Regal V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1998)
Body Control Module: Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
Intermittents and Poor Connections
Intermittent faults in electronic systems may be very difficult to detect and to diagnose accurately. The BCM tests for different malfunctions under
different vehicle conditions. For this reason, a thorough test drive is often needed in order to repeat a fault condition. If the system malfunction is not
repeated during the drive test, a good description of the complaint may be useful in locating an intermittent fault condition. Also, perform tests while
moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to reoccur.
Faulty wires or connections cause most intermittent problems. When an intermittent condition is suspected, inspect the suspected circuits for these
conditions:
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Poor mating of connector halves, or backed out terminals.
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Improperly formed or damaged terminals.
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Wire chafing.
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Poor wire to terminal connections.
^
Dirty or corroded terminals.
^
Connector body damage.
History DTCs are those indicating that the Body Control Module (BCM) has previously detected a malfunction. The reason could be either that the
malfunction is intermittent or that the system for which the DTC is set for is not currently being operated. If the BCM displays history DTCs and the
malfunction cannot be found easily, try clearing the DTCs and manually operating the system that the DTC applies to using a Tech 2 scan tool. Read the
diagnostic aids and conditions for setting the DTC in each DTC table for more specific information. Perform a thorough inspection of all related wiring
and connectors pertaining to the history DTC that is stored.
The following conditions may result in intermittent BCM operation with no DTCs stored:
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Any condition which results in the interruption of power to the BCM.
^
The battery voltage is out of range (below 9V or above 16V).
^
A loose or damaged ground.
