ABS Telltale Illuminated on Vehicles Equipped or Not Equipped with ABS, ABS DTC 11 or 12 May also Be Stored in Memory

The ABS telltale is illuminated on vehicles equipped or not equipped with ABS. If vehicle is equipped with ABS, ABS DTC 11 or 12 may or may not be stored in ABS electronic brake control module.

This condition may be caused by an inoperative ABS telltale driver circuit, located within the speedometer/odometer assembly; or an open circuit to the ABS telltale driver.

Refer to the following chart to diagnose and repair the condition.

Important: If the vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes (JL9 or JM4), and any ABS diagnostic trouble codes other than 11 or 12 are stored in ABS electronic brake control module, refer to diagnostic trouble code diagnostics in the appropriate year "Brakes Service Manual."

Circuit Description

The ABS telltale is controlled by a drive located inside the speedometer portion of the I/P cluster assembly, on all vehicles. When the ABS electronic brake control module commands the ABS telltale On it will remove the ground from circuit 875. This will cause the driver within the speedometer to be On, supplying ground to the ABS telltale.

For vehicles that are not equipped with ABS, circuit 350 is manufactured into the harness, serving the same function as the ABS electronic brake control module; grounding the driver circuit and turning the ABS telltale Off.

Notes on the Diagnostic Chart

1. This step will confirm that the ABS electronic brake control module or the vehicle harness is providing the ground to the I/P cluster. If the voltage at terminal I is low, then the ABS telltale should not be illuminated, and the problem must be within the cluster assembly. If this voltage is high, circuits 350, 875 or the ABS electronic brake control module will require further investigation.
2. The cause has been identified to be at or within the I/P cluster assembly. This could be the result of a poor connection at the black 18-way connector, a broken trace on the flex circuit, or an inoperative driver within the speedometer gage.
3. The cause has been identified to not be within the I/P cluster assembly. The optional content of the vehicle is now relevant.
4. Circuit 875 is suspect as open. If problem is not identified with 875, then the ABS diagnostics located in the appropriate year "Brakes Service Manual" must be performed.

ABS Telltale Diagnostic Chart

View Shown Is From the Rear of the Cluster Assembly

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for either:

If another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.