The EBCM Nightmare, & how to get the module programmed.

[kylebnoris]

Alright gentlemen, this is my progress on my EBCM debacle and I'm grasping at straws now to find a solution, so hopefully someone can assist.

I have a 2005 Tahoe Z71 4x4 with the stablitrack / JL4 EBCM module.
We replaced the module due to no communication with the scan tool.

We had success with a JL4 module from an 05 Escalade, and have a line of communication with the scantool to perform bidirectional diagnostic and testing.

However, we have a intermittent ABS and Parking Brake Light on the dash, as well as a constant Traction control light.

From what I understand the module needs to be flashed / programmed per the VIN of the truck. The serial # and part # on the Escalade was exactly the same as the one that came off etc.

So here's my nightmare. Locally only two shops can program the module. One cost $400 and one cost $200. Both have informed us that if the flash fails, that it's a non-refundable deposit. That it doesn't matter if it's a Used module, remanufactured, or a brand new one from GM, that sometimes it just fails to take the flash and that we'd be out of the money and forced to find another and try again. Dealerships are all telling us it's too old to work on, and apparently this programming has to be done VIA OBD and cannot be done on a bench so it has to be physically installed and functional on the vehicle.

So my question is, should we take the risk, or should I try to purchase SPS2 / Acdeleo TDS / RAP2 ($3,000) Jesus) and attempt the programing myself? Is that even possible or will I need some sort of verified dealership key for it to even work? Or are we royally screwed here and left to this weird racket of a module programming network.

Thanks for all the help. I can't wait to post the final build sheet for this truck after it's done. Close to $10,000 in repairs, all for my buddies Later fathers truck to now serve him hopefully another 185,000 miles.

Thanks, this forum is awesome!

 

[kylebnoris]

Currently showing the following DTC's for reference. I'm researching via Alldata now.

DTC C0196 Yaw Rate Circuit
DTC C0283 Mode Switch Circuit Malfunction
DTC C0455 Front Steering Position Sensor Circuit
or
DTC C0455 Front Steering Position Sensor Circuit

It doesn't specify which one of the C0455

These codes were not present before, and I'm assuming there are in relation too the EBCM not being correctly programmed for this VIN.

I have also attempted the Alldata procedure for recalibration of the Yaw sensor with no luck, so the idea I'm having is programming the module first, then troubleshoot anything afterwards.

 

[Doubeleive]

Currently showing the following DTC's for reference. I'm researching via Alldata now.

DTC C0196 Yaw Rate Circuit
DTC C0283 Mode Switch Circuit Malfunction
DTC C0455 Front Steering Position Sensor Circuit
or
DTC C0455 Front Steering Position Sensor Circuit

It doesn't specify which one of the C0455

These codes were not present before, and I'm assuming there are in relation too the EBCM not being correctly programmed for this VIN.

I have also attempted the Alldata procedure for recalibration of the Yaw sensor with no luck, so the idea I'm having is programming the module first, then troubleshoot anything afterwards.

well..... as far the ebcm if it was the exact same part it does not need programming
a intermittent issue is usually just that, either the ebcm is like most of them and needs soldering inside or you have something else triggering the code.

your current codes appear to be from the steering wheel angle sensor, not sure if "yaw" is integrated with the angle sensor or if it is a seperate sensor.

abs & brake light "can" be seperate issue's, best thing to do is scan it while the code is active, if the light is coming while driving and then going out when you cycle the key then it might be loose solder inside the ebcm. if this is the case and you scan it while the light is on it may show "lost communication yada yada" if so then that's your sign.

if you want to program the ebcm regardless it won't cost you $3k, it cost $40 per vin for 2 years programming, then you just need a decent windows 10 laptop and a gm compatible pass-thru device that could run you a couple hundred, maybe $300. then you can program any part of the vehicle as many times as you please for 2 years.

 

[kylebnoris]

Snip...

 

[kylebnoris]

well..... as far the ebcm if it was the exact same part it does not need programming
a intermittent issue is usually just that, either the ebcm is like most of them and needs soldering inside or you have something else triggering the code.

your current codes appear to be from the steering wheel angle sensor, not sure if "yaw" is integrated with the angle sensor or if it is a seperate sensor.

abs & brake light "can" be seperate issue's, best thing to do is scan it while the code is active, if the light is coming while driving and then going out when you cycle the key then it might be loose solder inside the ebcm. if this is the case and you scan it while the light is on it may show "lost communication yada yada" if so then that's your sign.

if you want to program the ebcm regardless it won't cost you $3k, it cost $40 per vin for 2 years programming, then you just need a decent windows 10 laptop and a gm compatible pass-thru device that could run you a couple hundred, maybe $300. then you can program any part of the vehicle as many times as you please for 2 years.

When the lights come back on I'll attempt to have my roommate leave it running and grab codes.

I'm more than willing to pay for a GM pass through device, do you have a model number or a link to that, plus the location /website for the subscription? I'd much rather pay for that setup and find the EBCM still runs faults then go from there finding a replacement.

From what my research online has led me to believe, the part number for the module remains the same but is flashed differently per vin due to different vehicles packages etc. I understood that because of this the module we picked up is capable of being reflashed to this vehicle. However I could be wrong. If you have an explanation that would be awesome!

I reach out and get a GM part number for the module that is according to the parts department, specific for the vin. That # is 19368154 so I guess I could always try to locate it online, however I was again understanding that it still will require programing via OBD while it's installed on the vehicle regardless.

 

[Doubeleive]

When the lights come back on I'll attempt to have my roommate leave it running and grab codes.

I'm more than willing to pay for a GM pass through device, do you have a model number or a link to that, plus the location /website for the subscription? I'd much rather pay for that setup and find the EBCM still runs faults then go from there finding a replacement.

From what my research online has led me to believe, the serial number for the module remains the same but is flashed differently per vin due to different vehicles packages etc. I understood that because of this the module we picked up is capable of being reflashed to this vehicle. However I could be wrong. If you have an explanation that would be awesome!

I reach out and get a GM part number for the module that is according to the parts department, specific for the vin. That # is 19368154 so I guess I could always try to locate online that way.

as far as I know and have done myself, as long as the part number matches what came off of the truck it does not need programming.
also I believe you HAVE to use the same part number period new or used or it won't work, at least that's what I was told years ago when I replaced mine for like $50 versus $650+ for new one, it worked fine.
as for a pass thru device I use a clone MDI2 but there are a few other devices out there needs to be a J2534 device and compatible with GM
and the programming has gone up $5 20 it's $45 for 24 months, this is for programming only, it's not for diagnostics even though it installs a crapload of software, prog only.

Site Maintenance

 

[Doubeleive]

also it is important to NOTE when installing the software you must run everything as administrator including the browser otherwise it won't install correctly and you will have a hell of a time getting it to work, has to be ran "as Administrator" every step of the way.

 

[kylebnoris]

also it is important to NOTE when installing the software you must run everything as administrator including the browser otherwise it won't install correctly and you will have a hell of a time getting it to work, has to be ran "as Administrator" every step of the way.

Understood,

Found one single listing on eBay with a new Module for $450

Seems like that specific part # is very slim pickins. EBCM on Ebay

However I cannot verify other than the listing, and I no longer have the original module either, I do however remember making sure the part numbers matched when I swapped them.

For example, two listings show that same 19368154 in their descriptions but the visible label has two different parts or serial numbers, one of which match and one that does not. Maybe one is an applicable part number and maybe the other is a date of manufacturing or something and that's why their different idk.

Everywhere advertises these modules as "Escalade / Yukon / Tahoe EBCM" so I guess now I'm starting to think the module in the truck is the correct one, but I got a faulty one. It was only $40 from the local wrecker yard so I can't complain too much.

When I get the ABS and Brake lights in the cluster I don't loose communication with the module, I do know that. I'll look through my photos on my phone I may have gotten the codes pictured, but since the original module had zero communication, and this one communicates fine, I guess it could be damaged on the motherboard in a different way that doesn't make it completely INOP,
I was just assuming it was because it needed to be flashed for the specific vin.

I'm unsure, but I'll take your word for it. The listing if it's still available is a New unit, so if God willing it's still available, I'm gonna have my roommate buy it Thursday when he gets paid and swap it in. Hopefully it functions fine so we can finally cross this off the list.

The main reason it's important less for ABS tbh, but it doesn't look into 4lo only 4high with the abs lights on, but wild enough. The cruise control is disabled when the lights are illuminated, and even crazier then is that the wipers on the windshield are INOP as well, because I'm assuming they share some circuit on the turn signal stock.

So not only does the truck loose ABS but I also loses Windshield wiper function too, which is basically a disaster waiting to happen in the south with all this rain.

 

[Doubeleive]

Understood,

Found one single listing on eBay with a new Module for $450

Seems like that specific part # is very slim pickins. EBCM on Ebay

However I cannot verify other than the listing, and I no longer have the original module either, I do however remember making sure the part numbers matched when I swapped them.

