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P1637 Bad PCM?

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Old 08-22-2018, 02:39 AM
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FoxZ06
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Default P1637 Bad PCM?

2003 Z06

I have the code P1637 (Generator L-Terminal Circuit) and I'm looking for some help resolving it hoping it's not my PCM. I got this car on the cheap and have been fixing all the problems with it. This is my very last code and it will be a huge relief when it is gone.

My voltage was a tad low at 13.5-8 (running) so this is what I have done so far...

- Replaced regulator in the alternator - now reads ~14.5 running - this is the one I purchased https://www.ebay.com/itm/221824904744
- Replaced the battery (had a brand new one in a 4th gen parts car I bought - not just throwing money at it)
- Checked all the grounds
- Checked all the connections on the starter solenoid
- Verified the alternator is the correct 145 amp - Note: it is NOT a Valeo alternator and I know that could potentially be an issue. However I want to be 1000% sure before I drop that kinda money.

I still am getting the code, charge system fault, and service engine soon on my DIC. The voltage has no notable drop with accessories on even for extended periods. (headlights, radio, etc). The voltage is being checked with a multimeter, not just running off the gauge.

Specs on the car if they matter:
Ported 243 heads
Ported LS2 Intake
Comp Cam
Forged Internals
Longtubes

Last edited by FoxZ06; 08-23-2018 at 07:45 PM.
Old 08-22-2018, 07:33 AM
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lionelhutz
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What are the voltages on the L terminal with engine off key on and with engine running?

Does it begin to charge within a second or two when it is started?

If you use the correct regulator then you don't need the rest of the alternator to say Valeo on it.
Old 08-22-2018, 02:47 PM
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FoxZ06
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I must admit I am a total electrical dummy, so don’t laugh at me if I’m stupid :P. The L terminal is the red wire? So I need to have one end on the red wire and one on a ground?
Old 08-22-2018, 06:11 PM
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L wire is the smaller red wire in the connector on terminal B. Yes, meter on the red wire and ground - alternator case will work. Do it with the connector plugged in so you have to back probe the wire.
Old 08-22-2018, 07:00 PM
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FoxZ06
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I tested the red wire closest to the driver side, I believe that is the correct one. I also did the battery again since I was there.

0 off
.7 key on
.765 engine on

Battery
12.85 off
14.98 on
Old 08-22-2018, 10:23 PM
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lionelhutz
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Those measurements aren't correct. It should be around 10V with the engine running. I think it should be higher with the key on and engine off too but I'd have to double check.
Old 08-22-2018, 11:49 PM
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FoxZ06
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Like I said, I am pretty dumb when it comes to electrical. But this is what it is reading with the engine on
Old 08-23-2018, 06:48 AM
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Check it with the key on while the plug is disconnected.
Old 08-23-2018, 06:21 PM
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FoxZ06
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On the inside of the plug

0 off
10.48 key on
Old 08-23-2018, 08:02 PM
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lionelhutz
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That's what I would expect with it unplugged. I would tend to suspect the regulator is bad. Apparently, depending on the year of car it could have used 1 of 2 different regulators. I think the M520 is correct, and the other was maybe a M521.
Old 08-23-2018, 08:23 PM
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I just installed the new M520, and while it brought my voltage up a bit it didn't get the message to go away. I've reset it a couple of times with no luck.

I got the M520 based off of this thread
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-issues.html

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