GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Description

The diagnostic system check is an organized method of identifying any problems caused by a malfunction in either of the following systems:

    • The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
    • The Enhanced Traction System (ETS)

The service technician must begin diagnosis of any ABS or ETS complaint with the diagnostic system check.

The diagnostic system check directs the service technician to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint.

Diagnostic Process

Use the following ordered procedure when servicing the ABS/ETS.

Failure to use the following procedure may cause the loss of important diagnostic data. Failure to use the following procedure may lead to difficult and time-consuming diagnostic procedures.

  1. Use the following procedure to perform a vehicle preliminary diagnostic inspection:
  2. • Inspect the brake master cylinder fluid reservoir:
       - Verify that the brake fluid level is correct.
       - Inspect the master cylinder for contamination.
    • Inspect the ABS and the brake system for the following conditions:
       - Leaks
       - Wiring damage
    • Inspect the brake components of all four wheels:
       - Verify that no drag exists.
       - Verify that the brake apply operation is correct.
    • Inspect for worn or damaged wheel bearings.
    • Worn or damaged wheel bearings may cause a wheel to "wobble".
    • Inspect the wheel speed sensors and the wheel speed sensor wiring:
       - Verify that all of the sensors are solidly attached.
       - Inspect for wiring damage, especially at vehicle attachment points.
    • Inspect the outer CV joint:
       - Verify that the outer CV joint is aligned correctly.
       - Verify that the outer CV joint operates correctly.
    • Inspect the tires. Verify that the tires meet legal tread depth requirements.
  3. If any DTCs are displayed, select DTC History.
  4. 2.1. Determine which malfunction occurred most recently.
    2.2. Diagnose and repair the most recent malfunction first.
  5. Determine if the following conditions exist:
  6. • No DTCs are present.
    • There are malfunctions in the mechanical components.
    • The failure is intermittent and cannot be reproduced.
  7. If the above conditions exist, attempt to reproduce the malfunction:
  8. 4.1. Use the automatic snapshot feature of the Scan Tool while test driving the vehicle.

    Perform normal acceleration, stopping, and turning maneuvers during the test drive.

    4.2. If the test drive does not reproduce the malfunction, perform an ABS stop:
       • Perform the stop on a low coefficient surface (such as gravel).
       • Perform the stop from a speed of 48-80 km/h (30-50 mph).
       • Trigger the snapshot mode on any ABS DTC while performing the stop.
    4.3. If the ABS stop does not reproduce the malfunction, use the enhanced diagnostic information in the DTC History in order to determine if further diagnosis is needed. This determination will be based on the frequency of failure.
  9. Clear the ABS/ETS DTCs after all of the system malfunctions have been corrected.

Diagnostic Aids

Diagnosing DTCs in the correct order is very important. Failure to diagnose DTCs in the order specified may result in the following:

    • Extended diagnostic time
    • Incorrect diagnosis
    • Incorrect parts replacement

ABS Diagnostic System Check

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

  1. Reconnect all previously disconnected components.
  2. Cycle the Ignition switch from the OFF to the ON position, engine OFF.
  3. Plug the Scan Tool into the Data Link Connector (DLC),

Does the Scan Tool communicate with the EBCM?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 2

2

Does the scan tool communicate with other modules on the serial data line?

--

Go to No Communication with Electronic Brake Control Module

Go to Scan Tool Does Not Communicate with Class 2 Device in Data Link Communications

3

With the scan tool read ABS DTCs.

Are there any current Diagnostic Trouble Codes?

--

Go to Applicable DTC Table

Go to Step 4

4

Cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to the ON position.

Does the ABS Indicator come ON then go OFF after several seconds?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Does the ABS Warning Indicator come ON and stay ON?

--

Go to ABS Indicator Always On

Go to ABS Indicator Inoperative

6

Are there any history DTCs?

--

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

  1. Refer to the appropriate DTC table for the history DTC.
  2. Read the diagnostic aids, and conditions for setting the DTC.
  3. Carefully drive the vehicle above 24 km/h (15 mph) for several minutes while monitoring a scan tool for ABS DTCs.

Did the history DTC set as a current DTC while the vehicle was being driven?

--

Go to Applicable DTC Table

System OK