For example, two listings show that same 19368154 in their descriptions but the visible label has two different parts or serial numbers, one of which match and one that does not. Maybe one is an applicable part number and maybe the other is a date of manufacturing or something and that's why their different idk. View attachment 435143View attachment 435144


Everywhere advertises these modules as "Escalade / Yukon / Tahoe EBCM" so I guess now I'm starting to think the module in the truck is the correct one, but I got a faulty one. It was only $40 from the local wrecker yard so I can't complain too much.

When I get the ABS and Brake lights in the cluster I don't loose communication with the module, I do know that. I'll look through my photos on my phone I may have gotten the codes pictured, but since the original module had zero communication, and this one communicates fine, I guess it could be damaged on the motherboard in a different way that doesn't make it completely INOP,
I was just assuming it was because it needed to be flashed for the specific vin.

I'm unsure, but I'll take your word for it. The listing if it's still available is a New unit, so if God willing it's still available, I'm gonna have my roommate buy it Thursday when he gets paid and swap it in. Hopefully it functions fine so we can finally cross this off the list.

The main reason it's important less for ABS tbh, but it doesn't look into 4lo only 4high with the abs lights on, but wild enough. The cruise control is disabled when the lights are illuminated, and even crazier then is that the wipers on the windshield are INOP as well, because I'm assuming they share some circuit on the turn signal stock.

So not only does the truck loose ABS but I also loses Windshield wiper function too, which is basically a disaster waiting to happen in the south with all this rain.

wiper inop is likely the multifunction switch error, that's the blinker/wiper/high beam switch
or maybe even a short somewhere is causing multiple issues, I don't know how the switch would be tied into anything else

cruise wont work with errors set, neither will autostart.

I don't know I f I would drop the money on a module until you see what those codes are, anything from a abs sensor, brake fluid sensor, parking brake switch, master cyclinder, etc can set those off, although not usually together at the same time, but if you hit a bump in the road loose solder can make it throw a code, then when you cycle the key it clears until you hit the next bump in the road.

 

[kylebnoris]

wiper inop is likely the multifunction switch error, that's the blinker/wiper/high beam switch
or maybe even a short somewhere is causing multiple issues, I don't know how the switch would be tied into anything else

cruise wont work with errors set, neither will autostart.

I don't know I f I would drop the money on a module until you see what those codes are, anything from a abs sensor, brake fluid sensor, parking brake switch, master cyclinder, etc can set those off, although not usually together at the same time, but if you hit a bump in the road loose solder can make it throw a code, then when you cycle the key it clears until you hit the next bump in the road.

Hmm, I'm gonna search Alldata and try to find out if they are infact separate. I was thinking the might share a signal together via like a CANBUS to the same module because I only every have INOP wipers when I have INOP cruise and those illuminated lights. Cannot repeat the issue otherwise.

I'm no Spark chaser so I'm still learning how to diagnose electrical signals and levels etc.

Very true, I did assume it was the module since it was immediately remedied upon swapping the new one in. But it could have been a INOP module + something else.

I did have a dying fuel pump & a sputtering injector and had to continue diagnostic after replacing the fuel pump so it's entirely possible.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Having a quality bi-directional scanner is an invaluable addition to your tool kit for this truck, and you should make every attempt to obtain one. You will save literally thousands of dollars on diagnostic work on the truck throughout its life.

 

[kylebnoris]

Having a quality bi-directional scanner is an invaluable addition to your tool kit for this truck, and you should make every attempt to obtain one. You will save literally thousands of dollars on diagnostic work on the truck throughout its life.

I currently have a Autel MaxiCheck MX900, it's relatively inexpensive and it's been amazing for diagnostic work etc.

What exactly were you going to say? I'm basically waiting for the codes to re-appear to capture them if that's what you're wondering.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I currently have a Autel MaxiCheck MX900, it's relatively inexpensive and it's been amazing for diagnostic work etc.

What exactly were you going to say? I'm basically waiting for the codes to re-appear to capture them if that's what you're wondering.

A quality bi-directional scanner (I'm not saying that what you currently have is not) will generally lead you to the source of your issue, not just give you a code number. For example, I received a stabilitrack error, and my bi-directional scanner not only told me what the code was, but it also told me that me that the source of my issue was located in my left rear wheel assembly. That allowed me to directly go to the source of the issue and made the job of addressing the issue very easy.

 

[Doubeleive]

A quality bi-directional scanner (I'm not saying that what you currently have is not) will generally lead you to the source of your issue, not just give you a code number. For example, I received a stabilitrack error, and my bi-directional scanner not only told me what the code was, but it also told me that me that the source of my issue was located in my left rear wheel assembly. That allowed me to directly go to the source of the issue and made the job of addressing the issue very easy.

the autel should do the same, he just didn't have the previous brake codes that like to clear on a key cycle and not "save" abs/srs are not OBD and will behave differently, they are self checking and if on a key cycle it has a "all clear" it acts like nothing ever happened until it happens again. That's why I tell people to scan it with the light on because that's the only way to figure it out sometimes, if it is a constant light and faults each key cycle then that makes it easier.
It's also why you never have to use a scanner to clear a ABS or SRS code, if everything is working the light goes out on it's own when you cycle the key, if it does not then there is still a "active" fault.
like if you have a bad wheel hub and it makes the abs come on, replace the hub and the light goes out. no scanner required.
you might have a bad hub and when you start the vehicle no abs light but as soon as you put it in gear and move, bam no good data, sets abs light....

abs module can be replaced with identical part and will not require programming, srs module can be replaced with identical part but does require a vin learn becuase it also functions as the "black box data recorder".

 

[blackelky]

Do you live in a high rust area? I try to do a deep clean every spring after the salt is gone, engine bay take the plastic off everywhere and clean it

 

[kylebnoris]

I live in Georgia.

Lights came on, pulled codes.

Researching now.

side note, windshield wiper functions fine Key on Engine off, then intermittent function while on, but that's for a later date to solve lol.

 

[Doubeleive]

a quick search of those codes shows they may be related to the front wheel abs sensor and/or you might have a poor connection at that brake module.
I can only guess but I would first inspect the ebcm harness and pins, blow it all out with some compressed air. if anything looks corroded clean it up and re-attach.
then try and see if you can read all 4 wheels live speed data while driving and see if anythings look erratic or drops out.
and maybe see if that scanner will let you calibrate the steering wheel angle sensor
they all seem related except the 02 sensor

 

[kylebnoris]

Going to paste here all the "Conditions required to set " according to Alldata

P0856
The PCM receives an invalid requested torque signal for 3 seconds

P1689
The PCM detects open or shorted delivered torque signal voltage as being less than 4.75 volts or greater than 5.25 volts.

C0240
The EBCM receives a serial data message stating that the PCM has lost the ability to reduce engine torque.

C0196
Any of the following conditions may cause the DTC to set.
^ Open yaw rate sensor circuitry is detected.
^ Shorted yaw rate sensor circuitry is detected.
^ An erratic yaw rate sensor signal is detected.
^ The EBCM detects that the yaw rate sensor signal does not correspond with signals from other sensors.
^ The EBCM detects that the yaw rate sensor frequency signal is not within the valid range.
^ A voltage near 5 volts is detected on the yaw rate sensor test circuit at all times.
^ A voltage near 0 volts is detected on the yaw rate sensor test circuit at all times.

C0283 with RPO JL4
Two Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive Vehicles
The EBCM detects low voltage on the traction control switch signal circuit for 8 seconds.

Four Wheel Drive Vehicles with Selectable 4 LO
The EBCM receives a serial data message from the TCSCM indicating that the VSES mode/transfer case shift control switch is detected as failed. The TCSCM sends this message 60 seconds after the TCSCM sets DTC B2725.

C0455
Any of the following conditions may cause the DTC to set.
^ The steering angle calculated by the EBCM does not correlate with the steering angle information which is being transmitted on the serial data line.
^ When driven forward in a straight line, the centered steering angle differs by more than 30 degrees from the centered steering angle when the sensors are initialized.
^ The EBCM detects an erratic signal from steering wheel position signal A or signal B.
^ The BCM detects an invalid steering wheel position sensor signal, sets a DTC, and therefore, cannot transmit valid serial data information. The BCM sends a serial data message to the EBCM, which causes the DTC to set.
^ The EBCM detects an open or shorted steering wheel position signal A or signal B, after having received a valid signal during the same ignition.


As for the front abs sensors, both front wheel hubs are new with sensors, I'll have to see if I can test the sensors and the circuit I guess.

 

[kylebnoris]

Alright, 30 minute ride and all speed sensors functioning fine, no drop in speed, lack of data etc. check their connections and wiggled them a good bit to see if a code set, nothing.

Removed the EBCM connector and cleaned it out with some contact cleaner. All pins and everything looks fine. No corrosion on either side.

When the old EBCM originally was removed, it was destroyed as was the connector, I had to use Alldata to verify correct pin out and de-pin the damaged connector and re-pin the wires into the new connector. I checked just now to make sure none of the pins were pushed out or anything, all good they are all seated etc.

 

[Doubeleive]

@swathdiver any idea's?