GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Left Side Frame Rail - w/o JL4


Object Number: 599037  Size: MF
(1)Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
(2)Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) Electrical Connector - C1
(3)Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) Electrical Connector - C2
(4)Frame

BPMV Hydraulic Flow


Object Number: 394564  Size: LF
(1)Master Cylinder
(2)Master Cylinder Reservoir
(3)Pump
(4)Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV)
(5)Damper
(6)Rear Isolation Valve
(7)Accumulator
(8)Rear Dump Valve
(9)Right Rear Brake
(10)Left Rear Brake
(11)Left Front Isolation Valve
(12)Left Front Dump Valve
(13)Left Front Brake
(14)Accumulator
(15)Right Front Brake
(16)Right Front Dump Valve
(17)Right Front Isolation Valve
(18)Damper

This vehicle is equipped with one of the following antilock braking systems.

    • EBC325
    • EBC325S (w/NW7)
    • EBC325-VSES (w/JL4)

The vehicle is equipped with the following braking enhancement systems.

    • Antilock Brake System (ABS)
    • Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP)
    • Traction Control System (TCS) (w/NW7)
    • Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) (w/JL4)

The following components are involved in the operation of the above systems.

    • Electronic brake control module (EBCM) - The EBCM controls the system functions and detects failures.
        The EBCM contains the following components:
       - Longitudinal accelerometer (w/JL4) - The longitudinal accelerometer is used to determine straight-line acceleration. This information is used for certain diagnostics in the vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES).
       - System relay - The system relay is energized when the ignition is ON. The system relay supplies battery positive voltage to the solenoid valves and to the pump motor. This voltage is referred to as system voltage.
       - Solenoids - The solenoids are commanded ON and OFF by the EBCM to operate the appropriate valves in the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV).
       - Yaw stability control (YSC) relay (w/JL4) - The YSC relay provides power to the charging, priming, supply, and YSC solenoids.
       - Longitudinal Accelerometer (w/JL4) - The EBCM uses the longitudinal accelerometer to determine the straight-line acceleration of the vehicle.
    • Brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) - The BPMV uses a 3-circuit configuration to control the left front wheel, the right front wheel, and the combined rear wheels. The BPMV directs fluid to the left front and right front wheels independently. The BPMV directs fluid to the two rear wheels on a single hydraulic circuit.
        The BPMV contains the following components:
       - Pump motor
       - Three isolation valves
       - Three dump valves
       - A front low-pressure accumulator
       - A rear low- pressure accumulator
       - Medium-pressure accumulator (MPA) Switch (w/JL4) - The medium pressure accumulator provides a mechanism for quickly applying pressure to the brakes during a yaw control event. The MPA switch monitors the status of the MPA. The MPA switch is open when the MPA is uncharged.
       - A charging valve (w/JL4)
       - A priming valve (w/JL4)
       - A supply valve (w/JL4)
       - A yaw system control (YSC) valve (w/JL4)
    • Wheel speed sensors (WSS) - As the front wheels spin, toothed rings located at each wheel hub interrupt magnetic fields in the wheel speed sensors. This causes each wheel speed sensor to generate an AC signal. The EBCM uses these AC signals to calculate the wheel speed. The wheel speed sensors are serviceable only as part of the wheel hub and bearing assemblies. Any imperfections in the toothed ring, such as a missing or damaged tooth, can cause an inaccurate WSS signal.
    • Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) - The input signal for rear wheel speed originates at the VSS. The powertrain control module (PCM) receives rear wheel speed input from the VSS and supplies this information to the EBCM.
    • Traction control switch (w/NW7) - The TCS is manually disabled or enabled using the traction control switch. The TCS can be programmed to be automatically enabled or disabled when the ignition is turned ON. The factory default is for the TCS to be automatically enabled. Refer to Programming the Traction Control Automatic Engagement Feature.
    • Lateral accelerometer (w/JL4) - The EBCM uses the lateral accelerometer to determine the sideways acceleration of the vehicle. The lateral accelerometer is packaged with the yaw rate sensor as a single component.
    • Master cylinder pressure sensor (w/JL4) - The master cylinder pressure sensor is located on the BPMV. The master cylinder pressure sensor uses a 5-volt reference and generates an output signal between 2 % and 98 % of the reference voltage. The output signal indicates the hydraulic fluid pressure produced at the master cylinder.
    • Yaw rate sensor (w/JL4) - The EBCM uses the yaw rate sensor to determine the rate of rotation along the vehicle's vertical axis. The yaw rate sensor is packaged with the lateral accelerometer as a single component.
    • Steering wheel position sensor (w/JL4) - The steering wheel position input to the EBCM originates at the steering wheel position sensor. The RTD module receives steering wheel position input from the steering wheel position sensor and supplies this information to the EBCM.

Initialization Sequence

The EBCM performs one initialization test each ignition cycle. The initialization of the EBCM occurs when the following conditions are met:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The bulb check has been completed.
    • Vehicle speed is greater than 6 km/h (4 mph).

The initialization sequence briefly cycles each solenoid and the pump motor to verify proper operation of the components. In very cold ambient temperatures, vehicles equipped with JL4 may exhibit noticeable pump noise, and more than one cycle may be performed. The EBCM sets one or more DTCs in accordance with any malfunction that is detected.

The EBCM defines a drive cycle as the completion of the initialization sequence.

Antilock Brake System

When wheel slip is detected during a brake application, the ABS enters antilock mode. During antilock braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each wheel brake. The ABS cannot, however, increase hydraulic pressure above the amount which is transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.

During antilock braking, a series of rapid pulsations is felt in the brake pedal. These pulsations are caused by the rapid changes in position of the individual solenoid valves as the EBCM responds to wheel speed sensor inputs and attempts to prevent wheel slip. These pedal pulsations are present only during antilock braking and stop when normal braking is resumed or when the vehicle comes to a stop. A ticking or popping noise may also be heard as the solenoid valves cycle rapidly. During antilock braking on dry pavement, intermittent chirping noises may be heard as the tires approach slipping. These noises and pedal pulsations are considered normal during antilock operation.

Vehicles equipped with ABS may be stopped by applying normal force to the brake pedal. Brake pedal operation during normal braking is no different than that of previous non-ABS systems. Maintaining a constant force on the brake pedal provides the shortest stopping distance while maintaining vehicle stability.

Pressure Hold

The EBCM closes the isolation valve and keeps the dump valve closed in order to isolate the slipping wheel when wheel slip occurs. This holds the pressure steady on the brake so that the hydraulic pressure does not increase or decrease.

Pressure Decrease

If a pressure hold does not correct the wheel slip condition, a pressure decrease occurs. The EBCM decreases the pressure to individual wheels during deceleration when wheel slip occurs. The isolation valve is closed and the dump valve is opened. The excess fluid is stored in the accumulator until the pump can return the fluid to the master cylinder or fluid reservoir.

Pressure Increase

After the wheel slip is corrected, a pressure increase occurs. The EBCM increases the pressure to individual wheels during deceleration in order to reduce the speed of the wheel. The isolation valve is opened and the dump valve is closed. The increased pressure is delivered from the master cylinder.

Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP)

The dynamic rear proportioning (DRP) is a control system that replaces the hydraulic proportioning function of the mechanical proportioning valve in the base brake system. The DRP control system is part of the operation software in the EBCM. The DRP uses active control with existing ABS in order to regulate the vehicle's rear brake pressure.

The red brake warning indicator is illuminated when the dynamic rear proportioning function is disabled.

Traction Control System (TCS)

When drive wheel slip is noted while the brake is not applied, the EBCM will enter traction control mode.

The EBCM uses a 5-volt pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal to request the PCM to reduce the amount of torque to the drive wheels. The PCM reduces torque to the drive wheels by retarding spark timing and by commanding the throttle actuator control. The PCM uses a 5-volt PWM signal in order to report to the EBCM the amount of torque delivered to the drive wheels.

Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES)

The vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) adds an additional level of vehicle control to the EBCM. Yaw rate is the rate of rotation about the vehicle's vertical axis. The VSES is activated when the EBCM determines that the desired yaw rate does not match the actual yaw rate as measured by the yaw rate sensor.

The desired yaw rate is calculated from the following parameters:

    • The position of the steering wheel
    • The speed of the vehicle
    • The lateral, or sideways acceleration of the vehicle

The difference between the desired yaw rate and the actual yaw rate is the yaw rate error, which is a measurement of oversteer or understeer. If the yaw rate error becomes too large, the EBCM attempts to correct the vehicle's yaw motion by applying differential braking to the left or right front wheel. The amount of differential braking applied to the left or right front wheel is based on both the yaw rate error and side slip rate error.

The VSES activations generally occur during aggressive driving, in turns or on bumpy roads without much use of the accelerator pedal. When braking during VSES activation, the pedal pulsations feel different than the ABS pedal pulsations. The brake pedal pulsates at a higher frequency during VSES activation.

Brake Warning Indicator

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the brake warning indicator when the following occurs:

    • The body control module (BCM) detects that the park brake is engaged. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination.
    • The EBCM detects a low brake fluid condition and sends a class 2 message to the IPC.
    • The IPC performs the bulb check.
    • An ABS-disabling malfunction also disables dynamic rear proportioning (DRP).

ABS Indicator

The IPC illuminates the ABS indicator when the following occurs:

    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) detects an ABS-disabling malfunction. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the EBCM requesting illumination.
    • The IPC performs the bulb check.
    • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the EBCM.

Traction Control Indicators (w/NW7)

LOW TRACTION-Except Escalade

The low traction indicator is part of the traction control switch. The EBCM applies ground to the traction control active signal circuit in order to illuminate the low traction indicator during a traction control event.

LOW TRACTION-Escalade

The low traction indicator is located in the instrument panel cluster. The EBCM applies ground to the traction control active signal circuit in order to illuminate the low traction indicator during a traction control event.

TRACTION OFF-Except Escalade

The traction off indicator, which is part of the traction control switch, turns OFF when ground is applied to the service traction control signal circuit. The EBCM illuminates the traction off indicator if any of the following conditions are present.

    • The EBCM inhibits the traction control system.
    • The driver manually disables the traction control system by pressing the traction control switch.
    • The automatic transmission shift lever is in the low (1) position.

The EBCM inhibits the traction control system when a TCS-disabling malfunction occurs, or when the automatic engagement feature is programmed to disable the TCS when the ignition is turned ON. Refer to Programming the Traction Control Automatic Engagement Feature.

TRACTION OFF-Escalade

The traction off indicator, which is located in the instrument panel cluster, turns OFF when ground is applied to the service traction control signal circuit. An inverting driver module is used in order to apply ground to the traction off indicator control circuit when indicator illumination is requested. The EBCM illuminates the traction off indicator if any of the following conditions are present.

    • The EBCM inhibits the traction control system.
    • The driver manually disables the traction control system by pressing the traction control switch.
    • The automatic transmission shift lever is in the low (1) position.

The EBCM inhibits the traction control system when a TCS-disabling malfunction occurs, or when the automatic engagement feature is programmed to disable the TCS when the ignition is turned ON. Refer to Programming the Traction Control Automatic Engagement Feature.

Stability System Indicators (JL4)

STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE

STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE is displayed on the message center when a VSES or TCS event is taking place. The EBCM requests this display via a Class 2 message.

STABILITY SYSTEM LIMITED

STABILITY SYSTEM LIMITED is displayed on the message center for one or more of the following conditions:

    • The temperature of any of the solenoid coils exceeds 225°C (437°F).
    • The stability mode switch was pressed to limit VSES.

STABILITY SYSTEM DISABLED

STABILITY SYSTEM DISABLED is displayed on the message center for one or more of the following conditions:

    • The temperature of any of the solenoids exceeds 275°C (527°F).
    • The brake fluid level is low.
    • Initialization time is excessive.
    • VSES is in high/low power failsafe mode. This happens when ignition voltage goes outside of a range of 10.25-16 volts. If this occurs, VSES is disabled, but Class 2 messages continue to be processed.

SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM

SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM is displayed on the message center when any VSES DTC is set.

MODE INDICATOR

The indicator lamp on the stability system mode switch indicates the state of the system. The indicator lamp is ON when the VSES is in stability system full mode or limited mode and the system is initialized.

The indicator lamp is OFF under any of the following conditions:

    • The system is not initialized.
    • The PRNDL reading is invalid.
    • The transmission is in "1".
    • The brake fluid level is low.
    • The VSES is in high/low power failsafe mode. This happens when ignition voltage goes outside of a range of 10.25-16 volts. If this occurs, VSES is disabled, but Class 2 messages continue to be processed.
    • A current DTC is present.

Programming the Traction Control Automatic Engagement Feature

The automatic engagement feature may be programmed so that the traction control system activates or does not activate automatically at the start of each ignition cycle. In order to change the status of the automatic engagement feature, perform the following procedure:

Important: Failure to follow the correct procedure may cause DTC C0283 to set in EBCM memory.

  1. Park the vehicle and apply the parking brake.
  2. Unlock the ignition and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N).
  3. Turn the ignition ON, engine OFF.
  4. Press and hold the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal.
  5. Press and hold the traction assist switch for 5 seconds.
  6. Release the brake and accelerator pedals and the traction control switch.
  7. Turn the ignition OFF.