Generator Control Circuit Malfunction
Table of contents
P0620 PONTIAC Possible Causes
- Battery charge
- Faulty Voltage Regulator
- Faulty Generator
- Generator harness is open or shorted
- Generator circuit poor electrical connection
- Engine Control Module (ECM) controlled generator
- Faulty ECM
How do I fix code P0620 PONTIAC?
Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.
Cost of diagnosing the P0620 PONTIAC code
The cost of diagnosing the P0620 PONTIAC code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle’s make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.
When is the code detected
The Engine Control Module (ECM) has fault detection circuitry which monitors the state of the generator turn on signal circuit. If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, this P0620 code will set. The voltage regulator also contains fault detection circuitry. If the regulator detects a problem, the regulator will ground the generator turn on signal circuit, pulling the voltage low. This also causes the ECM to set the P0620 code.
Possible Symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
P0620 PONTIAC Description
The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses the generator turn on signal circuit to control the generator. A high side driver within the ECM allows the ECM to turn the generator ON and OFF. When Generator operation is desired, the ECM sends a 5 volt signal to the voltage regulator via the generator turn on signal circuit. This causes the voltage regulator to begin controlling the generator field circuit. Once the Generator is enabled by the ECM, the voltage regulator controls generator output independently of the ECM. Under certain operating conditions, the ECM can turn Off the generator by turning Off the 5 volt signal on the generator turn on signal circuit.