GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC C0121: Valve Relay Circuit

Circuit/System Description

An internal solenoid valve relay in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) supplies battery positive voltage to all solenoid valves. This voltage is referred to as system voltage. The EBCM activates the solenoid valve relay when the ignition is turned ON. Once the solenoid valve relay has been activated, The EBCM supplies ground to actuate individual solenoid valves.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is greater than 8 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

One of the following conditions exists for 0.23 seconds:

    • The EBCM commands the solenoid valve relay on and battery voltage is not present at the solenoid valves.
    • The EBCM commands the solenoid valve relay off and battery voltage is present at the solenoid valves.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the antilock brake system (ABS).
    • The ABS indicator turns ON.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE ABS message.
    • The dynamic rear proportioning (DRP) function is degraded.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

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

Diagnostic Aids

The solenoid valve relay is integral to the EBCM. The relay is not serviceable.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

ABS Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Circuit Testing

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References

Circuit/System Testing

Clear the DTC. Cycle the ignition OFF and ON. Operate the vehicle. Verify that DTC C0121 does not reset.

If DTC C0121 resets, replace the EBCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for EBCM replacement, setup, and programming