ABS Solenoid Replacement

[eaglesrealm]

I have an ABS that has triggered a DTC for the RF Solenoid Circuit. Diagnosis points to a shorted solenoid that I would like to replace. Does anyone know if I can purchase this at the dealership? Also, for anyone that may have switched out this solenoid in the past...I need to know if it is that bad to bleed the brakes without a scan tool to rehome the motors and if I can clear the code without the scan tool?

Thanks in advance...

[eaglesrealm]

Also, I'm finding the part to be P/N 18020566 for a price of about $75 online. This is actually for an Alero, but its all the same as you all know.

[pfofit]

The code will stay in the memory until it is cleared with a scan tool, however, the light should go out once the problem is fixed.

If the code says that the solonoid is shorted then unplug it to see if the code changes to open solonoid. If it dosen't, then you could have a shorted wire or output from the ABS module.

Good luck

[Sailor_dude]

Is it DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground
or
DTC C1281 RF Solenoid Circuit Shorted to Voltage

In either case. I can email you some service info if you want?

[eaglesrealm]

The code is :

DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground

I stepped through the GM Service diagnostics for this code measuring various resistances. Basically, we were measuring about 9 Ohms across the solonoid when it should be open, so there is a little short there somewhere.

I do not have a scan tool, but the bleeding instructions clearly state that the code must be cleared to home the ABS motor pack for a manual bleed of the hydraulic modulator.

[Sailor_dude]

Here is Diagnostic info on this fault. I could email you the word doc as it is better than this text file with attached gif.
DTC C1278 RF Solenoid Circuit Open or Shorted to Ground




Circuit Description
DTC C1278 identifies a brake solenoid valve that cannot be energized. The malfunction may be caused by one of the following conditions:
• An open in the solenoid valve circuitry
• The solenoid valve is always energized due to a short to ground in the solenoid valve circuitry between the driver and the brake solenoid valve.
An open will not allow proper ABS operation, but the short to ground simply turns on the brake solenoid valve. A path for base brakes is still allowed once the motor rehomes and the check ball is lifted off its seat during key to ON initialization.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
DTC C1278 can set only when the solenoid is commanded off while the Electronic Brake Control Relay is enabled.
A malfunction exists if the EBCM detects the right front brake solenoid valve control circuit voltage is not within specifications.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
• A malfunction DTC stores.
• The ABS disables.
• The ABS warning indicator turns ON.
• A rehome is commanded to ensure the motors are in the home position.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
• The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists and the Scan Tool Clear DTCs function is used.
• 100 drive cycles pass with no DTCs detected. A drive cycle consists of starting the vehicle, driving the vehicle over 16 km/h (10 mph), stopping and then turning the ignition OFF.

Diagnostic Aids
The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:
• A poor connection
• Rubbed-through wire insulation
• A broken wire inside the insulation
Use the enhanced diagnostic function of the Scan Tool in order to measure the frequency of the malfunction.
Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may cause the intermittent complaint for the following conditions:
• Backed out terminals
• Improper mating
• Broken locks
• Improperly formed or damaged terminals
• Poor terminal-to-wiring connections
• Physical damage to the wiring harness

Test Description
3. This test checks for a short to ground in the right front solenoid valve circuit.
4. This test checks for an open in the underhood junction block.
5. This test checks for an open in the battery feed circuit of the solenoid.
6. This test checks for an open in the right front solenoid valve.
7. This test checks for an open in the control circuit of the solenoid.
9. This test determines if the malfunction is caused by the EBCM.
10. This test checks for a short to ground in the right front solenoid valve.
Step Action Value(s) Yes No
Important
Zero the J 39200 test leads before making any resistance measurements. Refer to the J 39200 user's manual.
1 Was the ABS Diagnostic System Check performed? -- Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2 Remove and inspect the EVO/ABS Fuse (15 A).
Is the fuse open? -- Go to Step 11
Go to Step 3

3
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Disconnect the EBCM connector.
3. Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the EBCM harness connector terminal 19 and ground.
Is the resistance within the specified range? OL
(Infinite) Go to Step 4
Go to Step 10

4
Use the J 39200 with the J 35616-A in order to measure the resistance between the Electronic Brake Control Relay harness connector terminal 87 and the EVO/ABS Fuse (15 A) terminal.
Is the resistance within the specified range? 0-2 ohms Go to Step 5
Go to Step 14

5
1. Disconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
2. Use the J 39200 with the J 35616-A in order to measure the resistance between the EVO/ABS Fuse (15 A) terminal and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector terminal A.
Is the resistance within the specified range? 0-2 ohms Go to Step 6
Go to Step 15

6
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the right front ABS brake solenoid valve terminal A and the right front brake solenoid valve terminal B.
Is the resistance within the specified range? 2.5-5.0 ohms Go to Step 7
Go to Step 16

7
Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the EBCM harness connector terminal 19 and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector terminal B.
Is the resistance within the specified range? 0-2 ohms Go to Step 8
Go to Step 17

8 1. Inspect the EBCM connector and the EBCM harness connector for the following conditions:
o Terminal damage
o Poor terminal contact
o Terminal corrosion
2. Inspect the right front brake solenoid valve connector and the right front brake solenoid valve harness connector for the following conditions:
o Terminal damage
o Poor terminal contact
o Terminal corrosion
Are terminal corrosion, damaged terminals, or poor terminal contact evident? -- Go to Step 19
Go to Step 9

9
1. Reconnect the EBCM connector.
2. Reconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Do not start the engine.
4. Use the Scan Tool in order to inspect for DTCs.
Does DTC C1278 set as a current DTC? -- Go to Step 20
Go to Step 21

10
1. Disconnect the right front brake solenoid valve connector.
2. Use the J 39200 in order to measure the resistance between the right front brake solenoid valve terminal B and ground.
Is the resistance within the specified range? OL
(Infinite) Go to Step 18
Go to Step 16

11 Inspect CKT 855 for damage that may cause a short to ground.
Is there damage that may cause a short to ground? -- Go to Step 12
Go to Step 13

12 Repair damage to CKT 855 and replace the EVO/ABS Fuse (15 A).
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
13 Replace the EVO/ABS Fuse (15 A).
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
14 Replace the Underhood Junction Block. Refer to Underhood Fuse Block Replacement in Engine Electrical.
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
15 Repair the open or high resistance in CKT 855. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
16 Replace the right front brake solenoid valve. Refer to Brake Solenoid Valve Replacement .
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
17 Repair the open or high resistance in CKT 827. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
18 Repair the short to ground in CKT 827. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
19 Replace all the terminals and connectors that exhibit the following conditions:
• Poor terminal contact
• Terminal corrosion
• Damaged terminals
Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
20 Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) Replacement .
Is the repair complete? -- Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS
--
21 Malfunction is intermittent or is not present at this time. Refer to Diagnostic Aids for more information.
Is the action complete? -- System OK --