GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The exhaust brake system is used to provide additional braking when the vehicle is decelerating. The engine control module (ECM) controls exhaust brake operation based on various sensor inputs. The ECM energizes the exhaust brake relay for exhaust brake operation. On vehicles with an antilock brake system (ABS), the electronic brake control module (EBCM) controls the exhaust brake relay ground circuit to prevent exhaust brake operation when the ABS is active.

The ECM energizes the telltale lamp on the driver information center (DIC) and the exhaust brake relay. The exhaust brake relay energizes the exhaust brake actuator control solenoid (EBACS) valve. The EBACS valve allows compressed air from the auxiliary air system to move the exhaust brake actuator, rotating the exhaust brake to the closed position. When the air is released, a spring in the actuator returns the exhaust brake to the open position.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Exhaust Brake Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Exhaust Brake?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Engine Exhaust Brake

2

  1. Observe the exhaust brake switch parameter with a scan tool.
  2. Turn the exhaust brake switch ON and OFF.

Does the exhaust brake switch change state?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Does the exhaust brake switch parameter indicate ON?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Disconnect the exhaust brake switch. Refer to Engine Brake Switch Replacement .
  2. Observe the exhaust brake switch with a scan tool.

Does the exhaust brake switch indicate OFF?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine control module (ECM).
  3. Probe the exhaust brake request circuit of the ECM harness connector with a test lamp connected to battery voltage.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 14

6

  1. Disconnect the exhaust brake switch.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the exhaust brake request circuit of the exhaust brake switch harness connector and a good ground.
  3. Observe the exhaust brake switch parameter with a scan tool.

Does the exhaust brake switch indicate ON?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Disconnect the exhaust brake switch.
  2. Probe the ground circuit of the exhaust brake switch with a test lamp connected to battery voltage.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

8

Test the exhaust brake request circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

9

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the exhaust brake switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

10

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

11

Repair the short to ground in the exhaust brake switch request circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

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12

Repair the open or high resistance in the ground circuit of the exhaust brake switch . Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

--

13

Replace the exhaust brake switch. Refer to Engine Brake Switch Replacement

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

--

14

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

--

15

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2