GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The diagnostic system check is an organized method of identifying any problems caused by a malfunction in the ABS system. The service technician must begin diagnosis of any ABS complaint with the diagnostic system check. The diagnostic system check directs the service technician to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint.

Diagnostic Aids

Use the following ordered procedure when servicing the ABS. Failure to use the following procedure may cause the loss of important diagnostic data and may lead to difficult and time-consuming diagnosis procedures.

  1. Use the following procedure to perform a vehicle preliminary diagnosis inspection:
  2. 1.1. Inspect the brake master cylinder fluid reservoir for contamination.
    1.2. Verify that the brake fluid level is correct.
    1.3. Inspect the brake components of all four wheels.
    1.4. Inspect for worn or damaged wheel bearings. Worn or damaged wheel bearings may cause a wheel to wobble.
    1.5. Inspect the wheel speed sensors and the wheel speed sensor wiring.
    1.6. Inspect the outer CV joint.
    1.7. Inspect the tires. Verify that the tires meet legal tread depth requirements.
    1.8. Diagnose and repair the DTC malfunction first.
  3. Determine if the following conditions exist:
  4. • Not DTCs are present.
    • There are malfunctions in the mechanical components.
    • The failure is intermittent and cannot be reproduced.
  5. If the above conditions exist, attempt to reproduce the malfunction:
  6. • Use the automatic snapshot feature of the scan tool while test driving the vehicle. Perform normal acceleration, stopping, and turning maneuvers during the test drive.
    • If the test drive does not reproduce the malfunction, perform an ABS stop on a low coefficient surface, such as gravel, from a speed of 48-80 km/h. (30-50 mph). Trigger the snapshot mode on any ABS DTC while performing the stop.
  7. Clear the ABS DTCs after all of the system malfunctions have been corrected.

Diagnosing DTCs in the correct order is very important. Failure to diagnose DTCs in the specified order may result in the following:

    • Extended diagnostic time
    • Incorrect diagnosis
    • Incorrect parts replacement

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Install a scan tool.

Does the scan tool power up?

Go to Step 3

Go to Scan Tool Does Not Power Up

2

  1. Turn the ignition ON.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to establish communications with the following modules:
  3. • Electronic brake control module (EBCM)
    • Engine control module (ECM)
    • Sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
    • Anti-theft module

Does the can tool communicate with all of the control modules listed above?

Go to Step 3

Go to Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Component

3

    • Electronic brake control module (EBCM)
    • Engine control module (ECM)
    • Sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
    • Anti-theft module

Does the scan tool display any DTCs for the EBCM?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 4

4

Does the scan tool display any ECM DTCs

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls 0.8L or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls 1.0L

Go to Step 5

5

Does the scan tool display any SIR SDM DTCs?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Restraints - SIR

Go to Step 6

6

Does the scan tool display any anti-theft DTCs?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls 0.8L or Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls 1.0L

Go to Step 7

7

Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to the ON position.

Does the ABS indicator come ON, then go OFF after several seconds?

System OK

Refer to Symptoms - Antilock Brake System