Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSPONTIAC2005GRAND PRIX V6-3.8L SC VIN 4REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISA L L DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES ( DTC )TESTING AND INSPECTIONC CODE CHARTSC0121
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 4
C0121
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 4SECTION C0121
DTC C0121
Circuit Description
The solenoid valve relay supplies power to the solenoid valve coils in the EBCM. The solenoid valve relay, located in the EBCM, is activated whenever the ignition switch is in the RUN position and no faults are present. The solenoid valve relay remains engaged until the ignition is turned OFF or a failure is detected.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports this DTC:
DTC C0121 Valve Relay Circuit Malfunction
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition switch is in the ON position.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
^ DTC C0121 will set anytime the solenoid valve relay is commanded on and the EBCM does not see battery voltage at the solenoid valves.
^ DTC C0121 will set anytime the EBCM commands the solenoid valve relay off and battery voltage is still present at the solenoid valves.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
If equipped, these actions occur:
^ The electronic brake control module (EBCM) disables the antilock brake system (ABS)/traction control system (TCS)/vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES)/dynamic rear position (DRP) for the duration of the ignition cycle.
^ A malfunction DTC is set.
^ The ABS indicator turns ON.
^ The Stability Off indicator turns ON.
^ The red BRAKE warning indicator could turn ON.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
^ The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
^ The electronic brake control module (EBCM) automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
^ It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.
^ Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may be causing the complaint for these conditions:
^ Backed out terminals
^ Improper mating
^ Broken locks
^ Improperly formed or damaged terminals
^ Poor terminal-to-wiring connections
^ Physical damage to the wiring harness
^ These conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:
^ A poor connection
^ Rubbed-through wire insulation
^ A broken wire inside the insulation
^ If an intermittent malfunction exists, refer to Diagnostic Aids.
^ The solenoid valve relay is an integral part of the EBCM and is not serviced separately.
Test Description
This number refers to step number on the diagnostic table.
2. This step determines if the DTC is current.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.