GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2008 🢒 Impala 🢒 Power and Signal Distribution 🢒 Wiring Systems and Power Management 🢒 DTC C0179

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 Descriptor

DTC C0179 00: System Thermal High

Circuit/System Description

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) monitors antilock brake system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS) (JL9) activation in order to calculate an estimate of the EBCM solenoid valve temperatures. In most cases high solenoid valve temperatures are caused by extended TCS activation. If the EBCM calculates that the solenoid valve temperatures are too high, the EBCM will temporarily suspend the TCS function until the solenoid valves cool.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is greater than 8 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The estimated solenoid coil temperature reaches 220°C.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • EBCM disables the TCS for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The ABS indicator turns ON.
    • The vehicle dynamics caution (VDC) indicator turns ON (JL9).
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message (JL9).

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The ABS indicator may remain illuminated after repairs are made and DTCs are cleared, until the vehicle is operated at speeds greater than 13 km/h (8 mph) and the self test is completed.
    • The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.
    • The EBCM will clear a history DTC when a malfunction is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

Most occurrences of this DTC are caused by excessive TCS activation or braking.

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

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References

Circuit/System Testing

Important:  Allow the brakes to cool down before performing this test.

  1. With scan tool clear the DTC.
  2. With scan tool connected test drive the vehicle under normal braking conditions and without causing TCS or ABS activation. Verify DTC C0179 does not reset.
    3. ⇒If DTC C0179 resets, replace the EBCM.
  3. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for EBCM replacement, programming, and setup.