GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 558601  Size: MF
ABS Components
Power, Ground and Wheel Speed Sensors

Circuit Description

The EBCM receives the rear wheel speed signal from the Vehicle Control Module (VCM). The rear wheel speed signal originates from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) which is connected to the VCM. The wheel speed sensor coil emits an electromagnetic field. A toothed ring on the wheel passes by the wheel speed sensor and disrupts its electromagnetic field. The disruption in the field causes the wheel speed sensor to produce a sinusoidal (AC) voltage signal. The frequency and amplitude of the sinusoidal (AC) voltage signal are proportional to the speed of the wheel. The amplitude of the wheel speed signal is also directly related to the distance between the wheel speed sensor coil and the toothed ring. This distance is referred to as the air gap.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Ignition switch in the RUN position.
    • Vehicle speed greater than 32 km/h (20 mph) with brake applied, or 20 km/h (12 mph) with brake released.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

EBCM seeing the rear speed signal line drop out for greater than 15 milseconds and return.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The ABS indicator lamp turns on
    • The ABS disables

Malfunction responses to DTC C0237 vary, depending on the affected subsystem.

   • 

ABS--Condition latched (or ignition latched if DTC is set 3 consecutive times during the same ignition cycle)

   • 

DRP--DRP critical

For a detailed explanation of DTC malfunction responses, refer to Self-Diagnostics .

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Repair the conditions responsible for setting the DTC.
    • Use the Clear DTCs function on the Scan Tool
    • Both a Condition Latched or Ignition Latched DTC may exist momentarily, or constantly. In either of the cases, the DTC will be stored in the EBCM memory until it is repaired, and/or the DTC is cleared. After the DTC is repaired and/or cleared and the ignition is turned to ON, the ABS lamp will remain lit until the EBCM completes a power-up self test. This test concludes when the vehicle has reached a speed of greater than 13 km/h (8 mph) and the wheel speed inputs have been checked by the EBCM.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for and clear DTCs in the VCM first.

This DTC can be set by a malfunction in the VSS, or a fault in CKT 821, 822 or 1827.

In addition, any of the following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:

    • A poor connection
    • Wire insulation that is rubbed through
    • A wire breaks inside the insulation

Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint for the following conditions:

    • Backed out terminals
    • Improper mating
    • Broken locks
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Poor terminal to wiring connections
    • Physical damage to the wiring harness

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the steps in the diagnostic table:

  1. This step uses the voltage output from the VCM to check the CKT 1827.

  2. This step attempts to determine if there the VCM can process the VSS input and deliver a VSS output on CKT 1827.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

Using the scan tool, check for any powertrain DTCs

Does the scan tool indicate any powertrain DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point in Engine Controls - 4.3L

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the ABS connector C1.
  2. Measure the voltage from the 12 volt reference circuit of the Vehicle Speed Signal Input circuit to a good ground.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

10 volts

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Connect a DMM between the vehicle speed sensor circuit and a good ground.
  3. Set up to monitor AC voltage.
  4. Hand spin the rear wheel as fast as possible while observing the DMM.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

100 mv

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

5

Test the vehicle speed sensor circuit for an open or short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

6

Test the vehicle speed sensor circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the EBCM.

Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the VCM.

Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

Operate the vehicle under the conditions for running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC set?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK