Another "Service Stability System" thread

2380 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by N*Caddy, Apr 12, 2009

MN-STS-LOVER

Discussion Starter · Apr 11, 2009

First off, why do these things happen when my wife is driving the car? When the head gasket blew, she was driving. I end up getting the next day and discover an issue and she says "oh yea, I was going to tell you about that":rant2:

Any way here is the issue. I get the "SSS" message on the DIC. The ABS and TC lights are on. I can tell that the TC is disengaged because I am starting in second gear from a stop. I have read the past threads but there does not seam to be one dominant issue. I know it could be a whole host of things. The thing that is puzzling is that it is NOT throwing any codes? I do have my own scanner and all systems show normal. Does anybody have a clue what would cause the issue and not throw a code? I have tried turning the car off and on but the message and lights are constant. I disconnected and reconnected the battery with no result. Voltage is fine.

Any advise would be great.

Thanks

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JimD

· #2 · Apr 11, 2009

You do have codes, count on that. Maybe your scanner is programmed to read only "P" codes?

Use the Driver Information Center to display your codes; here's how (you will have to scroll down to reach the '98 - '04 Seville instructions)
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-tech-tips/55172-how-pull-codes-got-codes-warning.html

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SwampeastMike

· #3 · Apr 11, 2009

There should definitely be codes set, most likely active. A "Service Stability System" message alone (no indicator lights) usually points to a steering wheel position sensor that is bad or on its way out. With warning lights as well, it's something else or in addition.

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MN-STS-LOVER

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 11, 2009

JimD said:
You do have codes, count on that. Maybe your scanner is programmed to read only "P" codes?

Use the Driver Information Center to display your codes; here's how (you will have to scroll down to reach the '98 - '04 Seville instructions)
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-tech-tips/55172-how-pull-codes-got-codes-warning.html

Thanks,

I did read the codes through the dash. My scanner must only read x0xxx codes and not maufacturer specific codes. Anyway, I have a C1242 (pump motor curcuit open) does that mean a new pump or just a ground to the pump? Where is the pump (and/or motor) located so I can check it?

Thanks

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JimD

· #5 · Apr 12, 2009

The pump motor is part of the Electronic Brake Traction Control Module (EBTCM) which is located at the bottom left front corner of the engine cradle. Easy to identify as it has six steel brake lines attached and one large electrical connector.

Inspect the wiring; in particular the black wire that exits the round motor case and connects to chassis ground. The chassis ground connection must be clean and snug and the wire must be intact.

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N*Caddy

· #6 · Apr 12, 2009 (Edited)

:yeah:
The PUMP ground connection point corrosion is a very common issue (not my case, in my case the pump brushes where stuck). C1242 means either a problem on the positive side of the pump supply circuit - i.e. BRAKES Maxifuse (not sure if 98’ is the same as ’97 in regards to this circuit), EBTCM connector (2 pins – E & D) or the wiring between. Or the negative side of the circuit, the above mentioned ground connection (a ring lug on a black 14 AWG wire connected to the back of the EBTCM pump, or the other end of the wire – also a ring lug – connected 3 inches below the thermostat housing on the engine block).
Here is the picture of a NorthStar, not sure about the year but is definitely post ’97. I highlighted yellow the EBTCM location.

You are looking to the front of the car, I sketched (rather brutal) the front grille and the headlights also observe the oil dipstick so you can get an idea where the EBTCM is located. To get a better view you have the remove the front cover over the headlights and radiator and also the air intake box.

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randythemachine

· #7 · Apr 12, 2009

SwampeastMike said:
There should definitely be codes set, most likely active. A "Service Stability System" message alone (no indicator lights) usually points to a steering wheel position sensor that is bad or on its way out. With warning lights as well, it's something else or in addition.

I have been getting this message with no indicator light about once a month for over a year, I drive my caddy everyday. Is this a DIY repair or something for a shop or do I even need to worry about it? I have about 70k miles. thanks for any advice.

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N*Caddy

· #8 · Apr 12, 2009

Definitely a DIY!
Next time when it happens pull the codes and post them here. If the problem occurred in the last 10 daya or so try pulling the codes now chances are the code of interest is still in the history.

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MN-STS-LOVER

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 12, 2009

N*Caddy said:
:yeah:
The PUMP ground connection point corrosion is a very common issue (not my case, in my case the pump brushes where stuck). C1242 means either a problem on the positive side of the pump supply circuit - i.e. BRAKES Maxifuse (not sure if 98’ is the same as ’97 in regards to this circuit), EBTCM connector (2 pins – E & D) or the wiring between. Or the negative side of the circuit, the above mentioned ground connection (a ring lug on a black 14 AWG wire connected to the back of the EBTCM pump, or the other end of the wire – also a ring lug – connected 3 inches below the thermostat housing on the engine block).
Here is the picture of a NorthStar, not sure about the year but is definitely post ’97. I highlighted yellow the EBTCM location.

You are looking to the front of the car, I sketched (rather brutal) the front grille and the headlights also observe the oil dipstick so you can get an idea where the EBTCM is located. To get a better view you have the remove the front cover over the headlights and radiator and also the air intake box.

Thanks for the reply and the grill sketch (not bad) I did check the fuse and it looks fine. What are the E & D pins on the EBTCM connector? I will pull the lower splash guard and take a look. Thanks

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N*Caddy

· #10 · Apr 12, 2009

The E & D pins are 2 of the 6 larger pins on the right side of the EBTCM connector from the ’97 year model. I know the ’98 EBTCM is not compatible with ’97, but I am expecting the connector is similar some bigger pins for power and some smaller pins (lot more in number) for the controls.

This is the ’97 EBTCM connector (left is C1 and right is C2).
A – Ignition feed
B – Ground
C – Magna steer (HI)
D – Solenoid valve supply
E – Pump motor supply
F – Magna steer (LO)
*Note The GND on pin B is not the same with the PUMP ground (there is no connection between the two grounds inside the EBTCM module). Pin 32 is blank and pin 16 is just a vent hole.
Sorry I can help you with the exact pin layout of the ’98 EBTCM connector, I know the signals are the same (but different layout). Hope somebody will chime in with this information. But generally the EBTCM connector is OK is sealed with a pretty good gasket. The pump ground connection is completely exposed to the element (and placed low in the engine bay where water can splash in).

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randythemachine

· #11 · Apr 12, 2009

N*Caddy said:
Definitely a DIY!
Next time when it happens pull the codes and post them here. If the problem occurred in the last 10 daya or so try pulling the codes now chances are the code of interest is still in the history.

I pulled codes and it showed all clear. next time it happens I will check codes right away. will the code for this issue be under ABS? or under another system? thanks

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N*Caddy

· #12 · Apr 12, 2009

Just write down all codes (pay special attention to the “C” codes). I usually have one code maximum 3 per read (when having an issue) so there are not to many codes to write down any way, 99% of the time there is no code (as it should).
Once you have the code(s) find out here what they are. If still puzzled then post the codes here.

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