GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

C0240

The powertrain control module (PCM) and the electronic brake control module (EBCM) communicate on the serial data link, whenever the ignition is ON.

P0856

The PCM supplies 5 volts through an internal resistor, to the EBCM on the requested torque signal circuit. The EBCM toggles this voltage to ground to create a valid requested torque signal at the PCM.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC C0240 PCM Traction Control Not Allowed
    • DTC P0856 Traction Control Torque Request Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

C0240

The ignition is ON.

P0856

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The engine is running at a speed greater than 450 RPM for 5-20 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

C0240

The EBCM receives a serial data message stating that the PCM has lost the ability to reduce engine torque.

P0856

The PCM receives an invalid requested torque signal for 3 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

C0240

    • The EBCM disables the traction control switch (TCS).
    • The traction fault message is displayed.

P0856

    • The PCM sends a serial data message to the EBCM stating that the PCM has lost the ability to reduce engine torque.
    •  The EBCM sets DTC C0240 as a current DTC for as long as the malfunction is present.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

C0240

The conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present and you use the scan tool Clear DTCs function.

P0856

    • The conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present and you use the scan tool Clear DTCs function.
    • A history DTC clears automatically after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a PCM detected failure.

Diagnostic Aids

C0240

A requested torque signal malfunction is only one possible cause for the PCM to lose the ability to perform traction control. DTC C0240 may set due to engine overheating, throttle actuator control failure, loss of ignition timing control by the PCM, etc. If DTC P1571 has not set, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle to identify other possible causes of DTC C0240.

P0856

Thoroughly inspect connections or circuitry that may cause an intermittent malfunction. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents , Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Connector Repairs , and Wiring Repairs .

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for voltage supplied to the EBCM from the PCM.

  2. This step tests for a shorted resistor in the PCM or a short to voltage within the requested torque signal circuit by verifying that a large voltage drop occurs when a test lamp is connected in parallel with the DMM.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Is DTC P0856 set?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Does DTC P0856 set?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect from the electronic brake control module (EBCM), the harness connector containing the requested torque signal circuit.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.
  4. Use a DMM to measure the voltage between the requested torque signal circuit and a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

4.75 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. With the DMM still connected to monitor the requested torque signal circuit, connect one end of a test lamp to a good ground.
  2. Connect the other end of the test lamp to the positive lead of the DMM.

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value?

0.15 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Test the requested torque signal circuit for an open or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Test the requested torque signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does DTC P0856 reset?

--

Go to Step 4

System OK