DTC C1238: Left Front ESB Will Not Hold Motor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass and 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Perform diagnostic system check. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK . After performing diagnostic system check, go to next step.
Turn ignition on, with engine off. Pump brake pedal until firm to deplete brake booster vacuum reservoir. Install scan tool. Using scan tool, select MISC TESTS, and then select MANUAL CONTROL. Using scan tool, select ABS MOTOR APPLY of left front ABS channel, and apply left front ABS motor. Wait 5 seconds. Apply firm pressure to brake pedal. If brake pedal falls, go to step 9). If brake pedal does not fall, go to next step.
Check 6-pin ABS motor pack connector and EBCM/EBTCM connector for proper wire color/connector cavity combination. If wires are properly located in connector cavities, go to next step. If wires are not properly located in connector cavities, go to step 10).
Using scan tool, exit MANUAL CONTROL. Turn ignition off. Disconnect 6-pin ABS motor pack connector. Disconnect EBCM/EBTCM connector. Using DVOM, measure resistance of left front motor high circuit between motor pack connector (harness side) and EBCM/EBTCM connector. See WIRING DIAGRAM . If resistance is 0-1.5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 0-1.5 ohms, go to step 11).
Using DVOM, measure resistance of left front motor low circuit between motor pack connector (harness side) and EBCM/EBTCM connector. See WIRING DIAGRAM . If resistance is 0-1.5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 0-1.5 ohms, go to step 12).
Using DVOM, measure resistance between left front motor high circuit and left front motor low circuit of motor pack connector (component side). See WIRING DIAGRAM . If resistance is 0.2-1.5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 0.2-1.5 ohms, go to step 9).
Check 6-pin ABS motor pack connector and EBCM/EBTCM connector for poor terminal contact, corrosion or damage. If connectors are faulty, go to step 13). If connectors are okay, go to next step.
Turn ignition off. Reconnect EBCM/EBTCM connector. Reconnect ABS modulator/motor pack assembly connector. Start engine without pressing brake pedal. Allow engine to run for at least 10 seconds. Repeat ignition cycle sequence 2 more times. Using scan tool, display DTCs. If DTC C1238 is set in last 3 ignition cycles, go to step 14). If DTC C1238 is not set in last 3 ignition cycles, go to step 15).
Replace motor pack. After repairs, perform DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
Position proper wires into proper connector cavities. See WIRING DIAGRAM. After repairs, perform DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
Repair open or high resistance in left front motor high circuit between motor pack and EBCM/EBTCM. After repairs, perform DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
Repair open or high resistance in left front motor low circuit between motor pack and EBCM/EBTCM. After repairs, perform DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
Replace all faulty terminals or connectors. After repairs, perform DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
Replace EBCM/EBTCM. After repairs, perform DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK .
Malfunction is not currently present. An intermittent may be caused by a mechanical system component sticking, binding, or slipping. Frequency of malfunction can be determined by using enhanced diagnostic function of scan tool. Hydraulic control modulator test function of scan tool may be used to locate an intermittent malfunction associated with ESB. After diagnosis is complete, clear DTCs and test drive vehicle for 3 drive cycles to verify DTC does not reset. Drive cycle consists of starting vehicle, driving vehicle faster than 10 MPH, stopping vehicle, and then turning ignition off.