GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM), the electronic brake control module (EBCM), and the transmission control module (TCM) communicate control and diagnostic information via a controller area network (CAN) communication bus. The ECM monitors CAN operational status by expecting a constant flow of messages from the EBCM and the TCM. If the ECM fails to receive an expected message from one of the other modules, DTC U2104, U2106, or U2108 will set, depending on what communication is lost.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The module supply voltage is in the normal operating range of 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The CAN message from the EBCM is not received by the ECM for 200 milliseconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The control module will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The modules that communicate on the CAN system are wired parallel to each other until the respective circuits are spliced together for the ECM. An open in the CAN circuits of 1 module will not affect the other module. A short to ground or short to voltage affects all modules no matter where the failure occurs.

Test Description

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

  1. If the fault is a short to ground, a short together, or an open between the ECM and the CAN circuit splices, DTC U2104 will also set. These failures affect the entire system.

  2. This test is for an open in the CAN HI circuit that will only affect the EBCM communications.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics in Engine Controls - 7.8L

Connector End View Reference: Data Link Communications Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 7.8L

2

Did DTC U2104 also set?

Go to DTC U2104

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 7.8L

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine control module (ECM) and the electronic brake control module (EBCM) harness connectors.
  3. Test the controller area network (CAN) high circuit for an open between the CAN harness splice and the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did the CAN circuit test open?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

Test the CAN low circuit for an open between the CAN harness splice and the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did the CAN circuit test open?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Test for continuity between the CAN high and CAN low circuits. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Does the continuity exist?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 7

7

Probe the CAN high circuit with a test lamp connected to battery voltage. Refer to Troubleshooting with a Test Lamp in Wiring Systems.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Disconnect the transmission control module (TCM).
  2. Turn ON the ignition.
  3. Probe the CAN high circuit with a test lamp connected to a good ground. Refer to Troubleshooting with a Test Lamp in Wiring Systems.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

9

Probe the CAN low circuit with a test lamp connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 10

10

Probe the CAN low circuit with a test lamp connected to battery voltage.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 11

11

Test for an intermittent or poor connection at the EBCM. Repair as necessary. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 19

12

Repair the open in the CAN high circuit between the EBCM and the CAN splice. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

13

Repair the open in the CAN low between the EBCM and the CAN splice circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

14

Repair the short to voltage in the CAN high circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

15

Repair the short to ground in the CAN high circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

16

Repair the short across the CAN high and CAN low circuits. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

17

Repair the short to ground in the CAN low circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

18

Repair the short to voltage in the CAN low circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

19

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement in Antilock Brakes or Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement in Air Antilock Brakes.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 20

--

20

  1. Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 2

21

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK