GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

Modules connected to the class 2 serial data circuit monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the modules. When a module receives a message for a critical operating parameter, the module records the identification number of the module which sent the message for State of Health monitoring, Node Alive messages. A critical operating parameter is one which, when not received, requires that the module use a default value for that parameter. Once an identification number is learned by a module, it will monitor for that module's Node Alive message. Each module on the class 2 serial data circuit which is powered and performing functions that require detection of a communications malfunction is required to send a Node Alive message every 2 seconds. When no message is detected from a learned identification number for 5 seconds, a DTC U1xxx, where xxx is equal to the three digit identification number, is set.

The control module ID number list below provides a method for determining which module is not communicating. A module with a class 2 serial data circuit malfunction or which loses power during the current ignition cycle will have a Loss of Communication DTC set by other modules that depend on information from that failed module. The modules that can communicate will set a DTC indicating the module that cannot communicate.

Control Module

ID Number

Body Control Module (BCM)

064

Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)

040

Engine Control Module (ECM)

016

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

048

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC)

096

Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)

088

Vehicle Communication Module (VCIM)

(151)

When more than one Loss of Communication DTC is set in either one module or in several modules, diagnose the DTCs in the following order:

  1. Current DTCs before history DTCs unless told otherwise in the diagnostic table.
  2. The DTC which is reported the most times.
  3. From the lowest number DTC to the highest number DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The vehicle power mode (ignition switch position) requires serial data communication to occur.
    • The Module supply voltage is in the normal operating range of 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

A message from a learned identification number has not been detected for the past 5 seconds.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will clear when a Node Alive message from the failed identification number is detected on the class 2 serial data circuit or at the end of the current ignition cycle.
    • A history DTC clears when the module ignition cycle counter reaches the reset threshold, without a repeat of the malfunction.

Diagnostic Aids

When multiple Loss of Communication DTCs are set concurrently, the likely cause is a bad connection at the Fuse Block-Left I/P class 2 serial data connector. Refer to Control Module References in Body Control System.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. The module which was not communicating on the class 2 serial data circuit may have set the Loss of Communication DTCs for the modules it was monitoring.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Data Link Connector Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List and Inline Harness Connector End Views in Wiring Systems

1

Important: Use the control module ID number list in order to determine which module is not communicating. A short to ground on the following circuits may cause the BCM ELECT fuse to open. If the BCM ELECT fuse is open, the BCM will be unable to communicate.

   • Inadvertent Power Supply for the Dome Lamp circuit
   • Inadvertent Power Supply for the Power Mirrors circuit
   • Inadvertent Power Supply for the Trunk Lamp circuit

Test the following circuits of the module that is not communicating for an open or a short to ground:

    • The battery positive voltage input circuits
    • The battery positive voltage output circuits
    • The ignition voltage input circuits
    • The ignition voltage output circuits
    • The switched battery positive voltage circuits

Refer to the following:

    •  Control Module References in Body Control System
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems
    •  Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Test the ground circuits of the module that is not communicating for an open.

Refer to the following:

    •  Control Module References in Body Control System
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems
    •  Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3

Test the class 2 serial data circuits of the module that is not communicating for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect the harness connectors of the module that is not communicating for poor connections and terminal tension at the following circuits:

    • The battery positive voltage input circuits
    • The battery positive voltage output circuits
    • The ignition voltage input circuits
    • The ignition voltage output circuits
    • The switched battery positive voltage supply circuits
    • The ground circuits
    • The class 2 serial data circuits

Refer to the following:

    •  Control Module References in Body Control System
    •  Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Important: Perform the programming or set up procedure for the module, if required.

Replace the module that is not communicating. Refer to Control Module References in Body Control System

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. Select the Display DTCs function for the module which was not communicating.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs which do not begin with a "U"?

Go to Control Module References in Body Control System

Go to Step 7

7

Select the Display DTCs function for the modules which had the Loss of Communications DTC set.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs which do not begin with a "U"?

Go to Control Module References in Body Control System

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Continue diagnosing or clearing the DTCs until all the modules have been diagnosed and all the DTCs have been cleared.

Did you complete the action?

Go to Control Module References in Body Control System

--