GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The electronic suspension control (ESC) module provides a common low reference for all 4 of the suspension damper solenoids. The ESC module internally monitors the return voltage on the low reference circuit for a voltage out of range condition.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC C0690 Damper Control Relay Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

Continuously with the ignition ON

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ESC module internally senses a low reference voltage out of range condition.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Disable all suspension damper solenoid outputs.
    • The SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message will be displayed.
    • Stores a DTC C0690 in the ESC module memory

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The ESC module senses the correct voltage on the low reference circuit upon the next ignition cycle.
    • Using a scan tool
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Ignition cycle counting is used by the ESC module to detect faults in the system. The objective is to eliminate false/intermittent codes while maintaining an acceptable level of system performance. The operation of the ignition cycle counting requires that a fault condition be present for 4 consecutive ignition cycles before it will set the fault code and display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message. If a fault code is present, without a fault being current, the system will go into one or more degraded modes without displaying a message. Resetting the ignition cycle counter is done by clearing codes with a scan tool. Clearing codes will override ignition cycle counting for one ignition cycle. Therefore, a fault condition will set the fault code immediately if it occurs on the first ignition cycle after the codes are cleared.

Most occurrences of this DTC are caused by connector C450 not full seated, backed out, or has a bent terminal.

The following conditions may cause a malfunction to occur:

    • An open in all 4 low reference circuits of the suspension damper solenoids
    • An open in the solenoid ground circuit at the ESC module
    • An open in G410 or SP410
    • An open in G304 or G305

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests whether the condition has been corrected or identified as specified in the supporting text.

  2. This step tests all 4 low reference circuits of the suspension damper solenoids for an open.

  3. This step tests all 4 control circuits of the suspension damper solenoids for an open.

  4. This step tests the solenoid ground circuit at the ESC module, should be less than 0.5 ohm.

  5. Clear DTCs and check to see if the DTC will reset.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within normal operating conditions.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

Test all 4 suspension damper solenoid low reference circuits for an open between the suspension damper solenoids and the electronic suspension control (ESC) module. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Test all 4 suspension damper solenoid control circuits for an open between the suspension damper solenoids and the ESC module. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ESC module connectors.
  3. Test the resistance of the solenoid ground circuit at the ESC module. The resistance should be less than 0.5 ohms. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the ESC module. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 7

--

7

  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