GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) commands current from 0-1 amp to the VES actuator, depending on vehicle speed. At low speeds, 1 amp of current is commanded to the actuator and the actuator valve is fully closed. A speed increases, less current is commanded to the actuator and the valve opens, allowing pressure to bleed off through a power steering fluid orifice. The EBCM monitors and compares the Commanded and Feedback Current parameters to detect malfunctions in the VES system.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Ignition voltage between 10.5-17.0 volts
    • Off state test - Initial ignition ON, no engine RPM or vehicle speed present.
    • On state test - If off state test passes, engine RPM and vehicle speed present.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

An open, short to ground or short to voltage in the VES actuator or the circuits to the actuator.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • A DTC C0450 is stored in memory.
    • The DIC displays the SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM warning message.
    • The VES system is disabled for the remainder of the ignition cycle.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC will clear when the malfunction is no longer present.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles with the malfunction no longer present.
    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The vehicle may need to be driven to view full VES Commanded and Feedback Data parameters

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests if the Commanded and Feedback Current parameters are within specification in there active state.

  2. Perform the VES test located under Special Functions. This test may indicate if the VES actuator is mechanically bound.

  3. Tests if the resistance of the VES actuator is within specification.

  4. Tests the control circuit of the VES actuator for a short to ground.

  5. Perform the setup procedure after EBCM replacement.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Steering Assist Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Steering Assist Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Variable Effort Steering Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Variable Effort Steering

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the VES Commanded Current and VES Feedback Current Data parameters in the VES data list for the EBCM.

Does the scan tool display the VES Commanded and Feedback Current Data parameters are within 0.03 amps of each other and within specified range?

0.90 to 1.00 amps

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Using the scan tool, select F1 VES Test.

Does the scan tool indicate, Test Passed?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the VES actuator harness connector.
  3. Measure the resistance of the VES actuator.

Does the resistance measure within specified range?

5.0ohms to 10.0ohms

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 12

5

Test the VES actuator and actuator harness for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a short to ground located?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 78

6

Visually inspect the actuator harness for any cut, chaffed or damaged wires.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

7

Test the control circuit of the VES actuator for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Test the control circuit of the VES actuator for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

9

Test the return circuit of the VES actuator for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

10

Test the return circuit of the VES actuator for an open or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 11

11

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

12

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the VES actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

13

Important: Always perform the setup procedure for the EBCM.

  1. Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  2. Perform the setup procedure for the EBCM.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the VES actuator. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK