GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

When the antilock brake system (ABS) is active, the valve relay provides voltage to actuate the solenoid valves. The valves do not use this voltage unless the ABS control module provides the ground for each solenoid coil.

DTC C0121 will set if the valve relay voltage is low or if the relay supply line is at 12 volts when the ABS control module is not requesting it. This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will also set if the ABS control module detects 3 or more solenoid valve circuits are open or shorted during the self-test.

This procedure checks whether there is a poor ground connection for the electronic brake control module (EBCM).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • A connector terminal is corroded.
    • The wiring harness is damaged.
    • The ground terminal is not conducting properly.
    • The EBCM is defective.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The ABS/EBD is disabled, and the ABS/EBD warning lamp is turned ON for the remainder of the ignition cycle. If the failure is intermittent, the control module will enable the system at the next ignition cycle and set a history DTC C0121.

Diagnostic Aids

It is very important to perform a thorough inspection of the wiring and the connectors. Failure to do so may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

  1. Use a scan tool to clear all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
  2. Road test the vehicle.

Does DTC C0121 set again?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Inspect all system wiring harness connectors and terminals, especially the electronic brake control module (EBCM), for any problem that could cause an intermittent condition.
  2. Repair any intermittent problem found.

Did you complete the action?

--

System OK

--

3

  1. Disconnect the antilock brake system (ABS) harness connector J1 from the EBCM.
  2. Examine terminal 19 on the harness connector and the EBCM connector.

Is there damage or corrosion at terminal 19?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Repair the terminal or the connector, or replace the ABS harness or ABS unit as required.

Did you complete the action?

--

System OK

--

5

Measure the resistance from terminal 19 of the harness connector J1 to a good chassis ground.

Is the resistance equal to the specified value?

0 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Replace the ABS unit.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

System OK

--

7

Measure the resistance from terminal 19 of the harness connector J1 to the ground lug at G106.

Is the resistance equal to the specified value?

0 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Repair the chassis connection at the ground lug.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

9

Repair the open or the high resistance in the ABS harness, or replace the harness as required.

Did you complete the action?

--

System OK

--