GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P1390: Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

DTC P1396: Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Rough Road Sensor Signal

P1390

P1390

P1390

P1396

Low Reference

--

P1390

--

P1396

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) identifies engine misfire by detecting variations in crankshaft speed. Crankshaft speed variations can also occur when a vehicle is operating over a rough road. The ECM receives a rough road signal by a rough road sensor or an electronic brake control module (EBCM), if equipped with the antilock brake system (ABS). The ABS can detect if the vehicle is on the rough surface based on wheel acceleration/deceleration data supplied by each wheel speed sensor. This information is sent to the ECM by the EBCM through the rough road signal circuit. The rough road sensor is a wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor produces an alternating current (AC) voltage that increases with wheel speed. The ECM receives a rough road signal from a wheel speed sensor located at the left front wheel. The ECM can determine if the vehicle is on a rough road surface based on the signal from the wheel speed sensor. When the ECM detects a rough road condition, misfire diagnostics will be disabled.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0501 and P1501 are not set.
    • The vehicle speed is more than 5 km/h (3 mph).
    • The DTCs run continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P1390

The ECM does not detect a rough road signal from the wheel speed sensor for 30 seconds.

P1396

The ECM detects invalid data from the rough road sensor or the EBCM for 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P1390 and P1396 are Type C DTCs

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P1390 and P1396 are Type C DTCs

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Drive the vehicle over 5 km/h (3 mph), DTC P1390 or P1396 should not set.
  2. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification Test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records List.

Circuit/System Testing

    Important: If the ABS lamp is illuminated, the ABS system must be diagnosed prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle .

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the wheel speed sensor or the EBCM, if equipped with ABS.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts on the rough road signal circuit.
  3. If greater than 5.2 volts, test the rough road signal circuit for a short to voltage . If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
    If less than 4.8 volts, test the rough road signal circuit for a short to ground or an open. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit of the wheel speed sensor and ground.
  5. If greater than 5 ohms, test the low reference circuit of the wheel speed sensor for an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  6. If all circuits/connections test normal, test or replace the wheel speed sensor or EBCM, if equipped with ABS.

Component Testing

    Important: This procedure is for vehicle without ABS. If the wheel speed sensor harness is damaged in any way, DO NOT repair the harness.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the wheel speed sensor.
  2. Notice: Support the lower control arms in the normal horizontal position in order to avoid damage to the drive axles. Do not operate the vehicle in gear with the wheels hanging down at full travel.

  3. Raise and support the drive wheels.
  4. Engine running, place the transmission into 2nd gear or drive for an automatic.
  5. Test for 70 mV AC between the rough road signal circuit and low reference of the wheel speed sensor.
  6. If less than 70 mV AC, replace the wheel speed sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Rough Road Sensor Replacement after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Rough Road Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming