GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

Rough roads cause torque on the tires that is transmitted to the powertrain. This slows down the crankshaft giving the appearance of a misfire. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) determines rough road surfaces using input from the wheel speed sensors. The EBCM then sends the rough road data to the PCM via class 2 serial data. The PCM uses the rough road data to enhance the misfire diagnostic. The data allows the PCM to distinguish the crankshaft speed variations caused by rough road surfaces from those caused by true misfires. If a loss of communication occurs that causes the PCM not to receive rough road information while a misfire condition is requesting the MIL, DTC P1381 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine load is less than 87 percent.
    • The engine speed is less than 5,000 RPM.
    • The vehicle speed is more than 16 km/h (10 mph).
    • A misfire DTC is occurring and requesting the MIL to be illuminated.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM is detecting a loss of communication with the EBCM for approximately 5 seconds or more.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Notice: Use the connector test adapter kit J 35616-A for any test that requires probing the following items:

   • The PCM harness connectors
   • The electrical center fuse/relay cavities
   • The component terminals
   • The component harness connector
Using this kit will prevent damage caused by the improper probing of connector terminals.

If the condition is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step ensures that the EBCM is capable of transmitting serial data on the Class 2 serial data circuit.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Select chassis application on the scan tool.
  3. Attempt to display ABS data on the scan tool.

Can ABS data be displayed?

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS