GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The electronic suspension control (ESC) module provides a common regulated power supply of about 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.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0696 Position Sensor Overcurrent (5-volt supply)

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ESC module senses position sensor supply voltage under 4.5 volts or over 5.5 volts.
    • The condition must be detected for 1 second in 4 consecutive ignition cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC C0696 in the ESC memory
    • Command speed dependent damping system default AND command normal force signals to default state.
    • Sends a message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to display the 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 (4.5-5.5 volts).
    • The IPC clearing DTCs feature
    • Using a scan tool

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:
       - An intermittent short to ground is detected on any of the position sensor supply circuits.
       - An intermittent short to voltage is detected on any of the position sensor supply circuits.
    • The ESC module uses a common power supply in order to provide voltage to all of the position sensors. Therefore, a position sensor overcurrent code may be set if a malfunction is detected on any position sensor supply circuit.
    • The ESC module uses an ignition cycle counter diagnostic approach to set this DTC. This requires the ESC module to detect the malfunction 4 times before setting the DTC. To disable this feature, use a scan tool to clear all DTCs before preforming diagnostic procedures.
    • If any position sensor supply circuit is shorted to ground, the scan tool will indicate all of the position sensor voltage readings as zero.
    • If any position sensor is shorted to voltage, the position sensor will still function properly and the scan tool will display a valid position sensor voltage reading.
    • An intermittent DTC C0696 may produce a random firm/soft condition.

Test Description

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

  1. This tests the position sensor signal voltage range using a scan tool. The scan tool will display 0 volts for all position sensors if any position sensor 5-volt reference circuit is shorted to ground.

  2. This tests if any position sensor is shorted to ground.

  3. This tests determines which position sensor is shorted to ground.

  4. Tests for a short to ground in the position sensor 5-volt reference circuits.

  5. Tests for a short to voltage in the position sensor 5-volt reference circuits.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Electronic Suspension Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Electronic Suspension Control Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, observe all 4 Position Sensor Data parameters in the electronic suspension control (ESC) data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that all 4 Position Sensor Data parameters are within the specified range?

1.5-5.5 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect all 4 position sensors.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Connect each position sensor one at a time and observe if the DTC resets after each sensor is reconnected.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

5

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of all position sensors for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

6

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of all position sensors for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Diagnostic Aids

7

Replace the applicable position sensor. Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement or Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 9

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8

Replace the ESC module. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

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9

  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