GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The controller area network (CAN) is a high speed system for sharing data. The circuit consists of a two wire twisted pair connecting the ECM to the TCM and a second twisted pair connecting the ECM to the EBCM.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The CAN circuits are monitored continuously by the modules on the circuit. The only requirement is that the modules are in a ON power mode.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The module setting the DTC has attempted to establish communications on the CAN circuits more than 7 times. After the seventh attempt, the module sets this DTC.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Besides storing the DTC as both current and history, the modules on the CAN network each take separate actions as listed:

    • Engine Control Module (ECM):
       - Turn ON the MIL during the second consecutive drive cycle with the error detected.
       - Record the operating conditions at the time of turning on the MIL and store the data as freeze frame information.
    • Transmission Control Module (TCM):
       - Turn ON the Service Transmission Lamp (STL) when the first error is detected.
       - Send a request to the ECM to turn ON the MIL during the second consecutive drive cycle with the error detected.
       - Operate in the Default Mode. Refer to Electronic Component Description in Automatic Transmission-4L30-E.
    • Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM):
       - Traction Control System (TCS) is disabled.
       - Turn ON the TC indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The MIL, STL and TC indicators are cleared, turned OFF, and the DTC cleared by a different strategy for each module:

    • ECM:
       - If the fault is not detected for three consecutive drive cycles the current DTC is cleared and the MIL is turned OFF.
       - The history DTC is cleared if the malfunction does not reoccur for 40 consecutive drive cycles.
       - The history DTC is cleared if there is a KAM reset (battery disconnected).
    • TCM:
       - If the fault is not detected for one drive cycle the current DTC is cleared and the STL is turned OFF.
       - The history DTC is cleared if the malfunction does not reoccur for 40 consecutive drive cycles.
       - The Default Mode transmission control is cancelled when the malfunction is not present and the ignition switch is OFF long enough for the TCM to power-down and reset.
    • EBCM:
       - If the fault is not detected for one drive cycle the current DTC is cleared and the TC indicator is turned OFF.
       - The history DTC is cleared if the malfunction does not reoccur for 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

Missing data from a module may assist in diagnosing this malfunction. Determine the module that is not communicating by observing the following:

    • ABS System (EBCM)
       - Engine Speed (RPM) -- This comes from the ECM.
       - Delivered Engine Torque (%) -- This comes from the TCM.
    • Transmission Data (TCM)
       - Engine Speed (RPM) -- This comes from the ECM.
       - Vehicle Speed (MPH) -- This comes from the EBCM.
       - MIL Request -- This goes to the ECM.
    • Engine Data (ECM)
       - Vehicle Speed (MPH) -- This comes from the EBCM.
       - MIL Request -- This comes from the TCM.

Test Description

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

  1. A communications failure to one or more modules of a data link circuit may cause the malfunction.

  2. If a module is not transmitting the required data, the module receiving the data cannot detect the presence of the transmitting module.

  3. The TCM needs time to reset memory.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Data Link Connector Schematics

1

Did you perform either the Engine Controls, Transmission, or Antilock Brake System Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Control Module References in Body Control System

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, monitor the DTC Information for DTC U2100.
  4. With a scan tool, monitor the DTC Information for DTCs in the range of U2105 - U2108.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC U2100 or DTCs in the range of U2105 - U2108 as either current or history DTCs?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

Use the scan tool to observe the Data Lists of the ECM, TCM and EBCM for the data listed:

    • ABS System (EBCM):
       - Engine Speed (RPM) -- This comes from the ECM.
       - Delivered Engine Torque (%) -- This comes from the TCM.
    • Transmission Data (TCM):
       - Engine Speed (RPM) -- This comes from the ECM.
       - Vehicle Speed (MPH) -- This comes from the EBCM.
       - MIL Request -- This goes to the ECM.
    • Engine Data (ECM):
       - Vehicle Speed (MPH) -- This comes from the EBCM.
       - MIL Request -- This comes from the TCM.

Either data missing or a mismatch between the data sent and received indicates a malfunction

Does either the lack of information in the data listed or a mismatch between the modules in the data listed indicate an inoperative module?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the module that is not communicating. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

Important: Perform the set up procedure for the replaced control module if required.

Replace the control module that is not communicating. Refer to Control Module References in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  3. Wait at least 10 seconds.
  4. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  5. Retrieve DTCs from the ECM, EBCM and TCM.

Does the DTC reset ?

Go to Step 7

System OK

7

Inspect the connector of the module recording the DTC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Important: Perform the set up procedure for the replaced control module if required.

Replace the control module that has set the DTC. Refer to Control Module References in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  3. Wait at least 10 seconds.
  4. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  5. Retrieve DTCs from the ECM, EBCM and TCM.

Does the DTC reset ?

Go to Step 2

System OK