Buick Regal: DTC C0161

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 C0161

Antilock Braking System Brake Switch Circuit

For symptom byte information, refer to Symptom Byte List

Circuit/System Description

When the brake pedal is applied, the body control module sends a serial data message to the electronic brake control module in reference to the brake pedal positions. The electronic brake control module compares the correlation between the brake pedal position and the amount of brake pressure it senses from the brake pressure sensor, which is internal to the brake pressure modulator. It uses this information to control the vehicle during an stability event.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

• The electronic brake control module detects four accelerations from standstill to a vehicle speed greater 40 km/h (26 MPH) without any brake pedal position signal changes.
• The electronic brake control module detects the vehicle speed is greater than 20 km/h (13 MPH), the brake pedal is applied for six minutes, and brake pressure is less than 15 bar (218 PSI).

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A current DTC clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

No actions are taken

Diagnostic Aids

This DTC may set if the brake pedal is applied while accelerating.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End View Index

Description and Operation

ABS 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

1. Ignition ON.

2. Verify DTC C0277 or C0890 is not set.

• If either DTC is set

Refer to DTC C0277 or C0890.

• Go to next step: If either DTC is not set

3. Verify the brake pedal position sensor or the brake pedal is not binding causing residual brake pressure to be detected, while the brake lights operate properly.

• If a condition is found

Repair or replace the applicable component.

• Go to next step: If a condition is not found

4. Verify the scan tool Electronic Brake Control Module Brake Pedal Applied parameter changes between Yes and No while applying and releasing the brake pedal.

• If the parameter does not change between Yes and No

Refer to Symptoms - Lighting.

• Go to next step: If the parameter changes between Yes and No

5. Refer to Diagnostic Aids, All OK.

DTC C0179

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 C0179 59

Brake System Calculated Component Overheat Protection Time-Out

Circuit/System Description

The electronic brake control module monitors how often the traction control or the stability control system activates in order to calculate an estimate of the front brake discs temperature. In most cases the high temperatures are caused by extended traction control activation. If the electronic brake control module calculates that the front brake components temperatures are too high, the electronic brake control module will temporarily suspend the traction control system function until the front brake discs cool down.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The electronic brake control module detects the calculated temperature of the brake components is higher than 500ºC (932ºF).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• The traction/stability control indicator turns ON.
• The electronic brake control module disables the ABS, the traction control, the stability control and the electronic brake distribution for the duration of the ignition cycle.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

• The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.
• The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive fault-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

• DTC C0179 does not indicate a malfunction has occurred. This DTC indicates there was excessive ABS, traction control or stability control activation that caused the high temperatures.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Wiring Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End View Index

Description and Operation

ABS 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

NOTE: Since most occurrences of this DTC are caused by excessive brake usage, review with the customer the conditions under which the DTC set.

1. Allow the brakes to cool down before performing test.

2. Verify that no other DTCs are set.

• If any other DTCs are set

Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

• Go to next step: If no other DTCs are set

3. Verify DTC C0179 does not set while driving the vehicle under normal braking conditions.

• If the DTC sets

Replace the K17 Electronic Brake Control Module.

• Go to next step: If the DTC does not set

4. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

Control Module References for Electronic Brake Control Module replacement, programming, and setup.

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