Accessing and Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Fig. 7 1989 ABS Diagnostic Enable, ALDL Pin H (Part 1 Of 2):

Fig. 7 1990 ABS Diagnostic Enable, ALDL Pin H (Part 2 Of 2):

1. With ignition switch turned to the On position, allow pump/motor to charge the accumulator. If accumulator is discharged, the ``BRAKE'' and ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamps will remain on for up to 30 seconds.
2. If the ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamp does not go off within 30 seconds, note that lamp did not go off, then proceed to step 3.
3. With ignition switch turned to the Off position, place a jumper wire between Assembly Line Diagnostic Link (ALDL), pin H and body ground on 1989-90 models Fig. 7. The ALDL is located on the driver's side of the vehicle near the parking brake pedal assembly.
4. Turn ignition switch to the RUN position, then count the lamp flashes to identify the first digit. If the lamp turns on for four seconds, then turns off (and remains off), no trouble codes are present. Proceed to ABS FUNCTIONAL CHECK, then proceed with diagnosis as directed. If the EBCM has stored any trouble codes, the ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamp will turn on for approximately four seconds and will then start flashing. These flashes represent the first digit of the trouble code.

Fig. 8 ABS Diagnostic Code Interpretation:

5. Count lamp flashes for the second digit. The lamp will pause (remain off), for approximately three seconds after flashing the first digit. It will then flash the second digit of the trouble code. When the ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamp flashes the second digit of the trouble code, be careful to count only the number of times the lamp turns on and goes out. When the EBCM is done flashing the second digit, the ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamp will remain on. The last pulse, when the lamp remains on, should not be counted as a flash, Fig. 8.
6. Record trouble codes obtained.
7. Check for additional trouble codes. Without turning the ignition switch to the off position, disconnect the jumper wire from ALDL pin H on 1989-90 models. Connect the jumper again to ALDL pin. If an additional code is present, the ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamp will begin flashing the first digit as described previously. Count lamp flashes for the first and second digits as was done for the first code. Record the additional trouble code if present.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7, until no additional trouble codes are displayed. Up to seven trouble codes can be displayed. The ``ANTI-LOCK'' lamp will remain on continuously when all trouble codes have been displayed. ABS trouble codes cannot be cleared unless all codes have been displayed.
9. After recording all ABS codes, remove jumper from the ALDL, install ALDL cover, then proceed with the ABS FUNCTIONAL CHECK.

Current vs History Codes
The ABS trouble codes which may be stored by the EBCM are not specifically designated as current or history codes, as are BCM and ECM codes. The anti-lock lamp, may be used to assist in differentiating between current and history codes as follows:
1. If the anti-lock lamp is on before entering the ABS diagnostic mode, at least one of the stored codes is current.
2. If the anti-lock lamp is off before entering the ABS diagnostic mode, none of the stored codes are current.
3. If more than one ABS code is stored and the anti-lock lamp is on before diagnostic mode was entered, it is impossible to determine which is a current code and which is a history code.
4. If the Anti-Lock lamp remains on continuously throughout the diagnostic procedure, see symptom diagnosis information as directed by the ``ABS Functional Check.'' If the anti-lock lamp does not come on at all, see symptom diagnosis information as directed by the ``ABS Functional Check'' as well.