Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Buick >> 1999 >> Regal V6-3.8L VIN K >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes and Traction Control >> Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems >> Testing and Inspection >> Scan Tool Testing and Procedures

Scan Tool Testing and Procedures

Refer to the Scan Tool for complete information on scan tool diagnostics.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC)
The Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) function has three modes that are described below:
^ DTC Information: In this mode, current or history DTC(s) stored by the EBTCM/EBCM can be displayed.
^ Enhanced Data: In this mode, DTC data for current or history DTC(s) is displayed. This data includes the following information at the time when the DTC(s) was set:
^ Brake switch status
^ TCS switch status
^ ABS activity status
^ ETC/TCS activity status
^ Vehicle speed
^ The number drive cycles since the DTC was set

^ Clear DTC Information: In this mode, current or history DTC(s) stored by the EBTCM/EBCM can be cleared.

DATA DISPLAY
The Data Display function contains six sets of menus. The menus available depend on the number and type of systems on the vehicle and are listed below:
^ ABS Data
^ VES (MSVA) Data
^ ETS Data
^ TCS Data
^ Controller Information
^ TIM Data

A listing of all data parameters available on the scan tool are below:





ABS DATA





VES (MSVA) DATA





ETS DATA





TCS DATA





CONTROLLER INFORMATION





TIM DATA

Definitions:
^ Front Wheel Speed-Display shows actual wheel speed of either the left or right front wheel.
^ Rear Wheel Speed-Display shows actual wheel speed of either the left or right rear wheel.
^ Engine Speed-Display shows actual vehicle speed.
^ Rough Road Parameter-This parameter, calculated from wheel speed sensor data, represents the rapid variation or acceleration in g's of the driven wheel speeds due to a rough road. A rough road will cause torque to be applied to the drivetrain which may be detected by the PCM's OBD II misfire diagnostic as a false misfire. This rough road detection data is sent to the PCM via serial data. The PCM will disable the OBD II misfire diagnostic during rough road detection since this could be interpreted as misfire.
^ ABS Active-This parameter indicates if the ABS is currently in a ABS event or not.
^ ABS Warning Lamp-This indicates the state of the ANTILOCK indicator.
^ Brake Switch Status-This parameter indicates the state of the brake switch.
^ Brake Fluid Level-This parameter indicates the state of the brake fluid level.
^ Ignition Voltage-This parameter is the ignition voltage at the EBTCM.
^ Switched Battery Voltage-This parameter is the battery voltage available at the solenoid valves and the pump motor when the solenoid valve control relay is energized.
^ ABS Relay Command-This display indicates the commanded state of the solenoid valve control relay.
^ ABS Relay Feedback-This display indicates the actual state of the solenoid valve control relay.
^ Pump Motor Commanded State-This display indicates the commanded state of the ABS pump motor.
^ Pump Motor Feedback State-This display indicates the actual state of the ABS pump motor.
^ Inlet Valve Solenoid-This display indicates the commanded state of the specific inlet solenoid valve.
^ Outlet Valve Solenoid-This display indicates the commanded state of the specific outlet solenoid valve.
^ VES Actuator Commanded-This display indicates the amount of current the EBTCM is commanding to the Magnasteer actuator.
^ VES Actuator Feedback-This display indicates the actual current that was sent to the Magnasteer actuator.
^ EBTCM to PCM Requested Torque-This parameter represents the requested engine torque from the EBTCM to the PCM.
^ PCM to EBTCM Delivered Torque-This parameter represents the delivered engine torque from the PCM to the EBTCM.
^ ETS Status-This parameter indicates the state of the ETS based on if the operator has disabled ETS by pressing the Traction Control switch, or if the ETS is disabled because of a malfunction.
^ ETS Active-This parameter indicates if the ETS is currently in a ETS event or not.
^ ETS Active Lamp-This indicates if the ETS is currently in a ETS event.
^ ETS Warning Lamp-This indicates the state of the ETS indicator.
^ ETS Disable Lamp-This indicates if the ETS has been disabled by the driver.
^ Brake Temp Status-Parameter displays a high temperature condition with the braking system which will inhibit TCS operation.
^ LF Rotor Temperature-Parameter displays a calculated temperature value of the LF rotor.
^ RF Rotor Temperature-Parameter displays a calculated temperature value of the RF rotor.
^ TCS Failed-This parameter indicates if the TCS is inactive due to a malfunction.
^ TCS Enable Status-This parameter indicates the state of the TCS based on if the operator has disabled TCS by pressing the Traction Control switch, or if the TCS is disabled because of a malfunction.
^ TCS Active-This parameter indicates if the TCS is currently in a TCS event or not.
^ TCS Active Lamp-This parameter indicates if the TCS is currently in a TCS event. TCS Warning Lamp-This indicates the state of the TRAC OFF indicator.
^ TCS Disable Lamp-This indicates if the TCS has been disabled by the driver.
^ TIM Failed-This parameter indicates if the TIM is inactive due to a malfunction.
^ TIM Reset Switch-This parameter indicates the state of the TIM reset switch.
^ Auto Learn Mode-Parameter displays whether or not vehicle is in process of Auto Learn after a TIM reset condition has begun.
^ Check Tires-Parameter indicates that the EBTCM has detected a low tire condition.

