GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The ABS 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. This check will direct you to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint. The EBCM/EBTCM is a 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 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 useful in locating an intermittent malfunction. Faulty electrical connections or wiring causes most intermitting problems. When an intermitting condition is suspected, inspect the suspected circuits for the following conditions:

    • Poor mating of the connector halves or backed out terminals
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Wire chafing
    • Poor wire to terminal connections
    • Damage to the connector bodies

If the DTC is a history DTC, then 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 General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Connect or install all previously disconnected or removed components.
  2. Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to the RUN position with the engine OFF.
  3. Plug a Scan Tool into the DLC.

Does the Scan Tool communicate with the EBCM/EBTCM?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 2

2

Does the scan tool communicate with other modules on the class 2 line?

--

Go to No Communication with Electronic Brake Control Module/Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Data Link Communications in Data Link Communications

3

  1. With the Scan Tool in the ABS/TCS Special Functions, attempt to run the AUTOMATED Test.
  2. Read the ABS/TCS DTCs.

Are any DTCs present?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 4

4

Cycle the ignition from the OFF to the RUN position with the engine off.

Does the ABS indicator turn On then Off?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Does the ABS indicator stay on?

--

Go to ABS Indicator Always On

Go to ABS Indicator Inoperative

6

Is the vehicle TCS equipped?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

Cycle the ignition from the OFF to the RUN position with the engine off.

Does the Traction Off indicator turn On then Off?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Does the Traction Off indicator stay on?

--

Go to Traction Off Indicator Always On

Go to Traction Off Indicator Inoperative

9

Are there any history DTCs?

--

Go to Step 10

System OK

10

  1. Refer to the appropriate DTC table for the history DTC.
  2. Read the Diagnostic Aids and the Conditions for Setting the DTC.
  3. Drive the vehicle above 24 km/h (15 mph) for several minutes while monitoring the Scan Tool for ABS/TCS DTCs.

Does the history DTC set as a current DTC while the vehicle is being driven?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK