GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 234299  Size: MF
ABS Components
Cell 44: Power, Ground and Indicators
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) controls the operation of the amber ABS indicator lamp by means of a lamp driver relay.

The amber ABS indicator lamp is connected to the IG COIL fuse. This circuit is hot in ON and START ignition switch positions.

When the lamp driver relay is in the OFF state, the lamp driver relay grounds the amber ABS indicator lamp. This causes the amber ABS indicator lamp to turn ON.

When the EBCM commands OFF the ABS indicator, the EBCM turns ON the lamp driver relay by grounding the ABS indicator control circuit. This causes the lamp driver relay to open the path to ground, turning OFF the amber ABS indicator lamp.

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the EBCM turns ON the ABS indicator for 3 seconds for a bulb check. Whenever a malfunction is detected within the ABS system, the EBCM tuns ON the ABS indicator, notifying the driver that ABS needs to be serviced. If the EBCM commands the red BRAKE warning indicator ON due to an ABS malfunction that may degrade base braking operation and cannot do so, the ABS indicator will flash to indicate the serious nature of the problem.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions may cause a malfunction:

    • Short to ground between the lamp driver relay and the amber ABS indicator lamp
    • Open circuit or high resistance between the EBCM and the lamp driver relay
    • Open DEF fuse
    • Open coil or constantly closed contacts of the lamp driver relay

Use the Lamp Test function of the Scan Tool in order to turn the indicator on while looking for an intermittent malfunction in the ABS warning indicator circuitry.

Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may cause 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

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Important: Zero the J 39200 test leads before making any resistance measurements. Refer to the J 39200 user's manual.

1

Was A Diagnostic System Check-ABS performed?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Install a Scan Tool .
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
  4. Do not start the engine.

  5. Select Data Display on the Scan Tool .
  6. Observe the ABS Warning Lamp parameter.

Does the Scan Tool indicate that the ABS Warning Indicator is ON?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

Disconnect the Lamp Driver Relay connector.

Does the ABS Warning Indicator turn OFF?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Disconnect the Instrument Panel Cluster connector C3.
  2. Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the IPC connector C3 terminal 7 and ground.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

OL (Infinite)

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

5

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

6

Replace the Lamp Driver Relay. Refer to Lamp Driver Relay Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

7

Repair the short to ground in the BLU/ORN wire between the IPC and the Lamp Driver Relay.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

8

Repair the instrument panel cluster.

Refer to Instrument Cluster System Check in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

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