GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B3948: Left Front Turn Signal

DTC B3949: Right Front Turn Signal

DTC B3950: Left Rear Turn Signal

DTC B3951: Right Rear Turn Signal

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Left Front Turn Signal Lamp Supply Voltage

B3948

B3948

B3948

--

LF Park/Turn Signal Lamp Ground

1

1

1

--

Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Supply Voltage

B3949

B3949

B3949

--

RF Park/Turn Signal Lamp Ground

2

2

2

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Signal Lamp Supply Voltage

B3950

B3950

B3950

--

Left Tail/Stop and Turn Signal Lamp Ground

3

3

3

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Signal Lamp Supply Voltage

B3951

B3951

B3951

--

Left Tail/Stop and Turn Signal Lamp Ground

4

4

4

--

1. Left Front Park/Turn Signal Inoperative

2. Right Front Park/Turn Signal Inoperative

3. Left Rear Stop/Turn Signal Inoperative

4. Right Rear Stop/Turn Signal Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) controls the turn signals based on an input from the turn signal switch, part of the multifunction turn signal lever. The BCM receives an input from one of two signal circuits to determine which turn signal function is requested. When the turn signal lever is placed in the LEFT position, the left turn signal switch signal circuit is grounded indicating that left turn signal operation is requested. When the turn signal lever is placed in the RIGHT position, the right turn signal switch signal circuit is grounded indicating that right turn signal operation is requested.

When a turn signal input is received from the turn signal switch, the BCM will activate the appropriate turn signals. The BCM pulses voltage to the applicable turn signals via the turn signal lamp supply voltage circuits, illuminating the required turn signal lamps.

Conditions for Running the DTC

A turn signal input is received from the turn signal switch.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B3948

A short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance is seen on the left front turn signal lamp supply voltage circuit.

B3949

A short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance is seen on the right front turn signal lamp supply voltage circuit.

B3950

A short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance is seen on the left rear stop/turn signal lamp supply voltage circuit.

B3951

A short to voltage, short to ground, or an open/high resistance is seen on the right rear stop/turn signal lamp supply voltage circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The applicable turn signal is disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Exterior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, command the appropriate turn signal lamp ON and OFF with a scan tool. The appropriate turn signal lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate turn signal lamp bulb.
  2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the ground circuit terminal G (Rear) or C (Front) and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Install a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. Ignition ON, command the appropriate turn signal lamp ON and OFF with a scan tool. The appropriate turn signal lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate turn signal lamp bulb.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Park/Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming