P0689 on 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse: Stalling, Causes, and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2017 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

The Chevrolet Traverse from this era, along with its GM Lambda platform siblings (GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave), has a well-documented weakness in the Underhood Bussed Electrical Center (UBEC), also known as the fuse box. A specific terminal is prone to losing tension, leading to arcing, corrosion, and a poor connection that starves the ECM of power. This design flaw is so common that GM has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address it, making it the primary suspect for a P0689 code on these vehicles. A class-action lawsuit was also filed regarding this fuse block defect, alleging that GM was aware of the issue where terminals lose tension, causing stalling and other electrical malfunctions.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine stalling intermittently, often while driving.
• Reduced Engine Power message displayed on the dashboard.
• Vehicle fails to start, even though the starter may crank.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Traction Control or Stabilitrak warning lights may illuminate.
• ABS light may turn on.
🎬 Watch this video to see these stalling symptoms in action.
• Engine continues to run even after the key is removed.

Most Likely Causes

1. Poor Terminal Tension/Corrosion at Underhood Fuse Box (UBEC) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuse Box This is a known design issue documented in GM TSBs #PIT5643 and #19NA276. Terminal 51 of the X3 connector on the UBEC is prone to losing tension, causing arcing, heat, and corrosion that disrupts power to the ECM. The arcing creates a small black or brown spot that can be hard to see without magnification.
   How to confirm: Disconnect the battery. Remove the underhood fuse box and turn it over. Inspect terminal 51 of the X3 connector (the male pin on the box and the female terminal in the harness connector) for burn marks, discoloration, or corrosion. TSB #PIT5643 specifically recommends using a cell phone camera to zoom in to see the small arc spots. The damage can be very subtle, appearing as a slightly duller or darker spot compared to adjacent terminals.
   Typical fix: If damage is found, the official GM repair involves replacing the affected wire terminal in the harness with a new 'terminated lead' (GM Part #84757974). If the fuse box itself is melted or burnt at the pin, the entire UBEC must be replaced. Many owners and technicians recommend replacing both the terminal and the fuse box as the most reliable, long-term repair.
   Est. part cost: $15-$30 for the terminated lead, $250-$450 for a new UBEC.
2. Faulty ECM/PCM Power Relay ⚪ Low Probability While a faulty relay is a common cause for this code on many vehicles, on the Traverse it is far less likely than the UBEC terminal issue. Owners often replace the relay first without success. The underlying issue is the terminal that holds the relay, not the relay itself.
   How to confirm: Swap the ECM power relay with an identical relay from a non-critical circuit (like the horn) in the fuse box. If the problem disappears or changes, the relay is faulty. This is a quick, low-cost diagnostic step but rarely solves the problem on this platform.
   Typical fix: Replace the relay.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) The ECM is rarely the cause of this code. It should only be considered after the UBEC, wiring, and relays have been thoroughly inspected and ruled out.
• Poor Battery Connection or Ground: A loose or corroded main battery terminal or a bad engine/chassis ground can cause various low-voltage issues. While not the most direct cause for P0689, it's a basic check that should not be overlooked.
• Faulty Ignition Switch: An internal failure of the ignition switch can cause P1682 and related power issues, but it is a much less common cause than the UBEC terminal problem for the P0689 code. Some owners have replaced this part without resolving the stalling.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle for all stored trouble codes. Note if P1682 is present with P0689, as this is highly indicative of the known UBEC issue.
2. Check the battery and its terminals. Ensure the battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean and tight.
3. As per GM TSB #19NA276, the primary diagnostic step is to inspect the Underhood Fuse Box (UBEC).
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
5. Remove the UBEC. This involves unclipping the cover, disconnecting the main power leads (typically 13mm nuts), loosening two Phillips head screws to release the connectors, and unclipping the box from its housing.
🎬 See a walkthrough of how to replace the fuse box.
6. Carefully turn the UBEC over to access the large connectors on the bottom.
7. Inspect terminal 51 of the X3 connector for any signs of arcing, burning, melting, or corrosion. Compare it to surrounding terminals. Use a phone camera with zoom to get a clear view of the pin and the corresponding female terminal in the harness.
8. If damage is found, perform the repair outlined in the TSBs (replace the terminal lead and/or the UBEC).
9. If no damage is visible, check the pin fit (tension) of the female terminal. If it feels looser than adjacent terminals, it should be replaced.
10. If the issue persists after the UBEC and terminal have been confirmed good, use a digital multimeter to test for proper voltage and continuity at the relay socket and along the circuit to the ECM, following the vehicle's wiring diagram.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Underhood Fuse Box (UBEC) (OEM #23400196 (superceded by 85020359)) — This is the most common point of failure. The internal connection at pin 51 becomes damaged from arcing, requiring replacement of the entire unit. Part number can vary based on options like a tow package. The latest part number, 85020359, replaces several previous versions.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $300-$450
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$350
• Terminated Lead (Wire Terminal) (OEM #84757974) — If the fuse box pin is not damaged, GM's official repair is to replace the female terminal in the harness connector with this updated part to restore proper tension. This part number replaces older versions 19301751 and 19301767.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM)
  OEM price range: $15-$30
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20
• ECM/PCM Power Relay — A faulty relay can cause this code, but it is an uncommon cause on this specific vehicle. It's often replaced as a low-cost first step before the real issue (the UBEC) is found.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$25

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1682 — This code, for 'Ignition 1 Switch Circuit 2', is almost always found with P0689 on this vehicle. Both codes are mentioned together in GM TSBs #PIT5643 and #19NA276 as being caused by the same UBEC terminal issue. Their appearance together is a very strong confirmation 🎬 Watch a mobile mechanic diagnose and repair these specific codes. of the fuse box problem.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #19NA276: 'Potential Reduced Engine Power Message Displayed and/or Engine Stall with DTCs P1682 and/or P0689 Set.' Confirms the cause as poor terminal tension on terminal 51 in the underhood fuse block and provides the official repair procedure to replace the terminal lead.
• Bulletin #PIT5643: 'Intermittent Reduced Engine Power or Stall with P0689 and/or P1682.' A preliminary bulletin identifying arcing/corrosion on terminal 51 of the X3 connector at the UBEC as the likely cause and recommending replacement of the UBEC and the terminal if arcing is found.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A widespread issue with poor terminal tension on terminal 51 of the X3 connector at the UBEC is the primary cause of this code, as documented in TSBs #PIT5643 and #19NA276.
• This issue was the subject of a class-action lawsuit (Casey v. General Motors LLC), which alleged the fuse block design was defective, leading to intermittent power loss and stalling.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• ECM/PCM Power Relay Sense Circuit Voltage — expected: 12.0V - 13.5V with key in 'ON' position.. Failure: Voltage is significantly lower than battery voltage, or drops intermittently. A reading below 11V can trigger the code.
• ECM/PCM Power Relay Coil Resistance — expected: Typically 70-120 Ω.. Failure: Resistance is outside the specified range (open or shorted).
• Continuity of wiring from relay to ECM — expected: Less than 0.1 Ω.. Failure: Resistance is higher than 0.1 Ω, indicating corrosion or a damaged wire.
• GDS2 Scan Tool Live Data Comparison — expected: Ignition 1 Signal Voltage and Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback voltage should be nearly identical (e.g., both reading ~12V).. Failure: A significant discrepancy between the two readings, such as one at 11.8V and the other at 1.4V, points to a fault in the relay feedback circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2): Module Diagnostics -> ECM -> Data Display — To monitor and compare 'Ignition 1 Signal' voltage against 'Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback' voltage in real-time. A discrepancy confirms the fault is active.
• GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2): Vehicle DTC Information -> Clear All DTCs — After the repair is complete, this function is used to clear P0689 and any related codes from all vehicle modules to turn off the Check Engine Light.
• GM GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2): Output Controls (e.g., for relays, lights, etc.) — While there isn't a specific bidirectional command for the ECM power relay itself, GDS2's output control functions allow a technician to test other circuits controlled by the BCM and other modules to verify their operation, helping to isolate the problem to the ECM power supply.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• X3 Connector — The largest multi-pin connector on the bottom of the Underhood Fuse Box (UBEC).. This is the location of the infamous Terminal 51, which provides power to the ECM. Poor tension and arcing at this specific pin is the number one cause of P0689 on this platform.
• G110 — Right rear of the engine, mounted to the back of the cylinder head.. This is a critical engine ground. A loose or corroded G110 ground can cause a multitude of electrical issues, including communication errors and intermittent no-start conditions that can mimic or contribute to the P0689 fault.
• G302 — Near the base of the right-hand (passenger side) 'B' pillar.. This is an interior body ground. In one documented case on a 2015 Traverse, a bad G302 ground (due to water intrusion) caused bizarre electrical behavior, demonstrating the importance of checking major grounds when diagnosing complex electrical faults.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Sparky's Answers' (2014 GMC Acadia (Lambda Platform mate)) — Intermittent stalling, codes P0689 and P1682 stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial inspection of fuse box bolts.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Upon removing the UBEC, a small, dark arc mark was found on pin 51. The final repair was replacing the entire UBEC (fuse box) and the corresponding female wire terminal in the X3 connector harness.
• Chevy HHR Network forum (2006 Chevrolet HHR (Different platform, but same codes and similar GM electrical architecture)) — Cranks and dies immediately, codes P1682 and P0689.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing ECM, TCM, and BCM., Replacing the underhood fuse box once., Checking relays, grounds, and voltage at fuses.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was finally resolved by replacing the underhood fuse box for a second time. The post suggests the first replacement part may have also been faulty, and the third fuse box (the second replacement) fixed the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 23400196 → 84215666, 84516213, 84922665, and finally 85020359 — GM frequently updates part numbers to reflect design revisions, manufacturing changes, or consolidation of inventory. For a critical, known-failure part like the UBEC, these supersessions likely represent attempts to improve the design and prevent the terminal tension issue.
  Heads up: When ordering a replacement UBEC, it is critical to use the vehicle's VIN to ensure the correct and latest part number is sourced, as there are variations based on vehicle options (e.g., tow package). Using an older part number may re-introduce the original design flaw.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2017: The 2013 model year marked a significant mid-cycle refresh for the Traverse and its Lambda siblings, which included updated electronics, styling, and some drivetrain tweaks. However, the fundamental electrical architecture, including the 3.6L V6 engine and the problematic UBEC design, remained consistent throughout the 2013-2017 model years, making them all equally susceptible to the P0689 issue.