Possible causes

– Battery charge
– Faulty Generator
– Generator harness is open or shorted
– Generator circuit poor electrical connection
– Engine Control Module (ECM) controlled generator
– Faulty ECM

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.

Symptoms

– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

P0620 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.

P0620 Information for specific makes

P0620 CADILLAC
P0620 FORD
P0620 GMC
P0620 MAZDA
P0620 BUICK
P0620 CHEVROLET
P0620 PONTIAC
P0620 SATURN
P0620 BMW