For 1990-2009 cars

### Circuit Description

The EBTCM and the powertrain control module/engine control module (PCM/ECM) simultaneously control the traction control. The PCM/ECM reduces the amount of torque supplied to the drive wheels by retarding spark timing and selectively turning OFF the fuel injectors. The EBTCM actively applies the brakes to the front wheels in order to reduce torque.

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) sends a requested torque message via pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the PCM/ECM. The duty cycle of the signal is used to determine how much engine torque the EBTCM is requesting the PCM/ECM to deliver. Normal values are between 10-90 percent duty cycle. The signal should be at 90 percent when traction control is not active and at lower values during traction control activations. The PCM/ECM supplies a pull up voltage of 5 volts that the EBTCM switches to ground to create the signal.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | The ignition is ON.

• | The engine is running.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

• | The EBTCM does not receive the delivered torque signal, open or shorted circuit.

• | An incorrect delivered torque signal is detected by the EBTCM.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | Traction control will be disabled.

• | The traction OFF indicator turns ON.

### Diagnostic Aids

• | It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.

• | Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may be causing the 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

• | The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:

- | A poor connection

- | Rubbed-through wire insulation

- | A broken wire inside the insulation

• | If the customer's comments reflect that the amber ABS/TCS indicator is on only during moist environmental conditions (rain, snow, vehicle wash), inspect all the wheel speed sensor circuitry for signs of water intrusion. If the DTC is not current, clear all DTCs and simulate the effects of water intrusion by using the following procedure:

1. | Spray the suspected area with a five percent saltwater solution.

Add two teaspoons of salt to twelve ounces of water to make a five percent saltwater solution.

2. | Test drive the vehicle over various road surfaces (bumps, turns, etc.) above 40 km/h (25 mph) for at least 30 seconds.

3. | If the DTC returns, replace the suspected harness.

• | If an intermittent malfunction exists refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Step | Action | Values | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics Connector End View Reference: Antilock Brake System Connector End Views
1 | Did you performs the ABS Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
2 |

1. Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
3. Start the engine.

Does the DTC set?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3 | With the engine running, use the scan tool in order to monitor the torque requested in the PCM/ECM data display. Does the Scan tool show a torque requested value between the specified value? | 90-100% | Go to Diagnostic Aids | Go to Step 4
4 |

1. Disconnect the EBTCM.
2. Using a DMM measure the voltage on the delivered torque signal circuit.

Is the voltage measured within the specified range?

4-6 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5 | Test the requested torque signal circuit for an open, or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7
6 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBTCM. 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 10

Go to Step 8

7 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM/ECM. 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 10 | Go to Step 9
8 | Important: New ABS control modules will automatically set DTC C0551 when installed. To clear correct engine and transmission option bit. Refer to ABS programming on the scan tool. Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9 | Important: Perform the setup procedure for the PCM. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 2.2L (L61) or Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81). Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | --
10 |

1. Use the scan tool Clear All Class 2 DTCs function to clear all of the DTCs from all modules.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
3. Turn ON the ignition.
4. 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