GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension (CVRSS) module estimates the road surface and communicates that information to the Electronic Brake Control module (EBCM). The CVRSS module provides a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal to the EBCM through the left and right normal force signal circuits. The CVRSS module sends each normal force value twice to the EBCM. The possible values of the PWM duty cycle are 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%, with the valid range from 10-90%. The EBCM uses this information to provide improved rough-road braking performance.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C0635 or C0640

The DTC is set when the CVRSS module measures a feedback voltage less than a preset value during five consecutive normal force signal output OFF state tests.

DTC C0638 or C0643

The DTC is set when the CVRSS module measures a feedback voltage greater than a preset value during five consecutive normal force signal output ON state tests.

DTC C1252 or C1253

The DTC is set if one of the following conditions is present for 5 seconds of any 10 second period:

    • The PWM duty cycle is outside the valid range of 10-90%.
    • The PWM duty cycle value does not match either the previous or the next PWM duty cycle value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Both the left and right normal force outputs are set to default output states.
    • The EBCM disables the rough road detection function for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The SERVICE RIDE SYS message will be displayed.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The scan tool can be used to clear the DTC.
    • The DTC is saved as history when the CVRSS module no longer sees an out of range feedback voltage during five consecutive normal force OFF states. The DTC will clear if the fault does not return after 50 consecutive ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The DTC may be caused by an open or a short in the normal force signal circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
    • The DTC may be caused by a poor connection at the EBCM or CVRSS module connectors. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for a valid duty cycle in the normal force signal circuit.

  2. This step tests for normal voltage in the normal force signal circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Road Sensing Suspension Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Road Sensing Suspension

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Observe the Front Normal Force parameter in the VSES/CVRSS data list.

Does the scan tool display within the specified range?

10-90%

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the CVRSS module connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the PWM serial data circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the PWM serial data circuit for high resistance, a short to ground, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

5

Test the PWM serial data circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the Electronic Brake Control module (EBCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the CVRSS module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement in Antilock Brake System.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Important: Perform the set up and calibration procedure for the CVRSS module.

Replace the CVRSS module. Refer to Electronic Suspension Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  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