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P1573

PCM EBTCM Serial Data Circuit.

  • Oldsmobile
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
5
AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs
73
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Oldsmobile models, P1573 means the powertrain control module (PCM) has lost or received invalid serial data from the electronic brake traction control module (EBTCM). The PCM expects regular messages from the EBTCM, for example for traction control torque reduction requests, and sets the code when they are missing or corrupt. The exact circuit layout and the conditions for setting the code vary by model and year.

Symptoms

  • Traction control or ABS warning light on the dashboard
  • Check engine light on
  • Traction control not working or reduced engine power intervention
  • Possible ABS or brake system warning messages
  • Occasional erratic behaviour of related gauges or systems sharing the data line

Possible causes

  • Damaged wiring, chafing or corrosion in the serial data circuit between the PCM and EBTCMlikely
  • Poor connection or corroded, spread or pushed-out terminals at the PCM or EBTCM connectorslikely
  • Faulty EBTCM, internal fault stopping it from communicatingpossible
  • Low battery voltage or poor power and earth supply to the EBTCM or PCMpossible
  • Water ingress or damage to the wiring near the wheel-end or brake unit harnesspossible
  • Faulty PCM or outdated PCM softwarerare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data from both the PCM and the EBTCM, noting any ABS or traction control codes that appear alongside P1573
  2. Check battery condition and charging voltage, as low voltage can disrupt module communication
  3. Visually inspect the wiring and connectors between the PCM and EBTCM for chafing, corrosion, water damage and loose terminals
  4. Check the fuses and the power and earth supplies to the EBTCM against the wiring diagram for that model
  5. Wiggle-test the harness with live data on a scan tool to see if the communication drops out
  6. Check the serial data circuit for continuity, short to earth and short to voltage with the modules disconnected, following the model wiring diagram
  7. Check whether other modules on the vehicle can communicate normally to isolate a single-module fault
  8. Check for any available software updates for the PCM or EBTCM for that model before condemning a module

How to fix

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring in the serial data circuit and secure the harness away from rubbing points
  • Clean, repair or replace corroded or loose connector terminals at the PCM and EBTCM
  • Restore good power and earth supplies to the modules, including replacing faulty fuses after finding the cause
  • Replace the EBTCM if it is confirmed faulty, then carry out any required programming or setup
  • Update the PCM software where an outdated calibration is a known cause for that model, or replace the PCM if confirmed faulty

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car is usually drivable, but traction control and possibly ABS may be reduced or unavailable, so take extra care on wet or slippery roads and get it checked soon.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

This code for other makes

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