GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 70215  Size: LF
Suspension Controls Components
Suspension Controls Schematics
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice
Data Link Connector Schematics Rear Mounted EBTCM/BPMV
Data Link Connector Schematics Rear Mounted EBTCM/BPMV
Body Control System Schematics
Body Control System Schematics
ABS/TCS Schematics
ABS/TCS Schematics

Circuit Description

The RTD Diagnostic Check is an organized approach to identify problems associated with the RTD system. This diagnosis is the starting point for any RTD complaint, and will direct you to the next logical step in diagnosing that complaint. The ESC module is a very reliable component and not the likely cause of an RTD system malfunction. Most system complaints are linked to faulty wiring and connectors, and only occasionally to components. Understanding the RTD system and using the tables as written will reduce diagnostic time and prevent unnecessary parts replacement.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause intermittent operation of the RTD system with no DTC stored:
       - Any condition which results in the interruption of power to the ESC module.
       - Out of range battery or ignition voltage.

Specifications
Normal battery or ignition voltage: 9.0-16.0 V.

       - Loose or damaged grounds.
    • Intermittent malfunctions in electronic systems may be very difficult to detect and accurately diagnose. The RTD system tests for different malfunctions under varying vehicle conditions. For this reason, a thorough test drive is often needed in order to repeat a malfunction. If the system malfunction is not repeated during the test drive, a good description of the complaint may be very useful in locating an intermittent malfunction. Most intermitting problems are due to faulty electrical connections or wiring. When an intermitting condition is suspected, check the suspected circuits for the following conditions:
       - Poor mating of connector halves or backed out terminals.
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals.
       - Wire chafing.
       - A poor wire to terminal connection.
       - Dirty or corroded terminals.
       - A damaged connector body.
    • Use the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit whenever a diagnostic procedure requests terminal inspections or probing. Using the adapter ensures no damage to the terminal will occur, and will give an idea of whether contact tension is sufficient.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, monitor the scan tool data of the suspected component while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.
    • The RTD. system uses an ignition cycling diagnostic approach in order to reduce the occurrence of false or intermittent DTCs that do not affect the functionality of the RTD system. This allows for the fail-soft actions to be taken whenever a malfunction condition is current, but requires the malfunction to be current for a certain number of ignition cycles before the corresponding malfunction code and message will be stored or displayed.
    • If the RTD detects a malfunction, the RTD system defaults with a fail-soft action. A fail-soft action refers to any specific action the RTD system takes in order to compensate for a detected problem. A typical RTD fail-soft action would be if the RTD system detects a malfunction with the ride control switch, the RTD system will ignore this input and fail-soft to the SPORT ride setting.

Test Description

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

  1. This step will determine if communications can be established with the RTD system.

  2. This step will determine if communications can be established with the BCM.

  3. This step will determine if communications can be established with the ABS system.

  4. This step checks for any stored RTD DTCs.

  5. This step checks if any malfunctions can be duplicated on a vehicle test drive.

  6. This step checks if communications can be established with the other systems connected to the same serial data line.

  7. This step checks for open fuses that power the ESC module.

  8. This step checks the ESC module power circuit.

  9. This step checks the ESC module ground circuit.

  10. This step will determine if there is an open in the serial data line between the ESC module and DLC terminal 2.

RTD Diagnostic System Check

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Attempt to establish communications with the RTD system.

Does the scan tool communicate with the RTD system?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 2

2

Using a scan tool attempt to establish communications with the BCM.

Does the scan tool communicate with the BCM?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

3

Using a scan tool attempt to establish communications with the ABS system.

Does the scan tool communicate with the ABS system?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic System Check

4

Using a scan tool, select display RTD DTC function.

Are any DTCs stored?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC Table

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Using a scan tool, select clear DTC function (this will disable the ignition cycle counter). Refer to Diagnostic Aids.
  2. Road test the vehicle, avoiding smooth road surfaces, and driving equal amounts of time in each ride control switch position.
  3. Using a scan tool, select display RTD DTC function.

Are any DTCs stored?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC Table

System OK

6

Attempt to establish communications with the other systems connected to the same serial data line (the PCM, the RFA, the IPC, etc.).

Does the scan tool communicate with the other systems?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Data Link Communications System Check

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. With a test lamp connected to ground, probe each RTD fuse.

Does the test lamp turn ON in all fuse circuits?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 12

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the ESC module connectors C1, C2, and C3.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. At the harness side of the ESC module connectors, measure the voltage on all ESC module power circuits.

Was all the voltage over the specified value?

10.0 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 14

9

At the harness side of the ESC module connectors, check for continuity between all the ESC module ground circuits to chassis ground.

Is there continuity?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 15

10

At the harness side of the ESC module connector C2, check for continuity between terminal D4 and DLC terminal 2.

Is there continuity?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 13

11

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

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

12

  1. Repair the open in the ignition feed to the RTD fuse.
  2. If the fuse is open, locate and repair the short to ground in the circuit connected to the open fuse.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

13

Locate and repair the open in the serial data line CKT 1126.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

14

Locate and repair the open in the ESC module power circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Locate and repair the open in the ESC module ground circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Connect or install any connector or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Using a scan tool, select clear DTCs.

Are all DTCs cleared?

--

System OK

--