GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 393791  Size: MF
ABS Components
Antilock Brake System Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The EBCM/EBTCM Diagnostic System Check is an organized approach to identify problems associated with the EBCM/EBTCM. This check must be the starting point for any EBCM/EBTCM complaint, and will direct you to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint. The EBCM/EBTCM is a very reliable component and is not likely the cause of the malfunction. Most system complaints are linked to faulty wiring, connectors, and occasionally to components. Understanding the ABS system and using the tables correctly will reduce diagnostic time and prevent unnecessary parts replacement.

Diagnostic Aids

    • An intermittent failure in the electronic system may be very difficult to detect and to accurately diagnose. The EBCM/EBTCM tests for different malfunctions under different vehicle conditions. For this reason, a thorough test drive is often needed in order to repeat a malfunction. If the system malfunction is not repeated during the test drive, a good description of the complaint may be very useful in locating an intermittent malfunction. Faulty electrical connections or wiring causes most intermittent problems. When an intermittent condition is suspected, check the suspected circuits for the following conditions:
       - Poor mating of connector halves or backed out terminals
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals
       - Wire chafing
       - Poor wire to terminal connections
       - Dirty or corroded terminals
       - Damage to connector bodies
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur. Perform a thorough inspection of all related wiring and connectors pertaining to the history DTC stored. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

ABS Diagnostic System Check

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Reconnect all previously disconnected components.
  2. Cycle the Ignition switch from the OFF to ON position, engine OFF.
  3. Plug a scan tool into the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC).

Does the Scan Tool communicate with the EBCM/EBTCM?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Data Link Communications

2

Check for stored DTCs using the scan tool.

Are there any current Diagnostic Trouble Codes?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List for the Applicable DTC

Go to Step 3

3

Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to ON position, engine off.

Does the ANTILOCK Indicator come On then go Off after several seconds?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to ON position, engine off.

Does the LOW TRAC Indicator come On then go Off after several seconds?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to ON position, engine off.

Does the TRAC OFF (Traction Control) Indicator come On then go Off after several seconds?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to ON position, engine off.

Does the LOW TIRE Indicator come On then go Off after several seconds?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

7

Does the ANTILOCK Indicator come On and stay On?

--

Go to ABS Indicator Always On

Go to ABS Indicator Inoperative

8

Does the LOW TRAC Indicator come On and stay On?

--

Go to Low Traction Indicator Always On

Go to Low Traction Indicator Inoperative

9

Does the TRAC OFF (Traction Control) Indicator come ON and stay ON?

--

Go to Traction Control Indicator Always On

Go to Traction Control Indicator Inoperative

10

Does the LOW TIRE Indicator come On and stay On?

--

Go to Low Tire Pressure Indicator Always On

Go to Low Tire Pressure Indicator Inoperative

11

Are there any history DTCs?

--

Go to Step 12

System OK

12

  1. Refer to the appropriate DTC table for the history DTC.
  2. Read the diagnostic aids, and conditions for setting the DTC.
  3. Carefully drive the vehicle duplicating the conditions for setting the history DTC.
  4. Monitor the vehicle with the scan tool for ABS DTCs.

Did the history DTC set as a current DTC while the vehicle was being driven?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List for the Applicable DTC

System OK