28-TCS C1255

Looked it up and it translates to:
Internal malfunction

A couple days ago when I drove my car ('99 FRC w/27k miles) the ABS and Traction control lights came on and stayed on so I pulled the above code. I can lock up the brakes and it appears as though traction control is permanently on (cannot spin rear tires). I checked all wires on the hubs for the wheel speed sensors and checked all grounds and plugs and the ABS fuses as well. I am thinking the EBTCM is the problem. Called absfixer.com and they said they generally fix the C1214 code when they replace/repair the modules. They also told me that if I have the earlier, rectangular shaped module that they cannot repair it. Mine looks like the earlier one although I have not removed it yet. I am thinking I may have to purchase a new one if available. Has anyone else had this problem? I searched and didn't find much with the C1255 code, but lots with the C1214 code. Any thoughts and info is much appreciated.

thanks,
-V

 

ttt

 

Just got the same error this weekend.... Any news?

 

Fred Beans lists new EBCMs for your model year:
Part Number: 9367071
All 1999-2000 w/o Control Active Brakes: $486.40

YOU MAY WANT TO CONTACT THESE GUYS TOO:
Circuit Solutions
Price: $375 + return shipping
Warranty: 5 years
Website: http://www.modulemaster.com/

Auto and Truck electronics
Price: $425 + return shipping
Warranty: Lifetime
Website: http://www.autoecu.com/

 

IF...you decide to replace the EBCM (or EBTCM as some call it)...PM me your email address & I will send you my complete file w/photos on how to do it...and what to check first...Bill

 

Is it possible for you to send me this information as well.

I too got this code and I need the instructions on how to replace mine!

My e-mail is madmatt9471@sbcglobal.net

Thanks,Matt

 

Just wanted to add an update. Short story is its not yet solved, but some other issues came up while trying.

ABSfixer was kind enough to let me send them my module and try to fix it. They said they only repair the 2001 and later modules because components for the earlier ones like I have are not very available. So I sent it to them and they attempted a repair, but when I installed it no luck. As a result they did not charge me. Thumbs up to them for standing behind thier work.
The only place I found that would repair early modules was ebcmdirect.com so I called them. The salesperson was kind and said I had two options. First was to send my module and they would try to repair it or I could pay an additional core fee and have them send me a rebuilt unit not requiring me to send my part to them. I opted to send mine and after they got it some lady called me and said it was unrepairable. She asked if I wanted a rebuilt unit and it would cost me an additional core fee. I said fine, but I want my original unit back. Then she became very shady and told me I couldn't have it back. I questioned her why since I could have originally paid the fee and not have even sent my parts to them. She then replied that she needs "some" of my parts to make the repair. That makes no sense. At this point I was very suspicious and simply told her I'd pay the fee just send me the rebuilt unit and whats left of mine. She agreed and I recieved the part. Well, first of all I only got a "rebuilt" unit and no parts from my original. I know for a fact the housing was not mine because it was painted over(who the hell paints over aluminum) and the holes where the paint didn't reach where corroded. My original looked nothing like that. I had also marked mine. Regardless, I was most concerned whether this would fix my car or not. I moved forward and re-installed the unit. I turned the key to the on position and to my relief, no codes. Great! I thought, but that was short lived. When I started the car and moved it out of the garage I got the service traction control and abs mumbo jumbo again on my dash as before. I drove the car around in hopes of it all going away with no such luck. I hit the brakes hard a few times to see if the abs was working or not and I was able to easily lock up the tires. I also throttled it hard from a slow roll and no tire spin either. So back to the garage. I pulled the codes and to my surprise they were now different. I cleared them went out again came back and the codes that stick are as follows:
P1571HC-traction control torque request circuit
P1689HC-traction control delivered torque output circuit
C1288C-steering sensor circuit malfunction

I checked all fuses, connections, etc. and can't seem to figure this out. The one that most concerns me is the C1288. I searched around and discovered its somehow connected to the ebctm. On my '99 I didn't realize I even had one of these(steering sensor). As best I can remeber I have abs and traction control with the ability to turn off traction control. Is it otherwise?

Anyhow, if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. This is getting very frustrating. I'll make sure to call ebcmdirect and see whats going on with my old parts and also if they have any ideas about this new code.

thanks,
-V

 

I have a '99 and ABSFixer said they haven't had much luck repairing the earlier modules, so that was a bit of a let down. There's not much happening inside the module, parts wise, so not sure what the problem may be. Anyway, I bought a new one and all's been well for about 6 weeks now. Got it off eBay from "thepartsladi" for $282. It's the cheapest source I was able to find and is brand new in the box. They seem to carry all brand new GM parts really cheap, like a new air compressor for $385. They don't have a huge selection listed on a daily basis, so you have to keep checking their store (or email the guy).

Check Item# 150183100060. This should be the one you need if your RPO codes show the JL9 option (and not the JL4). ACDelco Part # 9367071.

Here's a confusing part...the part number on your EBTCM will most like be 09356961 (on a sticker visible from the top of the module). The new part number is above and will be on the sealed GM parts box. However...the part number on the new module will still be 09356961. Ain't parts fun?

 

I wish I had bought a new one now. I never knew I could get one that cheap. With the one I bought I paid nearly $500 after I was told my unit was unrepairable. The only thing that attracted me to the deal was they claim lifetime warranty. I have a feeling these guys are crooks. Simply because the person (not even my original salesperson)that almost insisted I need to buy a remanufactured unit was shady and told me what they did about not being able to get all me parts back, only a few. Later on that turned into getting no original parts back. I am mostly concerned about the steering sensor code. I really think its because of the unit they sent me. When absfixer did their work on my original and I re-installed it I got the same codes as before. No more, no less. When I re-installed this unit I didn't get the same codes as before, but new ones! WTF!

 

First, all C5s have a steering sensor even if they only have ABS and TC.

Second, you need to check the connector on the rebuilt EBCM to see if the steering sensor pins are in good shape, not corroded, not bent, etc. Also check the harness connector that plugs into the EBCM connector.

From the 2000 manual for code C1288 without JL4:
A Steering Wheel Position Sensor circuit open.
A Steering Wheel Position Sensor shorted.
Check connector C102 RH side rear of engine compartment for water intrusion or missing plugs, and that the connector is oriented horizontal to prevent water intrusion.
Perform an inspection of the wiring and of the connectors. Failure to carefully inspect the wiring and the connectors may result in misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis causes part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.

The C1288 could be causing the other two codes as the EBCM shuts down when it gets this code. Or all the codes could be caused by corroded connector pins.

Bill

 

Don't change anymore parts until you, or someone else, can troubleshoot the system. As Bill has outlined here, there are many things to check to isolate the problem.

 

I contacted the rebuilder and so far I have simply filled out a form they sent me. I have a feeling they may have sent me a unit for the JL4 option which I don't have. Reason I say that is I don't see any other reason for the steering sensor to come into play since I don't have active handling. Does it play another role besides that?

Bill, I don't have my manual handy. Could you please direct me to the C102 connector? I looked briefly and the only connector I see is on the crossmember that connects the wheel speed sensor. Is there another that I overlooked?

thanks,
-V

 

pm sent

 

The reman. called me after filling out the warranty form and they confirmed my assumption about the active handling. The unit I they sent me, which I installed in the car, is for those with the active handling option. They said they will search for a proper unit to rebuild and I am waiting for information to ship mine back. Big relief as I was really frustrated. I even tried getting a reading off the steering sensor with my multimeter and it was pretty much impossible. I just simply cannot fit under the dash well enough to move my arms around. I am not sure how the later model abs units are mounted, but this one is a pain to r/r without removing the radiator or other components cause there is very little room to work. This will be the third r/r. Hopefully the last.

 

Just an update. I have had an on-going dispute using my amex card with this rebuild company. Reason being is that they refused to pay for shipping back to them even though they sent me the wrong unit. I ended up purchasing a brand new unit from gmpartswarehouse.com at far less than this rebuild has cost me and it works great. Now with the dispute I gave amex a very detailed package with all the info and the end result after nearly two months is that amex said I half to pay these sleazeballs for the incorrect part I was sent. The rebuilders backup was that I electronically signed some fine print bull**** that says they do no give refunds. I opened up another dispute with amex stating that I still, to this day, have never recieved my original unit back after several requests. If I wasn't so far away from florida I would personally walk into these bastards workplace and deal with it. I can't believe what slimeballs are out there.
Bottom line, DO NOT EVER PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM EBCMDIRECT.COM. That is thier online name, but when I recieved all the paperwork with the package they call themselves auto tech.

The fix for an ebtcm is very easy. If absfixer cannot repair it then just purchase a new one from gm parts warehouse at a price not a whole lot more than a rebuild from absfixer.