B1428, B1440, B1441, B1517, C0800, C0899, C12E1, P0560, or P0562 is not set.
• If any of the DTCs are set
Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
• If none of the DTCs are set
5. Refer to Circuit/System Testing.
Circuit/System Testing
Danger: Always perform the High Voltage Disabling procedure prior to servicing any High Voltage component or connection. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and proper procedures must be followed.
The High Voltage Disabling procedure includes the following steps:
* Identify how to disable high voltage.
* Identify how to test for the presence of high voltage.
* Identify condition under which high voltage is always present and personal protection equipment (PPE) and proper procedures must be followed.
Before working on any high voltage system, be sure to wear the following Personal Protection Equipment:
* Safety glasses with appropriate side shields when within 15 meters (50 feet) of the vehicle, either indoors or outdoors.
* Certified and up-to-date Class "0" Insulation gloves rated at 1000V with leather protectors.
- Visually and functionally inspect the gloves before use.
- Wear the Insulation gloves with leather protectors at all times when working with the high voltage battery assembly, whether the system is energized or not.
Failure to follow the procedures may result in serious injury or death.
Danger: The Volt Battery Pack will utilize an exchange program. Please consult the most recent revision of bulletin/PI #PIP4841, available in Service Information (SI), for a list of approved Volt Battery Pack service procedures. Components that may be removed and serviced without exchanging the complete battery pack are identified in the bulletin/PI. Please contact the GM Technical Assistance Center if you have any questions.
Note: Use the schematics and connector end views to identify the device's ground, B+, ignition, accessory wake up serial data 2, high voltage energy management communication enable, and serial data circuit terminals.
1. Vehicle OFF, all access doors closed, all vehicle systems OFF, and all keys at least 3 meters (9.8 feet) away from vehicle. Disconnect the X1 and X2 harness connectors at the A4 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between each ground circuit terminal and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
1. Vehicle OFF.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.
• If less than 10 ohms
3. Vehicle in Service Mode.
4. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between each B+ circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is good
1. Vehicle OFF.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the B+ circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, verify the fuse is not open and there is voltage at the fuse.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is open
1. Vehicle OFF.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the B+ circuit and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance, replace the K16 Battery Energy Control Module.
• If the test lamp illuminates
5. Vehicle in Service Mode.
6. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between each ignition circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is good
1. Vehicle OFF.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ignition circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, verify the fuse is OK and there is voltage at the fuse.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is open
1. Vehicle OFF.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the ignition circuit and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance, replace the K16 Battery Energy Control Module.
• If the test lamp illuminates
7. Vehicle in Service Mode.
8. Test for 4.8-5.2 V between the high voltage fault signal circuit terminal 6 X2 and ground.
• If less than 4.8 V
1. Vehicle OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the high voltage fault signal circuit and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance
3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the high voltage fault signal circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
• If greater than 5.2 V
1. Vehicle OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2, Vehicle in Service Mode.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the high voltage fault signal circuit and ground.
• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 1 V, replace the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
• If between 4.8-5.2 V
9. Vehicle in Service Mode.
10. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between the accessory wakeup serial data 2 circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate
1. Vehicle OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the accessory wakeup serial data 2 circuit and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance
3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the accessory wakeup serial data 2 circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
• If the test lamp illuminates
11. Vehicle in Service Mode.
12. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between the high voltage energy management communication enable circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate
1. Vehicle OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the high voltage energy management communication enable circuit and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance
3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the high voltage energy management communication enable circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K114B Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.
• If the test lamp illuminates
13. Vehicle OFF, all access doors closed, all vehicle systems OFF, and all keys at least 3 meters (9.8 feet) away from vehicle. Disconnect the harness connectors at the device setting the DTC. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
14. Test for less than 2 ohms in each high voltage energy management high speed GMLAN serial data circuits end to end between the A4 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack and the device setting the DTC.
• If 2 ohms or greater
Repair the open/high resistance in the serial data circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms
15. Vehicle OFF, reconnect the X1 and X2 harness connectors at the A4 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack.
16. Perform the High Voltage Disabling procedure before proceeding with this diagnostic. Refer to High Voltage Disabling High Voltage Disabling.
17. Reconnect the 12 V battery.
18. Vehicle OFF, connect the EL-50211 low voltage jumper harness extension.
19. Disconnect the X1 harness connector at the K16 Battery Energy Control Module.
20. Test for less than 10 ohms between each ground circuit terminal and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If less than 10 ohms
21. Vehicle in Service Mode.
22. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between each B+ circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If the test lamp illuminates
23. Vehicle in Service Mode.
24. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between each ignition circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If the test lamp illuminates
25. Vehicle in Service Mode.
26. Test for 4.8-5.2 V between the high voltage fault signal circuit terminal 21 X1 and ground.
• If less than 4.8 V
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If greater than 5.2 V
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If between 4.8-5.2 V
27. Vehicle in Service Mode.
28. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between the accessory wakeup serial data 2 circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If the test lamp illuminates
29. Vehicle in Service Mode.
30. If equipped, verify a test lamp illuminates between the high voltage energy management communication enable circuit terminal and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If the test lamp illuminates
31. Vehicle OFF, all access doors closed, all vehicle systems OFF, and all keys at least 3 meters (9.8 feet) away from vehicle. Disconnect the X1 harness connector at the A4 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
32. Test for less than 2 ohms in each high voltage energy management high speed GMLAN serial data circuits end to end between the K16 Battery Energy Control Module and the A4 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack.
• If 2 ohms or greater
Replace the Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay.
• If less than 2 ohms
33. Replace the K16 Battery Energy Control Module.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.
* GMLAN Wiring Repairs GMLAN Wiring Repairs
* Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay Replacement Drive Motor Battery Wire Junction Block Relay Replacement
* Control Module References Programming and Relearning for device replacement, programming and setup