GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) controls the operation of the antilock brake system (ABS) indicator. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) reports the desired status of the ABS indicator via serial data messages. The ABS indicator signal circuit is a back-up reporting circuit to the serial data messages. The EBCM supplies ground through the circuit when the ABS is operating properly. When there is a problem with ABS that should turn ON the ABS indicator, the EBCM opens the ABS indicator signal circuit. If there is a problem with the ABS serial data messages, the IPC uses the ABS indicator signal to determine if the ABS indicator should be illuminated. Using the serial data messages and the back-up circuit, the IPC decides whether to turn ON the ABS indicator.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C1211 ABS Indicator Lamp Circuit Malfunction

Conditions for Running the DTC

The EBCM commands the indicator OFF.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ABS indicator signal circuit voltage is greater than 4.5 volts for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ABS remains functional.
    • The ABS indicator remains OFF.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

A possible cause of this DTC is a short to battery in the ABS indicator signal circuit.

Test Description

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

  1. Use the scan tool to verify the normal state of the ABS indicator signal circuit.

  2. Ensure that the instrument cluster can operate the ABS indicator.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views or Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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 ABS Warning Indicator parameter in the DRP/ABS/TCS data list.

Does the scan tool display Off?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the antilock brake system (ABS) indicator on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) during the bulb check.

Does the ABS indicator illuminate during the bulb check?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Important: Removing battery voltage or ground from the electronic brake control module (EBCM) will result in the following conditions:

       • Loss of the tire inflation module (TIM) learned tire inflation configuration parameters in the EBCM
       • The EBCM sets DTC C1245.
    When the diagnosis is complete, inspect the tire pressures and perform the TIM reset. Refer to Tire Pressure Monitor Procedure in Tire Pressure Monitoring.

  3. Disconnect the EBCM harness connector.
  4. Connect the J 39700 Universal Pinout Box using the J 39700-300 Cable Adapter to the EBCM harness connector only.
  5. Disconnect the IPC harness connector.
  6. Test the ABS indicator signal circuit 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 9

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. 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 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the instrument cluster. 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 9

Go to Step 8

7

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. 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