GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The speed sensors used on the front of this vehicle are multiple pole and the rear uses a single pole magnetic pickup. This sensor produces an AC signal that the electronic brake control module (EBCM) uses the frequency from to calculate the wheel speed.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0245 Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Error

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition switch is ON.
    • The DTC can be set after system initialization.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right rear wheel speeds of greater than 6 km/h (3.75 mph) at a vehicle speed of less than 100 km/h (62 mph) on vehicles equipped with TCS.
    • The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right front wheel speeds of greater than 10 km/h (6.25 mph) at a vehicle speed of less than 100 km/h (62 mph).
    • The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right rear wheel speeds of greater than 6 percent of the vehicle speed at greater than 100 km/h (62 mph) on vehicles equipped with TCS.
    • The EBCM detects a deviation between the left and right front wheel speeds of greater than 4 km/h plus 6 percent of the vehicle speed at greater than 100 km/h (62 mph).

This DTC will set when the EBCM cannot specifically identify which wheel speed sensor is causing the malfunction. If the EBCM can identify the specific wheel speed sensor causing the malfunction, DTC C0245 will become a history DTC, and the DTC associated with the sensor (DTC C0036, DTC C0041, DTC C0046, DTC C0051, or DTC C0056) will be set concurrent with DTC C0245.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

If equipped, the following actions occur:

    • A malfunction DTC stores.
    • The ABS/traction control system (TCS) disables.
    • The amber ABS/TCS indicators turn ON.
    • The red BRAKE Warning indicator turn ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

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

Diagnostic Aids

    • It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.
    • Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may be causing the 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
    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:
       - A poor connection
       - Rubbed-through wire insulation
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
    • If the customer's comments reflect that the amber ABS/TCS indicator is on only during moist environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, or vehicle wash, inspect all the wheel speed sensor circuitry for signs of water intrusion. If the DTC is not current, clear all DTCs and simulate the effects of water intrusion by using the following procedure:
        1. Spray the suspected area with a 5 percent saltwater solution.

Add 2 teaspoons of salt to 12 ounces of water to make a 5 percent saltwater solution.

        2. Test drive the vehicle over various road surfaces, such as bumps, turns, etc., above 40 km/h (25 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
        3. If the DTC returns, replace the suspected harness.
    • If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If DTC C0245 is a history code, this step checks if a specific Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction DTC is set concurrently with DTC C0245.

  2. This step checks if the wheel speed sensor harness is routed in close proximity to the spark plug wires.

  3. In this step, if the scan tool can record any erroneous wheel speed sensor signals, diagnose those sensors first.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Is the following DTCs set concurrently with a history DTC C0245?

    • DTC C0036
    • DTC C0041
    • DTC C0046
    • DTC C0051
    • DTC C0056

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the wheel speed sensor for physical damage.

Is physical damage of the wheel speed sensor evident?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Replace the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement or Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Step 14

--

5

Inspect the jumper harness for physical damage.

Is physical damage of the jumper harness evident?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the jumper harness. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Wiring Harness Replacement or Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Wiring Harness Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Step 14

--

7

Check for proper routing of the wheel speed sensor harness. Check that the wheel speed sensor harness is routed away from the spark plug wires.

Is the wheel speed sensor harness properly routed?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Reroute the wheel speed sensor harness away from the spark plug wires.

Is the reroute complete?

Go to Step 14

--

9

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Set the scan tool to Snap Shot Auto Trigger mode and monitor the wheel speed sensors.
  4. Carefully drive the vehicle above 40 km/h (25 mph) for several minutes.

Did the scan tool trigger on any of the wheel speed sensors?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Note which wheel speed sensor triggered the scan tool. Follow the appropriate wheel speed sensor malfunction DTC table, for the wheel speed sensor that triggered. Refer to DTC table.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 14

--

11

  1. Reconnect all previously disconnected components.
  2. Using a scan tool clear the DTC.
  3. Remove the scan tool from the DLC.
  4. Carefully drive the vehicle above 40 km/h (25 mph) for several minutes.

Does the DTC reset as a current DTC?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

The malfunction is intermittent. Inspect all connectors and harnesses for damage that may result in an open or high resistance when connected. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the electronic brake control module (EBCM). Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Step 14

--

14

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC, as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK