GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 363879  Size: MF
ABS Components
Antilock Brake System Schematics

Circuit Description

As a toothed ring passes by the wheel speed sensor or vehicle speed sensor, changes in the electromagnetic field cause the speed sensors to produce a sinusoidal (AC) voltage signal. The frequency and amplitude of the sinusoidal (AC) voltage signal are proportional to the vehicle speed. The amplitude of the speed signals are directly related to the distance between the speed sensor coils and the toothed ring. This distance is referred to as the air gap. The EBCM can detect wheel speed signal malfunctions as they happen. An error in reported vehicle speed can be compensated for by the EBCM up to a point. The error compensation will allow the EBCM to continue to function normally instead of setting a DTC. If the vehicle speed mismatch increases beyond that point, the EBCM will set a DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Any speed sensor differing from the vehicle speed by greater than 10%.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph)
    • No unexpected wheel acceleration, or anything that generates consistent differences between the wheel speed signals

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ABS indicator lamp turns on
    • The ABS disables

DTC C0238 is an Ignition Latched DTC, which indicates the above actions remain true until the ignition is turned to OFF (even if the cause of the DTC is intermittent).

DTC C0238 is a DRP critical DTC, which means that DRP is disabled and the BRAKE indicator lamp will also light.

For a detailed explanation of malfunction responses, refer to Self-Diagnostics .

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Repair the conditions responsible for setting the DTC
    • Use the Scan Tool Clear DTCs function
    • An Ignition Latched DTC will disable ABS and DRP during the course of the current ignition cycle, (even if the cause of the DTC is intermittent). The DTC will be stored in the EBCM memory until it is repaired, and/or the DTC is cleared. After the DTC is repaired and/or cleared and the ignition is turned to ON, the ABS lamp will remain lit until the EBCM completes a power-up self test. This test concludes when the vehicle has reached a speed of greater than 13 km/h (8 mph) and the wheel speed inputs have been checked by the EBCM.

Diagnostic Aids

Installing significantly different tires on the vehicle usually sets a DTC C0238. If this condition exists, match the tire size to manufacturer specifications. Refer to P-Metric Sized Tires Description .

Perform a tire size calibration to ensure that the EBCM calibration matches the installed tire size. Refer to tire size calibration in Scan Tool Diagnostics .

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

Inspect the vehicle tires for a variation in tire size

Are all four tire sizes the same?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. Clear all DTCs.
  3. While driving the vehicle, monitor and compare all the wheel speeds using the Scan Tool .

Does the Scan Tool indicate a mismatch in wheel speeds?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 8

4

Does the scan tool indicate a mismatch with the right front wheel speed?

--

Go to DTC C0223 or C023 RF Wheel Speed Signal Erratic

Go to Step 5

5

Does the scan tool indicate a mismatch with the left front wheel speed?

--

Go to DTC C0227 or C027 LF Wheel Speed Signal Erratic

Go to Step 6

6

Does the scan tool indicate a mismatch with the rear wheel speed?

--

Go to DTC C0237 or C037 Rear Wheel Speed Signal Erratic

--

7

Does DTC C0238 set as a current DTC?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Malfunction is intermittent. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

9

Replace the Electronic Brake Control Module.

Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--