HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 Fuse

Suspension, brake, and hydraulic/electric steering discussion.
PeePeeV
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:43 am

HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 Fuse

Post by PeePeeV »

Hello,

I have just purchased a PPV from out of state, and have a bit of an issue. When it came to me, the ABS/Stabilitrak lights were on, and the underhood F5 fuse was blown. After replacing the fuse, the car would drive normally under regular driving circumstances. When under heavy load (wide open throttle), however, the car will blow the F5 fuse, and the lights reappear, presumably because of the loss of connection to the ABS valves. Additionally, I should mention, that although I have never driven a PPV before, the brake pedal feels like there is no pressure for the first inch or so of travel then becomes very stiff.

What could this problem be? ABS module? EBCM? Shoddy removal of upfitting? all opinions and knowledge are appreciated. Thanks!
smwalker
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Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 F

Post by smwalker »

Here is a link to a description of the ABS system: ABS Description

Would seem to me when the system does a self test it is OK but when you floor it you are activating the traction control and something is causing resistance on the motors enough to blow the fuse. I would think if it was just an electrical short it would blow during the self test. But not to sure. Do you have a scanner to see if any ABS codes are present?
Steve Walker
Azusa, CA
'11 PPV 9C3 Huron White
PeePeeV
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:43 am

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 F

Post by PeePeeV »

I just used a Solus to pull codes, when the fuse was blown it would not communicate with the ABS module whatsoever. After the fuse was replaced, the solus was able to communicate with the ABS system, no codes were present. In the transmission section, code U0121 was present. To test the ABS system, i used the solus to cycle the ABS , which caused a slew of lights on the dash and a blown fuse yet again.
smwalker
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Joined: Mon Jul 29, 2013 1:44 am
Location: Azusa,CA

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 F

Post by smwalker »

Well Think you are in for a new Electronic Brake control module. Nothing is serviceable inside them as far as I can read.

The fuse you are blowing is the ABS VLV circuit and it is just a wire going to the module. What's actually blowing the fuse inside the module is anyone's guess. Here is the wiring diagram, but there is not a diagram for anything inside the module.

Image

Check around for ABS module re-builders in your area. At the shop I work at we just exchange them for rebuilt units. not sure how popular the one on the caprice is you may have to wait for them to go through it and replace any defective relays or circuits if they can at all. Cheaper than getting a new one from GM.

Then you may have to get the new module re flashed by a dealer using a tech2. I think that is what I read.

EDIT: And GM recommends replacing the entire unit as it seems taking the module off the valves can lead to trouble:

GM's Note: If the electronic brake control module (EBCM) or brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) is to replaced under manufacturer's warranty, do not disassemble the EBCM/BPMV assembly. If the EBCM or BPMV is faulty, replace the EBCM/BPMV as an assembly.
Steve Walker
Azusa, CA
'11 PPV 9C3 Huron White
PeePeeV
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:43 am

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 F

Post by PeePeeV »

Well, i think i might have a short instead of a bad ebcm. For a while, the car had no lights on, although the f5 fuse was blown. Then, upon replacong the fuse, the loghts lit again, but thos time the fuse did not blown. Not sure if this new info points more to a bad ebcm or a short.
PeePeeV
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:43 am

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 F

Post by PeePeeV »

UPDATE: For those who may have this problem in the future, It was a short. I found that the two wires shown on the wiring diagram above for the ABS motor and valves (red and orange respectively) had melted on the exhaust manifold and were shorting out. Spliced in an extra foot of wire and rerouted, problem has been solved.
smwalker
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Location: Azusa,CA

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 F

Post by smwalker »

THanks for the update. Could we get a picture of where it got into contact on the manifold? That would help future folks.
Steve Walker
Azusa, CA
'11 PPV 9C3 Huron White
Capeasy
Posts: 173
Joined: Wed Aug 07, 2019 9:16 pm
Location: Downey, CA.

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 Fuse

Post by Capeasy »

I think I'm having the opposite problem. I cant disable the traction control . Pressing the button does nothing, which was fine a few weeks ago. I checked all the connections at the brakes. Not sure if it's a blown fuse or bad switch? Where do I start?
All these ponys and no way to unleash the beast lol.
I wish it was as easy as just pulling a fuse and completely turning it off like I've heard some Corvette owners have done.
Open to all suggestions.
Thanks
Walt (AKA:Capeasy) So. Cal.
2013 Caprice 9C1,Huron white, Blackbear tune, DOD Delete, Texas Speed stage 2 cam with all the goodies, Circle D 258 mm converter, 3200 stall. Spectra CAI, 3.45 Diff, deep trans pan. BlackWidow Venom exhaust,Granatelli oval cutouts, Doug Thorley tri-Y headers, Pedders coilovers,Tower brace, Widend OE. rear wheels to 10" wide with 295 Nitto's
Capeasy
Posts: 173
Joined: Wed Aug 07, 2019 9:16 pm
Location: Downey, CA.

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 Fuse

Post by Capeasy »

Just spent 2 hrs troubleshooting everything and it was the darn switch went south, at the same time as the diff swap. Never even thought to look at the switch, kept blaming the gear ratio swap. all is well :D
Walt (AKA:Capeasy) So. Cal.
2013 Caprice 9C1,Huron white, Blackbear tune, DOD Delete, Texas Speed stage 2 cam with all the goodies, Circle D 258 mm converter, 3200 stall. Spectra CAI, 3.45 Diff, deep trans pan. BlackWidow Venom exhaust,Granatelli oval cutouts, Doug Thorley tri-Y headers, Pedders coilovers,Tower brace, Widend OE. rear wheels to 10" wide with 295 Nitto's
andrewquant
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri May 28, 2021 2:47 pm

Re: HELP! ABS/StabiliTrak Fault Light on, keeps blowing F5 Fuse

Post by andrewquant »

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but how did you figure out it was the switch? I'm having a similar problem but just no blown fuse.
2013 PPV Phantom black 1,077 RWHP 1,015 RWTQ 9.9@148
LS3 stroker 417ci, Callies crank w/ Malhe pistons & Darton sleeves. 11.5:1
Procharger F1a94. 22 psi boost E85
Water/Meth + 180hp N20
BTR custom cam 235/257 .638/.629 116, BTR shaft rockers Johnson 2126 lifters
BTR Trinity intake Kooks headers w/ Solo exhaust 3"
CDT Level 4 trans build w triple disc TC
Holley 120lb injectors
MT ET Street R 305/45/R18 on 10" widened OEM wheels.
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