GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Antilock Brake System 🢒 ABS Indicator Always On

Circuit Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) turns the ABS Indicator on during the IPC bulb check for approximately 3 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. If the EBCM sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) the EBCM sends a class 2 message to the body control module (BCM) and the (BCM) sends a class 2 message to the (IPC) to command the ABS indicator 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 an intermittent malfunction exists refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Confirm if the scan tool can turn on and off all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster.

  1. Verify if the circuits going to the instrument cluster or the cluster is at fault.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Body Control System Connector End Views in Body Control Systems or Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

  1. Using a scan tool, select the Brake Control Module, Special Functions mode.
  2. Select Output Control, Solenoid Test.
  3. Select ABS Telltale Indicator.
  4. In the ABS Telltale test mode you can turn the instrument panel indicators on or off.

    5. All indicators will turn ON when commanded on.

Does the ABS indicator turn on then off?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

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

Is the replacement complete?

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

4

  1. Disconnect the instrument cluster and connect a test light across the appropriate power and ground terminals.
  2. With the test light OFF, repair the open in power or ground circuit to cluster
  3. With the test light ON, check the connector for poor connection to cluster.
  4. If OK, replace the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Is the instrument cluster replacement complete?

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--