GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 154531  Size: LF
Data Link Communications Components
Data Link Connector Schematics Rear Mounted EBTCM/BPMV

Circuit Description

The serial data circuit is used to communicate information between systems. Each system connected to the serial data line is assigned its own recognition code (address). This code is used to identify which module or systems are communicating. Systems communicate with others by periodically sending a State of Health (SOH) message to each other. If the system sending the SOH message fails to receive a SOH message back, then a DTC identifying what system did not respond will set. Any system that also cannot communicate properly, will also store the appropriate communication DTC that was assigned to that system.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The BCM sends out a State of Health (SOH) message to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), and no SOH message response was sent back.
    • Condition must be present for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC U1096 in the BCM memory.
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • This DTC requires an ignition cycle in order to change from current to history.
    • The BCM receives a SOH message back from the IPC.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the IPC clearing DTCs feature.
    • Use a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the problem is an intermittent loss of communications. Carefully inspect the serial data line and related components for the following intermittent conditions:
       - There is an intermittent open or short (to ground or voltage) in the serial data line.
       - Intermittent loss of communication with the IPC.
       - Damaged or loose star connector terminals.
    • If the serial data line is shorted to ground or shorted to voltage, all systems connected to the same serial data line will not be able to communicate properly. Systems capable of storing loss of communication DTCs (DTCs with the letter U as a prefix) will have these codes stored in their memory. If a DTC U1096 is stored in the BCM memory, check for the same DTC stored in the Remote Function Actuation (RFA) system. The RFA system also monitors the SOH message from the IPC. If the RFA system has a DTC U1096 stored, check the IPC for an intermittent malfunction. If the RFA system does not have a DTC U1096 stored, check for an open in the serial data line between only the BCM and the IPC. The BCM must also be checked for intermittent operation due to a loss of power or ground to the BCM itself. After repairing a DTC U1096, clear all DTCs from all systems capable of storing this DTC.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.

Test Description

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

  1. This test checks if communications can be established between the scan tool and the IPC.

  2. This test checks for a stored BCM DTC U1255. Conditions that set a DTC U1255 may also set a DTC U1096, therefore always diagnose a DTC U1255 first.

  3. This test will determine if DTC U1096 was set due to a loss of communications with the BCM or the IPC. The Remote Function Actuation (RFA) system also communicates with the IPC. If a DTC U1096 is stored in the RFA system, the IPC must be diagnosed first.

  4. This test will check for any opens in the serial data line between the BCM and the IPC. It also checks for any intermittent malfunctions associated with the serial data line.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Were you sent here from the BCM Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

2

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

Does the scan tool communicate with the IPC?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Instrument Panel Cluster Diagnostic System Check

3

  1. Select display BCM DTCs function with the scan tool.
  2. Check for a DTC U1255.

Is DTC U1255 stored in the BCM memory?

--

Go to DTC U1255 Diagnostic Table

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Select display RFA DTCs function with the scan tool.
  2. Check for a DTC U1096.

Is DTC U1096 stored in the RFA memory?

--

Go to Instrument Panel Cluster Diagnostic System Check

Go to Step 5

5

Check the serial data line for the following intermittent conditions:

    • An open in the serial data line between the BCM and the IPC.
    • Short to ground
    • Short to voltage
    • Check star connector #1, make sure the bus bar is properly inserted.
    • Loose or damaged terminals

Was a problem found and repaired?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Connect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Clear all DTCs. Refer to Clearing DTCs .

Does DTC U1096 reset?

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Go to Step 7

System OK

7

  1. Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement .
  2. Program the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .

Is the replacement complete?

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Go to Step 8

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8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Connect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Clear all DTCs. Refer to Clearing DTCs .

Are all DTCs cleared?

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Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

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