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 Descriptor

DTC C0253 00: Centering Error

Circuit/System Description

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) receives CAN message inputs from the steering wheel position sensor identifying the position and direction of the steering wheel rotation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The calculated steering angle from the steering wheel position sensor does not correlate with the steering angle calculated from the yaw rate.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

One or more of the following actions may occur:

    • The antilock brake system (ABS) and vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) are disabled.
    • TCS is degraded.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the Service Stability System message.
    • The antilock brake system (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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Antilock Brake System 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

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Perform the Steering Angle Sensor Calibration with the scan tool special functions.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting verify the DTC does not reset.
  3. If the DTC resets, replace the Steering Angle Sensor.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the steering angle sensor.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal 6 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test for an open/high resistance in the ground circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the EBCM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 5 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the EBCM.
  6. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the EBCM.
  7. Ignition ON, test for 0 volts between the communication circuit terminal 37 and ground.
  8. If greater than the specified value, test the communication circuit for a short to voltage.
  9. Test for 0 volts between the communication circuit terminal 24 and ground.
  10. If greater than the specified value, test the communication circuit for a short to voltage.
  11. Ignition OFF, test for infinite resistance between the communication circuit terminal 37 and ground.
  12. If not the specified value, test the communication circuit for a short to ground.
  13. Test for infinite resistance between the communication circuit terminal 24 and ground.
  14. If not the specified value, test the communication circuit for a short to ground.
  15. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the communication circuit terminals 37 and terminal 3.
  16. If greater than the specified range, test the communication circuit for an open/high resistance.
  17. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the communication circuit terminals 24 and terminal 1.
  18. If greater than the specified range, test the communication circuit for an open/high resistance.
  19. Test for infinite resistance between the communication circuit 37 and the communication circuit 24.
  20. If not the specified value, test the communication circuits for a short together.
  21. If all circuits test normal, replace the steering angle sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Vehicle Yaw Sensor with Vehicle Lateral Accelerometer Replacement
    •  Control Module References for EBCM replacement, setup, and programming