Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

123185 Views 49 Replies 8 Participants Last post by tokuzumi, Dec 11, 2019

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · Jun 27, 2009

This is the only code I am currently getting on my scan tool and my ABS + Brake Light + Service Stability Sytem light is on. Everytime I try to clear the code, it comes right back within a second or so.

While searching the net, I found that this code also means "Front Right open dump solenoid ABS"

Although I hate to guess it but I am thinking ... Open Dump Solenoid = EBCM and TCS Malfunction = EBCM! So is it the EBCM???!!! Crap!!! Tell me it aint so!

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pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jun 30, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Well after researching this code of various GM vehicles and the like it all comes down to the EBCM Unit

- since I work with Electronics down to PCB Level I might attempt to "re-ball" the solder, etc. and see what happens before I send it in for repairs...

Will keep you guys posted in time...

oldworld

· #3 · Jul 1, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Good luck. Keep us posted on the results. :thepan:

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 2, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

LOL, that is what I feel like doing to this truck sometimes ((

thepan

)) but I realise it was neglected before I bought it so I let it be :helpless:

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 7, 2009 (Edited)

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Well to update, the code I was getting really meant that one of the ABS solenoid valves is not working (ie. it is open circuit or short circuit) during the system test when I turn the key on. Now the solenoid valve assembly is part of the EBCM and the EBCM is a sealed unit that apparently can be opened up. Honestly, I was unable to get it opened and did not want to damage it considering the fact how expensive these things are so I have decided not to attempt to take it apart or try to repair it also since I am unable to obtain any ABS parts for this unit, however there are module "rebuilders" who have these parts and can test and fix these so I am gonna send it in and see what happens. Heck for $150 to try to repair the unit sure beats buying new from the dealer $1400 or even used for hundreds of dollars (which still requires the used module to be programmed for YOUR truck by the dealer $$)!

I will let you guys know how it all turns out in a week or so and hopefully this is IT ...

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pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 24, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

UPDATE : Received the EBCM Module from Auto & Truck Electronics in TN. Installed everything back which was a royal pain in the ***. Had to bleed all four calipers and two of the bleeding bolts where really messed up - one of them someone tried to grind it down, etc. lol - I was like f*** it and changed all of them to "speed-bleeders" - these work GREAT btw - perfect for a one man break job lol.

Anyway, after all that trouble the darn thing still threw the same code and I was like WTF!!! I called them up and and they said that one of the solenoids must have somehow shorted out inside the EBCM (again??) and to send the unit back to them. I think I am gonna call them and just send the ENTIRE ABS unit with the module to them instead of just the EBCM.... this really sucks though but ATE customer service is great and they did not blow me off like most businesses do after they get your money.

I will keep you guys posted...

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sk7

· #7 · Jul 24, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Thanks for the update! I was wondering when I was gonna hear back from you about this fix... I'm affraid my truck also has the same issue, I can feel a couple clinking attemps under my seat when I drive for a few feet, then service stability system comes on. My Innova 3150 is on its way, first get the auto level ride to work, then stabilitrack.

Good tip about the bleeders, I already started spraying lube on them whenever I'm under the truck. Cheap insurance.

ewill3rd

· #8 · Jul 24, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

First of all, what year is your truck?
Under your name it says your Escalade is white but to diagnose issues like this we need to know a little more. I'd suggest putting the year there also to help in the future

Next, based on a 2004 model that code does indicate that there is an internal EBCM problem.
You need not remove the whole unit, and honestly you should not.
Just take the screws out of the controller and split it from the BPMV. If you open the brake lines on this vehicle you are asking for a headache.

Hopefully your second replacement part will work.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 25, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

ewill3rd said:
First of all, what year is your truck?
Under your name it says your Escalade is white but to diagnose issues like this we need to know a little more. I'd suggest putting the year there also to help in the future

Next, based on a 2004 model that code does indicate that there is an internal EBCM problem.
You need not remove the whole unit, and honestly you should not.
Just take the screws out of the controller and split it from the BPMV. If you open the brake lines on this vehicle you are asking for a headache.
Hopefully your second replacement part will work.

