GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 467116  Size: MF
Suspension Controls Components
Suspension Controls Schematics
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The ESC module uses the Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) method in order to control each shock absorber solenoid. Switching the voltage ON and OFF at each shock absorber solenoid, or pulse width modulating, limits the amount of current supplied to that particular solenoid. The ESC module periodically commands each shock absorber to an set PWM duty cycle in order to override the normal PWM command. During this set PWM duty cycle, the ESC module is able to perform a diagnostic test on each shock absorber solenoid, and can determine if a malfunction is present. The ESC module is only able to detect certain malfunctions during a given state (ON or OFF). In order to test for the conditions that set a DTC C1717, the ESC module must first command the RF solenoid OFF. The ESC module must be in a command OFF state. If a low voltage level is detected in the RF solenoid drive circuit during the OFF state, the test is again repeated. If the ESC module determines that the voltage levels detected in both tests are lower than expected, a malfunction is present and a DTC will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ESC module detects a low voltage level (open circuit) on the RF solenoid drive circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.
    • Detection for this DTC can only be accomplished when the RF solenoid is in the OFF state (0% duty cycle).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC C1717 in the ESC memory.
    • Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable the RF solenoid.
    • Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The ignition must be cycled before this DTC can change from current to history even if the malfunction is no longer present.
    • The ESC module no longer detects a low voltage level (open circuit) on the RF solenoid drive circuit during two diagnostic tests.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the IPC clearing DTC feature.
    • Using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:
       - An intermittent open on the solenoid drive or supply lines.
       - An internal shock absorber solenoid open or high resistance value.
       - An intermittent open in the RTD relay contacts.
    • If the conditions for a DTC C1717 are current, the ESC module will disable RF solenoid (commanding 0% duty cycle) and the vehicle will experience a soft ride condition on the RF side of the vehicle.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, cycle the RF shock absorber solenoid while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to appear.

Test Description

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

  1. This step measures the resistance value of the RF shock absorber solenoid.

  2. This step checks for an open in the RF shock absorber solenoid circuit.

  3. This step checks for an intermittent malfunction and requests a thorough inspection of the related RF shock absorber circuit wiring and connectors.

DTC C1717 -- RF Shock Absorber Solenoid Open Circuit

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the RTD Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to RTD Diagnostic System Check

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the RF shock absorber solenoid connector C106.
  3. At the solenoid side of connector C106, measure the resistance between terminals A and B.

Is the resistance within the specified value?

9.5-15.5 ohms

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

  1. Reconnect the RF shock absorber solenoid connector C106.
  2. Disconnect the ESC module connector C2.
  3. At the harness side of ESC module connector C2, check for continuity between terminals C11 and C12.

Is there continuity?

9.5-15.5 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Check the RF shock absorber solenoid circuit for an intermittent malfunction. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Was an intermittent malfunction found and repaired?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

5

Locate and repair the open in CKT 1117 or CKT 1116.

Is the circuit repair complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

6

Replace the RF shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Connect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Using the scan tool, select clear DTCs.
  5. Cycle the RF shock absorber solenoid for 60 seconds using the scan tool.

Is DTC C1717 current?

--

Go to Step 8

System OK

8

Replace the ESC module. Refer to Electronic Suspension Control Module Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Connect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Using the scan tool, select clear DTCs.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to RTD Diagnostic System Check

--