GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The exhaust solenoid valve (internal to the air compressor head) is controlled by the automatic level control (ALC) sensor. The sensor provides a low side drive (switched to ground) whenever exhaust activity is required and during a "head-relief" sequence, which occurs before each compressor start up. This drive output from the sensor is continually monitored to determine if the voltage level agrees with the commanded state.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The sensor detects a feedback voltage less than the preset threshold during an exhaust valve OFF state.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The LEVELING indicator lamp flashes.
    • The sensor's discrete low side output drive for the valve is disabled.
    • The sensor continuously attempts to recover from the fault.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC becomes history when conditions for the fault are no longer present and the ignition cycles from OFF to ON.
    • A history DTC will clear after 20 ignition cycles.
    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions if a history or intermittent DTC is indicated:

    • A poor connection at the ALC sensor. Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connections.
    • A damaged wiring harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the wiring harness appears to be in good condition, observe the display on the DMM while moving the connectors and wiring harnesses related to the circuits. A change in the DMM display during this test will indicate the location of the fault.
    • For additional information, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Perform the system leak test. Go to Automatic Level Control System Operation Check .

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for an open or short to ground in the battery positive voltage circuit of the auto level control air compressor .

  2. Tests for an open or short to ground in the exhaust solenoid control circuit of the auto level control air compressor.

  3. Tests for an internal open or short to ground in the exhaust solenoid.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Automatic Level Control Schematics

1

Did you perform the Automatic Level Control (ALC) Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Automatic Level Control

2

  1. Disconnect the auto level control air compressor connector.
  2. Measure the voltage between the auto level control air compressor connector terminal C and ground.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

12 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Repair an open, high resistance or a short to ground in the battery positive voltage circuit of the auto level control air compressor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

4

  1. Disconnect the ALC sensor connector.
  2. Connect a fused jumper between the disconnected auto level control air compressor connector terminals C and A.
  3. Measure the voltage between the ALC sensor connector terminal D and ground.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

12 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Repair an open, high resistance or a short to ground in the compressor exhaust control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

6

Measure the resistance between terminals C and A of the auto level control air compressor.

Is the resistance reading within the specified value?

25 ohms-35 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Connect all of the connectors that were disconnected.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Use the scan tool in order to clear DTCs.
  5. Wait at least 5 minutes.

Does the LEVELING indicator lamp flash?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

8

Replace the complete air compressor head. Refer to Automatic Level Control Air Compressor Head Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Important: After replacement calibrate the trim setting for the ALC sensor.

Replace the ALC sensor. Refer to Automatic Level Control Sensor Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2