GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The wheel speed sensor produces an alternating current signal whose amplitude and frequency vary, depending on the velocity of the wheel. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) uses the frequency of the AC signal to calculate the wheel speed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

C0035, C0040, C0045, C0050

The ignition is ON.

C0036, C0041, C0046, C0051

    • Vehicle speed is over 40 km/h (25 mph).
    • The brake pedal is not pressed.
    • The antilock brake system (ABS) is not active.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

C0035, C0040, C0045, C0050

One of the following conditions exists for 0.02 seconds:

    • The DTC will set if one wheel equals 0 while the other wheel speeds are greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
    • A short to voltage exists in the wheel speed sensor (WSS) in one of the WSS circuits.
    • An open exists in the wheel speed sensor signal circuit.
    • A short to ground -- The wheel speed sensor signal circuit is shorted to ground.

C0036, C0041, C0046, C0051

All of the following conditions exists for 0.02 seconds:

    • The DTC will set if one wheel speed is less than 2.75 km/h (1.7 mph), and the other WSS are greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
    • The brake pedal is not pressed.
    • DTC C0035, C0040, C0045, and C0050 is not set.
    • The DTC will set if there is interference on the wheel speed circuits for 20 seconds with the brake pedal applied or 5 seconds when the brake pedal is not applied.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

If equipped, the following actions occur:

    • The EBCM disables the ABS and traction control system (TCS) for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • A DTC malfunction will set.
    • The ABS telltale turns ON.
    • The traction control switch light emitting diode (LED) will turn OFF.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present.
    • Using a scan tool, clear the DTC function.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

C0035, C0040, C0045, C0050

If the customer comments that the ABS indicator is ON only during moist environmental conditions (rain, snow, vehicle wash, etc.), inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring for signs of water intrusion. If the DTC is not current, clear all DTCs and simulate the effects of water intrusion by using the following procedure:

  1. Spray the suspected area with a 5 percent saltwater solution. To create a 5-percent saltwater solution, add 2 teaspoons of salt to 354 ml (12 oz) of water.
  2. Test drive the vehicle over various road surfaces (bumps, turns, etc.) above 40 km/h (25 mph) for at least 30 seconds.
  3. If the DTC returns, replace the suspected wheel speed sensor or repair the wheel speed sensor wiring.
  4. Rinse the area thoroughly when completed.

C0036, C0041, C0046, C0051

A possible cause of this DTC is electrical noise on the wheel speed sensor harness wiring. Electrical noise could result from the wheel speed sensor wires being routed to close to high energy ignition system components, such as spark plug wires.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the wheel speed sensor for the proper resistance value.

  2. This step ensures that the wheel speed sensor generates the proper voltage.

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 the antilock brake system (ABS) Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition.
  3. Set up the scan tool snap shot feature to trigger for this DTC.
  4. Drive the vehicle at a speed greater than the specified value.

Does the scan tool indicate that this wheel speed DTC set?

64 km/h (40 mph)

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

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

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

800-1700 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 8

4

  1. Spin the wheel.
  2. Measure the AC voltage across the wheel speed sensor.

Does the AC voltage measure greater than the specified value?

100 mV

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the wheel speed sensor. 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 6

6

  1. Disconnect the electronic brake control module (EBCM) harness connector.
  2. Connect the digital multimeter (DMM) between the sensor signal and the low reference circuit of the EBCM connector.
  3. Test the wheel speed sensor circuits for the following:
  4. • An open
    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage
    • Shorted together

Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector for the EBCM. Refer 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

8

Replace the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front in Front Suspension or Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Rear in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

--

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