Ok the truck is an 02 and by a headache I take it you mean that the entire brake system needs to be bled correct? About the second replacement, I hope so too. They seemed very willing to fix this problem which is good.

ewill3rd

· #10 · Jul 25, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Yes the bleeding procedure on that BPMV is very complicated and it requires a scan tool as well as a large amount of brake fluid
I hate doing them, avoid disconnecting the lines at all costs... trust me.
Thanks for the year, sorry if I came off grumpy.
It is easy to forget to mention it, you drive it every day.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 27, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Its all good ewill3rd

. Well the bad news is, I actually did take the whole thing out and did disconnect the lines from the BPMV! Now when I received the EBCM back, I put everything back and just bled the brakes on each wheel. Although the EBCM threw the same code - the brakes works just the same before I took the unit - after bleeding each WHEEL that is. I have not bled the BPMV cos my abs scan tool does not have that feature - do u know which ones do or do I have to take it to the dealer to bleed the BPMV??

I still have to take the EBCM out again and send it in back to them...

ewill3rd

· #12 · Jul 27, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

I don't know if any aftermarket scanners have that feature, I never use one.
Sorry to hear about your woes. It can be taken off in the vehicle but it is hard unless you have some good tools that will fit up in that space and some patience.
Good luck.

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 28, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Yeah no doubt about it being a real pain to remove! I guess once I get the EBCM (FINALLY) repaired properly, I will have to take it to a dealer and have them bleed the ABS? How much does something like that cost?

Thanks!

ewill3rd

· #14 · Jul 28, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

I can't say anything is wrong but there could certainly be some air in there. (possibly)
I have no idea what they would charge, it depends on whether or not the tech who makes the estimate has ever done the job before. We usually charge like around $100 plus fluids to do a brake flush but this procedure goes through tons of brake fluid so it would be more.
If it has been open the automated bleed should be done.
Better not to take a chance.

sk7

· #15 · Jul 28, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Glad to know the BPMV can be separated in half! GM's SI manual wasn't too clear on that one. Next item on the agenda...

pcguy760

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 10, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Forgot about this post for a minute lol - yeah it can be seperated but man, it is a TOTAL pain in the *** to seperate it while the entire thing is still on the vehicle! As you guys know I had to take the darn thing out again because the repair did not work out and I had to send it back (waiting on their reply by this Tuesday). Well I attempted over and over and over to try and seperate it while on the vehicle and it was IMPOSSIBLE.

I ended up disconnecting all the lines again and removing the entire unit. Figured I need to get the BPMV bled anyways...

Now I wait with both fingers crossed for this thing to come back to me AND work this time. I sure do not feel like spending $1200 plus on a new unit :hide:

sk7

· #17 · Aug 10, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Thanks for the update. I'm getting code C0265 for mine, just realized theres a TSB on poor ground connection on this unit. Will look into that before attempting to separate it. It sure sounds when it goes into self test mode after driving a few feet like one or all the solenoids are stuck.

ewill3rd

· #18 · Aug 10, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

I think this is a Kelsey Hayes Unit (I may be mispelling that) 325.
When these first came out on the GMT800 series trucks in 99 we had huge issues with the motor transistors failing and running the pump all the time.
I got lots of experience at replacing these on the car by splitting the modules.
I bought a couple of tools that make it easy, not sure how easy it is to find them.
I might be able to post a picture of the tools if someone wants to see them.
The rest of it is just twising your arms to get in the right position.

sk7

· #19 · Aug 11, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

Would really appreciate a pic of those tools! I got a lift in my garage that makes the job somewhat easier. I'll have a look under to see what brand name it is. Pump or solenoid just comes on twice as self test, then I get message service stability system, no more noize from that area till the next off and restart. Thanxs for your expertise on the subject... :worship:

ewill3rd

· #20 · Aug 11, 2009

Re: Anyone know what a Code C0242 - "PCM Indicated TCS Malfunction" means ??

I got a busy day ahead but I'll see what I can do.

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