GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The longitudinal sensor is part of the yaw/lateral sensor assembly. The longitudinal sensor only used on 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) provides power 5-volt reference to the longitudinal accelerometer. The longitudinal accelerometer converts the change in vehicle motion, or inertia, into a voltage signal. This signal is sent to the EBCM.

The voltage signal ranges, from 2.4-2.6 volts at zero speed change, constant motion, or stationary. The longitudinal accelerometer voltage signal drops when the vehicle is under deceleration. The longitudinal accelerometer voltage signal increases when the vehicle is under acceleration. The usable output voltage range for the longitudinal accelerometer is 0.48-4.82 volts. The longitudinal accelerometer sensor bias compensates for sensor mounting alignment errors and electronic signal errors.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0287 Longitudinal Accelerometer Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) sensors have been successfully initialized or the message center has displayed the stability system disabled message due to an unsuccessful initialization attempt. Refer to ABS Description and Operation for a complete explanation of VSES sensor initialization.
    • The vehicle is being driven relatively straight and level at a speed greater than 11 km/h (7 mph), before performing a stable turning maneuver.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Any of the following conditions may cause the DTC to set:

    • Open longitudinal accelerometer circuitry is detected.
    • Shorted longitudinal accelerometer circuitry is detected.
    • An erratic longitudinal accelerometer signal is detected.
    • The EBCM detects that the longitudinal accelerometer sensor signal does not correspond with signals from other sensors.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the VSES.
    • The stability indicator turns ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

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

Diagnostic Aids

    • Communicate with the customer to determine the conditions under which the message center displays the Service Stability System message. Learning the conditions under which the DTC sets may help you duplicate the failure.
    • Use the Snapshot function on the scan tool in order to assist you in locating an intermittent malfunction.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the sensor 5-volt reference circuitry and ground circuit.

  2. This step tests the sensor signal circuit for an open or high resistance.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Important: 

   • If DTC C0292 is set, diagnose C0292 before proceeding with diagnostics for C0186.
   • If DTC C0196 is set, diagnose C0196 before proceeding with diagnostics for C0186.
   • Always use connector test adapters when performing tests to avoid damage to delicate connector terminals.
   • Do not turn OFF the ignition during this diagnostic procedure unless the step in the table instructs you to do so. The scan tool may display some incorrect data if the ignition is cycled.

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Use the scan tool to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Use a DMM to measure the voltage between the longitudinal accelerometer 5-volt reference circuit and the longitudinal accelerometer low reference circuit.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

4.75 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the longitudinal accelerometer signal circuit for the following conditions:

    • An open
    • A high resistance
    • A short to ground

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the yaw rate sensor/longitudinal accelerometer. Refer to and .
  2. Ensure the yaw rate sensor/longitudinal accelerometer is mounted securely and that the mounting bracket is not bent or otherwise damaged.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Important: Replace the accelerometer/yaw rate sensor. Following EBCM reprogramming, perform the set-up procedure for the EBCM. Use the scan tool to perform the Tire Size Calibration procedure.

Replace the yaw rate sensor/longitudinal accelerometer. Refer to Control Module References .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

Important: Following EBCM replacement, perform the set-up procedure for the EBCM. Use the scan tool to perform the Tire Size Calibration procedure.

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Control Module References .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

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9

  1. Use the scan tool Clear All Class 2 DTCs function to clear all of the DTCs from all modules.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 3

System OK