The EBCM supplies current to the variable effort steering actuator in one direction through the VES control circuits. With the vehicle stopped, the EBCM will supply zero current through the VES control circuits. The zero current indicates no steering assist and the vehicle has normal power steering. As the vehicle speed increases, the EBCM will supply current through the VES high control circuit and the scan tool will display a positive current value. The positive current value indicates negative steering assist, meaning the driver must supply more effort to turn the steering wheel.

The EBCM also detects the amount of current feedback through the actuator. By comparing the supplied current to the feedback current, the EBCM can determine when there is a fault in the circuit. If an open or short is present in the VES control circuits, the EBCM will set DTC C1241 Variable Effort Steering Circuit Malfunction. With DTC C1241 set current, the scan tool will not control the variable effort steering function.

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) defines a drive cycle as the completion of the EBCM initialization sequence. The EBCM performs the initialization sequence once each ignition cycle.