GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 Descriptors

DTC C0253: Centering Error

DTC C0254: Steering Sensor and/or Lateral Accelerometer Bias

Circuit Description

The vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) uses inputs from the steering wheel position sensor (SWPS) and the yaw/lateral acceleration sensor to determine if the vehicles steering is centered. The steering centered self calibration occurs when the vehicle travels in a straight path for greater than 10 seconds.

Variation of the SWPS alignment in the steering column is calibrated out by recording a bias value. The bias value is calculated by using inputs from the SWPS and the Yaw/Lateral acceleration sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

C0253

All of the following conditions exists:

    • Ignition voltage is greater than 8 volts.
    • The vehicle has been driven in a straight path for greater than 10 seconds.

C0254

All of the following conditions exists:

    • Ignition voltage is greater than 8 volts.
    • The vehicle steering centered self calibration is successful.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

C0253

All of the following conditions exists:

    • The vehicle is traveling in a straight path greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
    • The vehicle fails to complete the steering centered self calibration in 60 seconds.

C0254

If the bias value is greater than 40 degrees of steering wheel position the DTC will set.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the VSES for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the Service Stability message.
    • The ABS/Traction Control System (TCS) remains functional.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

If present, diagnose any other VSES DTCs first. Wheel alignment issues should be corrected before diagnosis of this DTC.

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 for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Observe the scan tool Lateral Accelerometer Signal and Yaw Rate Signal parameter while driving the vehicle on a straight and level path greater than 40 km/h (25 mph), the reading should be 2.3V-2.7V.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Observe the scan tool SWPS Signal A and SWPS Signal B parameters while turning the steering wheel left and right. Verify the parameters increase and decrease smoothly while the steering wheel is being turned.
  2. If the parameters do not change smoothly, replace the steering wheel position sensor.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting the DTC. Verify DTC C0186, C0196, C0253 or C0254, C0460 or C0461 are not set.
  4. If DTC C0186, C0196, C0253, C0460 or C0461 are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
    If DTC C0253 or C0254 is set, replace the yaw and lateral acceleration sensor. If DTC C0253 or C0254 sets again, replace the EBCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Vehicle Yaw Sensor with Vehicle Lateral Accelerometer Replacement
    •  Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement
    •  Control Module References for EBCM replacement, setup, and programming