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 provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC C0696: Position Sensor Overcurrent

Circuit/System Description

The electronic suspension control (ESC) module provides a common regulated reference voltage of approximately 5 volts to all of the position sensors. The ESC module monitors this power supply for a malfunction that could prevent it from correctly regulating the supply voltage.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Battery voltage is between 9-16 volts
    • Ignition is ON

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ESC module senses suspension position sensor supply voltage under 4.75 volts or over 5.25 volts.
    • The condition is detected for 1 second in 4 consecutive ignition cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Commands speed dependent damping system and normal force signals to the default state.
    • The ESC sends a message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to display SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • The ESC module senses the correct sensor supply voltage.
    • The IPC clearing DTC feature.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Electronic Suspension Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Electronic Suspension Control Connector End Views
    •  Electronic Suspension Control Component Views

Description and Operation

Electronic Suspension Control Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

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

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool position sensor data parameter. The reading should be between 4.75-5.25 volts.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at all 4 suspension position sensors.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 4.75-5.25 volts between the 5 volt reference circuit terminal A and ground at each sensor connector.
  3. If less than the specified range, test the 5 volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If all circuits test normal, replace the ESC module.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5 volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ESC module.
  4. Reinstall each sensor, one at a time, while verifying for 4.75-5.25 volts between the 5 volt reference circuit terminal A and ground of the last sensor connector to be connected.
  5. If the voltage is out of the range when one of the 3 sensors are connected, replace the suspect suspension position sensor.
  6. Replace the last remaining suspect suspension position sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the 5 volt reference terminal A and a external 5 volt power source. Install a jumper wire between the low reference terminal C and ground.
  2. Sweep the suspension position sensor through the entire range while monitoring the voltage between the signal terminal B and the low reference terminal C. The range should vary between 0.35-4.75 volts without any spikes or dropouts.
  3. If not within the specified range or if it is erratic, replace the applicable suspension position sensor.

Repair Instructions

    •  Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ESC module replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

  1. Install any components or connectors that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
  2. Perform any adjustment, programming or setup procedures that are required when a component or module is removed or replaced. This would include the Suspension Position Calibration procedure.
  3. Clear the DTCs.
  4. Use the scan tool Diagnostic Counter Reset output control function to bypass the 3 consecutive ignition cycle requirement for setting a DTC. This will ensure that if a DTC was to be reset during the repair verification process, it will be displayed on the scan tool.
  5. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
  6. Turn ON the ignition.
  7. If the repair was related to a DTC, duplicate the Conditions for Running the DTC and use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records, if applicable, in order to verify the DTC does not reset. If the DTC resets or another DTC is present, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.