DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground. Oldsmobile Cutlass 1998

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1998 🢒 Cutlass 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Antilock Brake System 🢒 DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground

ABS Components
Antilock Brake System Schematics

Circuit Description

DTC C1278 identifies a brake solenoid valve that cannot be energized. The malfunction may be caused by one of the following conditions:

•	An open in the solenoid valve circuitry

•	The solenoid valve is always energized due to a short to ground in the solenoid valve circuitry between the driver and the brake solenoid valve.

An open will not allow proper ABS operation, but the short to ground simply turns ON the brake solenoid valve. A path for base brakes is still allowed once the motor rehomes and the check ball is lifted off its seat during key to RUN initialization.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C1278 can set only when the solenoid is commanded off while the Electronic Brake Control Relay is enabled.

A malfunction exists if the EBCM detects the right front brake solenoid valve control circuit voltage is not within specifications.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	A malfunction DTC stores.

•	The ABS disables.

•	The ABS warning indicator turns ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

•	The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the Scan Tool Clear DTCs function is used.

•	100 drive cycles pass with no DTCs detected. A drive cycle consists of starting the vehicle, driving the vehicle over 16 km/h (10 mph), stopping and then turning the ignition off.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:

•	A poor connection

•	Rubbed-through wire insulation

•	A broken wire inside the insulation

Use the enhanced diagnostic function of the Scan Tool in order to measure the frequency of the malfunction.

Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may cause the intermittent complaint for the following conditions:

•	Backed out terminals

•	Improper mating

•	Broken locks

•	Improperly formed or damaged terminals

•	Poor terminal-to-wiring connections

•	Physical damage to the wiring harness

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Important: Zero J 39200 test leads before making any resistance measurements. Refer to J 39200 user's manual.

Was the Diagnostic System Check performed?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Disconnect the EBCM connector.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the EBCM harness connector terminal 19 and ground.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

(Infinite)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 12

Disconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the EBCM harness connector terminal 19 and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector terminal B.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 15

Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the right front ABS brake solenoid valve connector terminal A and the right front brake solenoid valve connector terminal B.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

2.0-5.0 ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 16

Use a J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the Electronic Brake Control Relay harness connector terminal 87 and the right front brake solenoid valve connector terminal A.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

Inspect the EBCM connector and the EBCM harness connector for the following conditions:

•	Terminal damage

•	Poor terminal contact

•	Terminal corrosion

Inspect the right front brake solenoid valve connector and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector for the following conditions:

•	Terminal damage

•	Poor terminal contact

•	Terminal corrosion

Are terminal corrosion, damaged terminals, or poor terminal contact evident?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 7

Inspect CKT 827 for damage. Damage may cause a short to ground with all the connectors connected.

Is there damage which may cause a short to ground with the connectors connected?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 8

Reconnect the EBCM connector.
Reconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

Do not start the engine.

Use the Scan Tool in order to inspect for DTCs.

Does DTC C1278 set as a current DTC?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

Remove the ABS Mini Fuse (15A) of the fuse block.
Inspect the ABS Mini Fuse (15A) of the fuse block.

Is the fuse open?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 10

Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the Electronic Brake Control Relay harness connector terminal 87 and the ABS Mini Fuse (15A) in the fuse block.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 20

Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the fuse block terminal and the left front brake solenoid valve harness connector terminal A.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

0.0-2.0 ohms

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 21

Disconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the right front brake solenoid valve connector terminal B and ground.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

(Infinite)

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

Replace the ABS Mini Fuse (15A) with a known good Fuse (15A).

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Step 8

Repair the short to ground in CKT 827.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Diagnostic System Check

Repair the open or high resistance in CKT 827.

Is the repair complete?