GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The EBCM and the PCM simultaneously control the traction control. The PCM reduces the amount of torque supplied to the drive wheels by retarding spark timing and selectively turning off fuel injectors. The EBCM actively applies the brakes to the front wheels in order to reduce torque.

The EBCM sends a requested torque message via a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the PCM. The duty cycle of the signal is used to determine how much engine torque the EBCM is requesting the PCM to deliver. Normal values are between 10 and 90 percent duty cycle. The signal should be at 90 percent when traction control is not active and at lower values during traction control activations. The PCM supplies a pull up voltage of 5 volts that the EBCM switches to ground to create the signal.

The PCM sends a delivered torque message via a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the EBCM. The duty cycle of the signal is used to determine how much engine torque the PCM is delivering. Normal values are between 10 and 90 percent duty cycle. The signal should be at low values (around 10 percent) at idle and higher values under driving conditions. The EBCM supplies a pull up voltage of 12 volts that the PCM switches to ground to create the signal.

When certain PCM DTCs are set, the PCM will not be able to perform the torque reduction portion of traction control. A serial data message is sent to the EBCM indicating that traction control is not allowed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM diagnoses a condition preventing the engine control portion of the traction control function and sends a serial data message to the EBCM indicating that torque reduction is not allowed. The PCM will typically set a DTC and the EBCM will set this DTC.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

If equipped, the following actions occur:

    â€¢ The EBCM disables the TCS/VSES for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    â€¢ The Traction Control and Active Handling indicator turns ON.
    â€¢ The DIC displays the following messages:
       - Service Traction System
       - Service Active Handling
    â€¢ The ABS remains functional.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    â€¢ The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
    â€¢ The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

This DTC is for information only. As an aid to the technician, this DTC indicates that there are no problems in the ABS/TCS system.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 5.7L

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS