GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The instrument cluster controls the operation of the ABS indicator. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) reports the desired status of the ABS indicator via serial data messages. The ABS indicator signal circuit is a back-up reporting circuit to the serial data messages. The EBCM supplies ground through the circuit when the ABS is operating properly. When there is a problem with ABS that should turn on the ABS indicator, the EBCM opens the ABS indicator signal circuit. If there is a problem with the ABS serial data messages, the instrument cluster uses the ABS indicator signal to determine if the ABS indicator should be illuminated. Using the serial data messages and back-up circuit, the instrument cluster decides whether to turn on the ABS indicator.

Test Description

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

  1. Use the scan tool to check the normal state of the ABS indicator control circuit.

  2. Ensures that the instrument panel cluster (IPC) can operate the ABS indicator.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views or Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Inspect the EBCM ground, making sure the ground is clean and torqued to the proper specification. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the ABS Warning Indicator parameter in the ABS data list.

Does the scan tool display Off?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the ABS indicator on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) during the displays test.

Does the ABS indicator illuminate during the displays test and then turn Off?

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

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the 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 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPC. 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 9

Go to Step 8

7

Important: Perform the setup procedure for the EBCM. An unprogrammed EBCM will result in the following conditions:

   • Inoperative or poorly functioning system operations
   • The EBCM may set DTCs

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Important: Perform the setup procedure for the replacement IPC.

Replace the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

9

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2