DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground. Buick Century 1998

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Century 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Antilock Brake System 🢒 DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground

DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground 2

Data Link Connector Schematics
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
ABS Components
Antilock Brake System Schematics

Circuit Description

DTC C1278 identifies a brake solenoid valve that cannot be energized. The malfunction may be caused by one of the following conditions:

•	An open in the solenoid valve circuitry

•	The solenoid valve is always energized due to a short to ground in the solenoid valve circuitry between the driver and the brake solenoid valve.

An open will not allow proper ABS operation, but the short to ground simply turns on the brake solenoid valve. A path for base brakes is still allowed once the motor rehomes and the check ball is lifted off its seat during key to RUN initialization.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C1278 can set only when the solenoid is commanded off while the Electronic Brake Control Relay is enabled.

A malfunction exists if the EBCM/EBTCM detects the right front brake solenoid valve control circuit voltage is not within specifications.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	A malfunction DTC stores.

•	The ABS/ETS/TCS disables.

•	The amber ABS/ETS/TCS warning indicator(s) turn on.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

•	The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the Scan Tool Clear DTCs function is used.

•	100 drive cycles pass with no DTC(s) detected.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:

•	A poor connection

•	Rubbed-through wire insulation

•	A broken wire inside the insulation

Use the enhanced diagnostic function of the Scan Tool in order to measure the frequency of the malfunction. Refer to the Scan Tool manual for the procedure.

Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may cause the intermittent complaint for the following conditions:

•	Backed out terminals

•	Improper mating

•	Broken locks

•	Improperly formed or damaged terminals

•	Poor terminal-to-wiring connections

•	Physical damage to the wiring harness

Important: Zero the J 39200 test leads before making any resistance measurements. Refer to the J 39200 user's manual.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Was the Diagnostic System Check performed?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Disconnect the 24-way EBCM/EBTCM connector C1.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the 24-way EBCM/EBTCM harness connector C1 terminal B6 and ground.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

(Infinite)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 12

Disconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the 24-way EBCM/EBTCM harness connector C1 terminal B6 and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector terminal B.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 15

Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the right front ABS brake solenoid valve connector terminal A and the right front brake solenoid valve connector terminal B.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

2.0-5.0 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 16

Use a J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the Electronic Brake Control Relay harness connector terminal A2 and the right front brake solenoid valve connector terminal A.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

Inspect the 24-way EBCM/EBTCM connector C1 and the 24-way EBCM harness connector C1 for the following conditions:

•	Terminal damage

•	Poor terminal contact

•	Terminal corrosion

Inspect the right front brake solenoid valve connector and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector for the following conditions:

•	Terminal damage

•	Poor terminal contact

•	Terminal corrosion

Are terminal corrosion, damaged terminals, or poor terminal contact evident?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 7

Inspect CKT 1289 for damage. Damage may cause a short to ground with all the connectors connected.

Is there damage which may cause a short to ground with the connectors connected?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 8

Reconnect the 24-way EBCM/EBTCM connector C1.
Reconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

Do not start the engine.

Use the Scan Tool in order to inspect for DTCs.

Does DTC C1278 set as a current DTC?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

Remove the ABS Fuse (20A) from the engine wiring harness junction block 2.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the terminals of the ABS Fuse (20A).

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 19

Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the Electronic Brake Control Relay harness connector terminal A2 and the terminal A1.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 20

Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the terminal A2 and the left front brake solenoid valve harness connector terminal A.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 21

Disconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the right front brake solenoid valve connector terminal A and ground.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

(Infinite)

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

Replace the ABS Fuse (20A) with a known good Fuse (20A).

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Step 8

Repair the short to ground in CKT 1289.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Diagnostic System Check

Repair the open or high resistance in CKT 1289.

Is the repair complete?