GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 a 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, which are ON or OFF.

C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594

In order to test for the conditions that set a DTC C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594, the ESC module must first command the solenoid OFF. The ESC module must be in a command OFF state. If a low voltage level is detected in the solenoid control 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.

C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593

In order to test for the conditions that set a DTC C0578, C0583, C0588, or C0593, the ESC module must first command the solenoid ON. The ESC module must be in a command ON state. If a high voltage level is detected in the solenoid control circuit during the ON state, the test is again repeated. If the ESC module determines that the voltage levels detected in both tests are higher than expected, a malfunction is present and a DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

C0577, C0579, C0582, C0584, C0587, C0589, C0592 or C0594

The following conditions must be present to run the DTC:

    • The ignition ON.
    • The ESC module in command OFF state.
    • The RTD function enabled.

C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593

The following conditions must be present to run the DTC:

    • The ignition ON.
    • The ESC module in command ON state.
    • The RTD function enabled.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592

The ESC module detects a low voltage level, which is a short to ground on the solenoid control circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.

C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593

The ECS module detect a high voltage, which is a short to voltage on the solenoid control circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.

C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594

The ESC module detects a low voltage level, which is an open circuit on the solenoid control circuit during two diagnostic tests performed.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592

The following actions will occur when a DTC sets:

    • Stores a DTC C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592 in the ESC memory.
    • Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable all 4 solenoids.
    • Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL and SHOCKS INOPERATIVE messages.
    • Sends a message to the PCM to limit the speed. The PCM then sends a message to the IPC to display the MAXIMUM SPEED 129 km/h (80 mph) message.

C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593

The following actions will occur when a DTC sets:

    • Stores a DTC C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593 in the ESC memory.
    • Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable the solenoid.
    • Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message.

C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594

The following actions will occur when a DTC sets:

    • Stores a DTC C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594 in the ESC memory.
    • Commands 0% PWM duty cycle in order to disable the solenoid.
    • Sends a message to the IPC to display the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592

The following conditions must exist to clear 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, which is a short to ground on the solenoid control 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.

C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593

The following conditions must exist to clear the DTC:

    • The ESC module no longer detects a high voltage level, which is a short to voltage on the solenoid control 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.

C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594

The following conditions must exist to clear 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, which is an open circuit on the solenoid control 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

C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592

The following condition may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:

    • There is an intermittent short to ground on the solenoid control circuit.
    • There is an internal shock absorber solenoid short.
    • If the conditions for a DTC C0577, C0582, C0587 or C0592 are current, the ESC module will disable all four solenoids by commanding 0% duty cycle, and the RTD relay. The vehicle will experience a soft ride condition on the side of the vehicle.
    • The RTD relay provides supply voltage to all four shock absorber solenoids; therefore, multiple shock absorber solenoid DTCs which are open or short to ground may also be stored along with a DTC C0690. Always diagnose a DTC C0690 first before attempting to diagnose multiple shock absorber solenoid DTCs.
    • If a short to ground is present on the solenoid supply circuit, the RTD fuse will open and a RTD relay DTC may set.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, cycle the shock absorber solenoid while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.

C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593

The following condition may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:

    • There is an intermittent short to voltage on the solenoid control circuit.
    • The solenoid control and supply circuits are intermittently shorted together.
    • There is a shock absorber solenoid low resistance, internal short, or short to voltage condition.
    • If the conditions for a DTC C0578, C0583, C0588 or C0593 are current, the ESC module will disable the solenoid by commanding 0% duty cycle and the vehicle will experience a soft ride condition on the side of the vehicle.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, cycle the shock absorber solenoid while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.

C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594

The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:

    • There is an intermittent open on the solenoid control or supply circuits.
    • There is an internal shock absorber solenoid open or high resistance value.
    • If the conditions for a DTC C0579, C0584, C0589 or C0594 are current, the ESC module will disable the solenoid by commanding 0% duty cycle and the vehicle will experience a soft ride condition on the side of the vehicle.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Using a scan tool, cycle the shock absorber solenoid while moving the wiring and the connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.

Test Description

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

  1. This step measures the resistance value of the shock absorber solenoid from the ESC module connector.

  2. This step measures the resistance value of the shock absorber solenoid from the shock absorber connector.

  3. This step tests for an open, short to voltage or short to ground in the control circuit.

  4. This step tests for an open, short to voltage or short to ground in the supply circuit.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Suspension Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the RTD Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Real Time Damping

2

  1. Disconnect the ESC connector that contains the appropriate control and supply circuits.
  2. Measure the resistance of the shock absorber solenoid.

Does the resistance measure within the specified value?

9.5- 15.5 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the shock absorber connector.
  2. Measure the resistance of the shock absorber solenoid.

Does the resistance measure within the specified value?

9.5- 15.5 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

Test the ESC module control circuit for an open, short to voltage 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 5

5

Test the ESC module supply circuit for an open, short to voltage 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 6

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ESC module. 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

7

Replace the applicable shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension or Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

8

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Reconnect any connectors that were disconnected.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK