GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 DTC C1254

Circuit Description

The microprocessor contains a data storage area, keep alive memory, which can save pertinent data when the ignition is turned OFF. The keep alive memory (KAM) data is lost if battery power or module ground is removed from the module. The KAM area is an integral part of the microprocessor and cannot be serviced separately.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ABS conditions and the braking conditions are normal.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The microprocessor calculates a checksum on those areas of memory that hold critical operation data. This is done at a regular interval and is called the periodic checksum. The microprocessor also calculates a checksum on these memory locations when ever new data is written to them. This is called the running checksum.

To check the keep alive memory (KAM), the microprocessor compares the periodic checksum to the running checksum. If they do not match, the microprocessor sets the DTC.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

If equipped, the following actions occur:

    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) disables the DRP/ABS for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The ABS indicator turns ON.
    • The red Brake warning indicator turns ON.
    • The EBCM will not send serial data messages.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

Possible causes of this DTC are the following conditions:

    • A loss of battery ground
    • A disconnected battery
    • A running reset
         A running reset is detected when the keep alive memory check sum is not updated properly.
    • A sudden drop in the system voltage to less than 5 volts
    • Long extended engine cranks that cause the battery voltage to drop
    • Poor power or ground connections
    • An internal EBCM malfunction

Test Description

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

  1. Tests for an open in the ground circuits of the body control module.

    2.

  2. Verifies the proper operation of the charging system.

    3.

  3. Determines whether the DTC resets.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the EBCM harness connector.
  3. Install the J 39700 100-pin breakout box using the J 39700-99 breakout box adapter to the EBCM harness connector only.
  4. Test the module ground circuit of the EBCM for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

3

Has the battery been disconnected recently?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Test the charging system. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. With the scan tool, perform the Automated Test.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 7

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

7

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 8

--

8
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. With the scan tool, perform the Automated Test.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK