GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC C0696 00: Position Sensor Overcurrent

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Left Front Strut Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0696 00

C0615 08

C0696 00

--

Left Front Strut Position Sensor Signal

C0615 08

C0615 08

C0615 08, C0696 00

C0615 55

Left Front Strut Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0615 08

--

--

Right Front Strut Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0696 00

C0620 08

C0696 00

--

Right Front Strut Position Sensor Signal

C0620 08

C0620 08

C0620 08, C0696 00

C0620 55

Right Front Strut Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0620 08

--

--

Left Rear Strut Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0696 00

C0625 08

C0696 00

--

Left Rear Strut Position Sensor Signal

C0625 08

C0625 08

C0625 08, C0696 00

C0625 55

Left Rear Strut Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0625 08

--

--

Right Rear Strut Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0696 00

C0630 08

C0696 00

--

Right Rear Strut Position Sensor Signal

C0630 08

C0630 08

C0630 08, C0696 00

C0630 55

Right Rear Strut Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0630 08

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The electronic suspension control (ESC) module provides a common regulated reference voltage of approximately 5 volts to all of the position sensors. The ESC module monitors this power supply for a malfunction that could prevent it from correctly regulating the supply voltage.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Battery voltage is between 9-16 volts.
    • Ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ESC module senses suspension position sensor supply voltage under 4.75 volts or over 5.25 volts.
    • The condition is detected for 1 second in 4 consecutive ignition cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Commands speed dependent damping system and normal force signals to the default state.
    • The ESC sends a message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to display SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • The ESC module senses the correct sensor supply voltage.
    • The IPC clearing DTC feature.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Electronic Suspension Control Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Electronic Suspension Control Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Position Sensor Data parameters while the vehicle is jounced. The readings should vary between 0.35-4.75 volts.

Circuit/System Testing

    Important: Whenever repairing and/or replacing ALC system components, perform the Suspension Position Calibration procedure.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at all 4 suspension position sensors.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground at each sensor connector.
  3. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If all circuits test normal, replace the ESC module.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuits test normal, replace the ESC module.
  4. Test for less than 0.35 volts between the signal circuit terminal B and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ESC module.
  6. Reinstall each sensor one at a time. Test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground of the last sensor to be connected.
  7. If the voltage is not within the specified range when one of the 3 sensors are connected, test or replace the suspect suspension position sensor.
  8. Test or replace the last remaining suspect suspension position sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference terminal A and 5 volts. Install a jumper wire between the low reference terminal C and ground.
  2. Sweep the suspension position sensor through the entire range while monitoring the voltage between the signal terminal B and the low reference terminal C. The range should vary between 0.35-4.75 volts without any spikes or dropouts.
  3. If not within the specified range or if it is erratic, replace the appropriate suspension position sensor.

Repair Instructions

    •  Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Suspension Position Calibration
    •  Control Module References for ESC module replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

  1. Install any components or connectors that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
  2. Perform any adjustment, programming or setup procedures that are required when a component or module is removed or replaced.
  3. Clear the DTCs.
  4. Use the scan tool Diagnostic Counter Reset output control function to bypass the 3 consecutive ignition cycle requirement for setting a DTC. This will ensure that if a DTC was to be reset during the repair verification process, it will be displayed on the scan tool.
  5. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
  6. Turn ON the ignition.
  7. If the repair was related to a DTC, duplicate the Conditions for Running the DTC and use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records, if appropriate, in order to verify the DTC does not reset. If the DTC resets or another DTC is present, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.