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 exhaust brake relay energizes the telltale lamp on the driver information center and 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 System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Operate the vehicle and engage the exhaust brake.

Does the exhaust brake operate normally?

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 7.8L

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  2. Ensure that the exhaust brake switch is in the OFF position.
  3. Observe the exhaust brake indicator on the instrument panel (I/P). Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Is the exhaust brake indicator illuminated?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Remove the exhaust brake relay. Refer to Engine Exhaust Brake Component Views .
  2. Observe the exhaust brake indicator on the I/P.

Is the exhaust brake indicator illuminated?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 5

5

Probe the exhaust brake request circuit of the exhaust brake relay harness connector with a test lamp connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 15

6

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

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 17

7

Caution: Refer to Eye Protection Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Disconnect the auxiliary air compressor harness connector.
  2. Discharge the air from the auxiliary air system.

Does the exhaust brake move to the open position?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 8

8

Caution: Refer to Hot Exhaust System Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the exhaust brake actuator from the exhaust brake.
  3. Attempt to rotate the exhaust brake by hand.

Does the exhaust brake move without resistance?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 14

9

Caution: Refer to Eye Protection Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Connect the exhaust brake actuator to the exhaust brake.
  2. Disconnect the air line at the exhaust brake actuator.

Does the exhaust brake rotate to the open position?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

10

Repair the short to voltage on the exhaust brake request circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 18

--

11

Repair the short to voltage on the exhaust brake actuator control solenoid (EBACS) valve voltage supply circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 18

--

12

Replace the exhaust brake actuator. Engine Brake Actuator Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 18

--

13

Replace the air line between the EBACS valve and the exhaust brake.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 18

--

14

Caution: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in the Preface section.

Replace the exhaust brake. Refer to Engine Brake Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 18

--

15

Replace the exhaust brake relay. Refer to Engine Exhaust Brake Component Views .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 18

--

16

Caution: Refer to Exhaust Service Caution in the Preface section.

Replace the EBACS valve. Refer to Exhaust Brake Actuator Control Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 18

--

17

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement/Restore Fuel Rate Data in Engine Controls - 7.8L.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 18

--

18

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2