GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

Regulations and agreements among the automobile manufacturers have resulted in the data link connector (DLC). This connector must be used for the scan tool and programming access to all communications systems used for the purposes on the vehicle. The connector must have the following:

    • A 16-pin connector configuration to which all scan tools connect
    • Scan tool battery power always available at pin 16
    • Scan tool ground always available at pin 4
    • A clean signal ground always available at pin 5

The rest of the pins are available for serial data communications to the vehicle system. The serial data circuits are the means by which the microprocesor-controlled modules in the vehicle communicate with each other and the scan tool. There are 2 different types of protocols on this vehicle:

    • The Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART)
    • Keyword 2000 Data line

The scan tool accesses the following module data lines:

    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) (UART)
    • The engine control module (ECM) (Keyword 2000)
    • The transmission control module (TCM) (UART)
    • The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) (UART)
    • The immobilizer control module (UART)
    • The anti-theft module (UART)

UART Data line

UART-Based communication systems have a master of the serial data line and remote transceivers. The master controls the message traffic on the serial data line by polling all of the remotes (control modules). The master then waits for the proper response.

    • The UART serial data line: The UART serial data line allows the following components to communicate data with a scan tool:
       - The electronic brake control module (EBCM)
       - The transaxle control module (TCM)
       - The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)
       - The immobilizer control module
       - The anti-theft module
    • The UART serial data line allows a scan tool to communicate with these modules for diagnosis and testing.

Keyword 2000 Data Line

The Keyword protocols utilize a single wire bi-directional data line between the module and the scan tool. The message structure is a request and response arrangement. Keyword 2000 is used for scan tool diagnostics only. The modules do not exchange data on these systems.

The keyword 2000 serial data line:

    • The keyword 2000 serial data line allows the following to communicate with the scan tool: The engine control module.
    • The keyword 2000 serial data line allows a scan tool to communicate with this module for diagnosis and testing.