GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The electronic suspension control (ESC) module monitors a lift/dive signal at the powertrain control module (PCM). Under normal conditions, the ESC module supplies a 12-volt reference voltage to the PCM. The PCM grounds this lift/dive circuit when the vehicle is accelerating rapidly or braking hard. When the lift/dive signal goes low to approximately 0 volts, the ESC module commands all four ESC dampers to a FIRM condition.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The DTC is set if the ESC module does not detect the low-to-high transition on the lift/dive circuit within 31 seconds after the ignition is turned ON.
    • The fault is detected during three consecutive ignition cycles, or during the same ignition cycle after clearing the DTC with a scan tool.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ESC lift/dive function will be disabled.
    • The vehicle will pitch more during a braking or wide open throttle condition.
    • The SERVICE SUSPENSION 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 ESC module sees the low-to-high transition on the lift/dive signal from the PCM during a valid test period. The DTC will clear if the fault does not return after 50 consecutive ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

As part of the vehicle diagnostic system, the PCM toggles the lift/dive line within 31 seconds after the ignition is turned ON. This allows the ESC module to determine if the line is faulted or not. A retry is attempted every four minutes until successful.

An intermittent short to ground or an open in the Lift/Dive Signal circuit may cause a random firm/soft ride condition.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for normal function of the PCM, which is inactive.

  2. This step tests for normal function of the PCM, which is active.

  3. This step tests for an intermittent or poor connection at the PCM.

  4. This step tests for a short to ground in the Lift/Dive Signal circuit.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Electronic Suspension Control

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the lift/dive parameter in the ESC module data list.

Does the scan tool display inactive?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Activate the lift/dive input.
  2. With the scan tool, observe the lift/dive data parameter.

Does the lift/dive data parameter change state?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the lift/dive data parameter.

Does the scan tool display inactive?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Test the signal circuit of the PCM for a short to ground. 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

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ESC 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

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. 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

8

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Control - 4.6L.

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