GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The suspension position sensor provides an analog signal voltage between 0.25-4.75 volts to the electronic suspension control (ESC) module. This signal voltage represents the wheel position relative to the body. The ESC module provides a reference and a low reference to the sensor.

DTC Descriptors

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

    • DTC C0615 Left Front Position Sensor Circuit
    • DTC C0620 Right Front Position Sensor Circuit
    • DTC C0625 Left Rear Position Sensor Circuit
    • DTC C0630 Right Rear Position Sensor Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Under normal driving conditions
    • Vehicle speed greater than 0 km/h (0 mph)

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ESC module senses a position signal voltage below 0.25 volts or above 4.75 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • All 4 suspension damper solenoids will be commanded to their OFF state.
    • The SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message will be displayed.
    • Stores a DTC C0615, C0620, C0625, or C0630 in the ESC module memory

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The ESC module no longer senses a position signal voltage out of range with vehicle speed greater than 0 km/h (0 mph).
    • Using a scan tool
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Ignition cycle counting is used by the ESC module to detect faults in the system. The objective is to eliminate false/intermittent codes while maintaining an acceptable level of system performance. The operation of the ignition cycle counting requires that a fault condition be present for 4 consecutive ignition cycles before it will set the fault code and display SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message. If a fault code is present, without a fault being current, the system will go into one or more degraded modes without displaying a message. Resetting the ignition cycle counter is done by clearing codes with a scan tool. Clearing codes will override ignition cycle counting for one ignition cycle. Therefore, a fault condition will set the fault code immediately if it occurs on the first ignition cycle after the codes are cleared.

       Important: Before proceeding with the diagnosis, do a visual inspection of the mechanical aspects of the suspension position sensor and its components. Ensure the suspension position sensor and the suspension position sensor link is not bent, disconnected, or insulation on wires are not rubbed through or damaged in any way.

If DTC C0870 is present, repair the malfunction for this DTC before diagnosing DTC C0615, C0620, C0625, or C0630.

    • A faulty suspension position sensor voltage reading may result if the vehicle is or has been on a hoist that allows the suspension to hang free.
    • The following conditions may cause the malfunction to occur:
       - A short to voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit
       - A short to ground on the 5-volt reference circuit
       - An open in the 5-volt reference circuit to the suspension position sensor
       - A short to voltage on the suspension position sensor signal circuit
       - A short to ground on the suspension position sensor signal circuit
       - An open in the suspension position sensor signal circuit
       - An open in the suspension position sensor low reference circuit
       - A malfunctioning suspension position sensor
       - A disconnected, bent, or damaged suspension position sensor link

Test Description

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

  1. Check the suspension position sensor data parameter.

  2. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range.

  3. This step tests for a short to voltage in the 5-volt reference circuit.

  4. This step tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

  5. This step tests for a high resistance or an open in the ground circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Suspension Position Sensor data parameter in the electronic suspension control (ESC) module data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Suspension Position Sensor data parameter is within the specified range?

0.25-4.75 V

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the suspension position sensor connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Suspension Position Sensor data parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Suspension Position Sensor data parameter is less than the specified value?

0.25 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 8

4

Measure the voltage between the 5-volt reference circuit of the position sensor and a good ground.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit of the suspension position sensor and the signal circuit of the suspension position sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Suspension Position Sensor data parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Suspension Position Sensor data parameter is greater than the specified value?

4.75 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

Does the voltage measure greater than specified value?

5.75 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

7

  1. Disconnect the fused jumper wire.
  2. Measure the voltage between the 5-volt reference circuit of the position sensor and the low reference circuit of the position sensor.

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value.

3.5 V

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

8

Test the signal circuit of the suspension position sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

9

Test the signal circuit of the suspension position sensor for a short to ground, high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

10

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the suspension position sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

11

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the suspension position sensor for a short to ground, high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

12

Test the low reference circuit of the suspension position sensor for high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

13

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the suspension position sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

14

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ESC module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

15

Replace the suspension position sensor. Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement , Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side , or Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

16

Replace the ESC module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

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17

  1. Reconnect any previously disconnected components.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK