GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

This circuit is used to monitor the voltage level available to the electronic brake control module (EBCM). If the voltage drops below a certain level, full performance of the system cannot be guaranteed. During antilock brake system (ABS) operation, there are several current requirements that will cause battery voltage to drop. Because of this, voltage is monitored prior to ABS operation to indicate good charging system condition and also during ABS operation when voltage may drop significantly.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C0036 can only be set if the vehicle speed is greater than 8 km/h (5 mph), if the ignition voltage to terminal A11 and battery voltage to terminal A and B are less than 10.5 volts during non-ABS or initialization. The DTC will also set if the ignition voltage is below 10.5 volts and the battery voltage is below 9.0 volts during ABS.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The solenoid relay opens, removing voltage from the solenoids and pump motor.
    • DTC C0036 is stored.
    • The ABS is disabled, ABS warning lamp turns ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • If the conditions that set DTC C0036 are no longer present, the DTC may be cleared by using the proper scan tool.
    • The DTC that has not occurred in 100 drive cycles will be cleared from history data.

Diagnostic Aids

Typical causes for DTC C0036 to set:

    • Weak or discharged battery
    • Poor battery terminal contact
    • Excessive battery draws from factory or after-market equipment, parasitic load
    • Poor battery ground at block or chassis
    • Poor terminal contact at electronic brake control module (EBCM)
    • Poor EBCM ground connection
    • Charging system malfunction, generator

Thoroughly inspect the wiring and the connectors. Failure to inspect the wiring and the connectors carefully and fully can cause replacement of parts without repairing the malfunction.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-ABS?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  1. Load test the battery. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test in Engine Electrical.
  2. Inspect the charging system. Refer to Charging System Test in Engine Electrical.
  3. Perform a parasitic load test.

Did the battery, charging system, and parasitic load test pass?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

    • Repair the charging system.
    • Recharge/replace the battery.
    • Find and repair the source of the excessive parasitic draw.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

System OK

--

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  2. Disconnect the battery positive and negative terminals.
  3. Disconnect the harness from the electronic brake control module (EBCM).
  4. Inspect the following for a poor connection:
  5. • Battery terminal cables
    • Negative cable to block and/or chassis
    • Positive cable to starter solenoid and/or junction block
    • EBCM terminals A11, A , B, C
    • EBCM ground wire to chassis ground

Were all the above connections satisfactory?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Repair the terminal and/or connections as needed.

Did you complete the repair?

--

System OK

--

6

  1. Verify the EBCM is still disconnected.
  2. Verify the battery cables are still disconnected.
  3. Connect an ohmmeter to terminal C of the EBCM harness and the negative battery cable.

Does the resistance measure less than the specified value?

2 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Find and repair the source of high resistance between the negative battery cable and the EBCM harness connector.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

System OK

--

8

  1. Reconnect the battery cables.
  2. The EBCM is still disconnected.
  3. Turn the ignition switch ON.
  4. Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage on the EBCM harness terminals A11, A, B.

Does the voltage on all 3 terminals measure greater than the specified range?

B+

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Find and repair the source of low voltage to the EBCM terminals.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

System OK

--

10

Replace the EBCM.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

System OK

--