GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

As the wheel spins, the wheel speed sensor produces an alternating current (AC) signal. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) uses the frequency of the AC signal to calculate the wheel speed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is in the ON position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EBCM detects a short, open or high resistance in the front wheel speed sensor circuits.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The following actions occur:

    • The EBCM disables the antilock brake system (ABS) and traction control system for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The ABS and TRAC OFF indicators turn 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.

Diagnostic Aids

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. An incomplete inspection of the wiring and the connectors may result in a misdiagnosis, causing a part replacement with the reappearance of the malfunction.

The following are possible causes of the malfunction:

    • A short to ground or a short to voltage in the front wheel speed sensor circuitry
    • An open or high resistance in the front wheel speed sensor circuitry
    • A malfunctioning front wheel speed sensor
    • An internal EBCM malfunction

If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the front wheel speed sensor circuits for a short, open or high resistance.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views

1

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check - ABS?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  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 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor jumper harness connector at the main wiring harness.
  2. Measure the resistance across the terminals of the front wheel speed sensor side of the jumper harness.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

1600-1800ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connector at the wheel speed sensor.
  3. Measure the resistance across the front wheel speed sensor terminals.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

1600-1800ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Disconnect the EBCM harness connector.
  2. Test the front wheel speed sensor circuits for the following:
  3. • An open
    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage
    • Shorted together

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector for 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 10

Go to Step 9

7

Replace the front wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement in Front Suspension.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

8

Replace the front wheel speed sensor jumper harness. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Jumper Harness Replacement Front Suspension.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the electronic brake control module (EBCM). Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  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