SNAPSHOT
In this test mode, the scan tool captures the data listed in the data displays before and after a snapshot triggering condition which may or may not set a DTC.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
In this test mode, the scan tool can be used to perform functional tests on the ABS/ETS/TCS which help verify proper operation. Malfunction conditions can be further identified by testing and observing the test results. DTCs must be cleared before any tests in Special Functions can be performed. In a vehicle equipped with ABS/ETS/TCS, the Special Functions are as following:
^ Automated Bleed Procedure.
^ ABS Relay Test.
^ Automated Test.
^ Solenoid Tests.
- Right Rear Inlet Valve Solenoid
- Right Rear Outlet Valve Solenoid
- Right Front Inlet Valve Solenoid
- Right Front Outlet Valve Solenoid
- Left Rear Outlet Valve Solenoid
- Left Rear Inlet Valve Solenoid
- Left Front Inlet Valve Solenoid
- Left Front Outlet Valve Solenoid

LAMP TEST
To do a lamp test you must use the scan tool and be in the Instrument Panel Cluster Special Functions Mode. Then go to WOW mode, in this mode you can turn all the indicators ON and OFF.
^ ABS Indicator
^ TRAC OFF indicator
^ LOW TRAC indicator
^ Brake Warning indicator
^ Low Tire Warning indicator

The WOW Test aids in diagnosing indicator malfunctions. The test allows the operator to flash the all the indicators on and off manually.

AUTOMATED TEST
The Automated Test cycles each valve solenoid and the pump motor to check component operation. If a malfunction is detected, the EBCM/EBTCM will set DTC(s), which will be displayed upon completion of the test. Perform the test as follows:
1. Ignition OFF.
2. Install the scan tool.
3. Turn ignition to RUN, engine off.
4. Select the scan tool's Special Functions.
5. Select the Automated Test.
6. Run the Automated Test.
7. Note any DTCs set.

SOLENOID TESTS (INLET VALVES)
The Solenoid Test for inlet valves activates the selected wheel circuit Inlet valve placing it in the pressure hold position. When in the pressure hold position, the valve will not allow master cylinder pressure to be delivered to the hydraulic wheel circuit. This is done under ABS operating conditions because the EBCM/EBTCM has determined that the wheel is moving too slowly, so it holds additional master cylinder pressure from it in an attempt to allow it to rotate at an appropriate speed. The scan tool commands the valve to close, which should allow the technician to spin the wheel even though an assistant is applying pressure to the brake pedal. Perform the test as follows:
1. Ignition OFF.
2. Install the scan tool.
3. Turn ignition to RUN, engine off.
4. Raise vehicle such that wheels are about 6 inches off the floor with the transmission in neutral.
5. Select the scan tool's Special Functions.
6. Select Solenoid Test. Have an assistant command Hold Pressure with the scan tool.
7. Have the assistant press and hold the brake pedal.
8. Attempt to move the wheel being tested by hand; it should move even though the assistant is applying pressure to the brake pedal. The wheels may be difficult to turn by hand, but can be moved if the system is working properly.

SOLENOID TESTS (OUTLET VALVES)
The Solenoid Test for outlet valves activates the selected hydraulic wheel circuit valves, placing them in the pressure release position. When in the pressure release position, the valve will allow wheel caliper pressure to be returned to the master cylinder circuit. This is done under ABS operating conditions because the EBCM/EBTCM has determined that the wheel is moving too slowly, and holding additional master cylinder pressure from it has not allowed it to rotate at an appropriate speed. The scan tool commands the valves to these positions which should allow the technician to spin the wheel even though an assistant is applying pressure to the brake pedal. Perform the test as follows:
1. Ignition OFF.
2. Install the scan tool.
3. Turn ignition to RUN, engine off.
4. Raise vehicle such that wheels are about 6 inches off the floor with the transmission in neutral.
5. Have an assistant press and hold the brake pedal.
6. Select the scan tools Special Functions.
7. Select Solenoid Test. Have the assistant command Release Pressure with the scan tool.
8. Attempt to move the wheel being tested by hand; it should move even though the assistant is applying pressure to the brake pedal. The wheels may be difficult to turn by hand, but can be moved if the system is working properly.
pro multis · About Operation CHARM