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.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+, BCM C4 Terminal 1

2

2

--

--

Brake Apply Sensor Supply Voltage

C0870 03

C0870 03

C0870 07

--

Brake Apply Sensor Signal

C0277 06

C0277 06

C0277 07

C0277 09

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Low Reference

--

1

--

--

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

C0297 00

--

--

--

CHMSL Supply Voltage

B3445 00

4

4

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Supply Voltage

2

2

2

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Supply Voltage

3

3

3

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

4

--

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

2

--

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

3

--

--

  1. Stop lamps malfunction
  2. Left stop/turn lamp malfunction
  3. Right stop/turn lamp malfunction
  4. Center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery positive voltage to the stop lamps, center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), and engine control module (ECM). The stop lamps will not operate unless the ignition is in the ON position. Ground for the left stop/tail lamp assembly is provided by G402 and ground for the right stop/tail lamp assembly is provided by G403.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: The stop lamps will not illuminate unless the ignition is in the ON position. For more detailed information concerning stop lamp operation, refer to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Exterior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Lighting Systems Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Testing

Stop Lamps Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the (C4) harness connector at the BCM.
  2. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the following B+ terminals and ground.
  3. • B+ terminal 1
    • B+ terminal 2
    • B+ terminal 4
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit fuse is open, test the B+ circuit and the respective stop lamp circuits for a short to ground.
  4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the brake pedal position sensor.
  5. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the low reference circuit terminal C and B+.
  6. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. Ignition OFF, disconnect harness connector at the inoperative stop/turn lamp.
  8. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms of resistance between the ground circuit terminal G and ground.
  9. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  10. Connect a test lamp between the supply voltage circuit terminal A and ground.
  11. Ignition ON, command the appropriate BCM LR or RR Turn Signal ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  12. If the test lamp is always ON, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  13. If all circuits test normal, replace the inoperative stop/turn signal lamp assembly.

High Mounted Stop Lamp Circuit Test

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the CHMSL.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms of resistance between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the supply voltage circuit terminal A and the ground circuit terminal B.
  5. Ignition ON, apply and release the brake pedal. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF as the brake pedal is applied and released.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the supply voltage 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, replace the CHMSL.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement
    •  Tail Lamp Replacement
    •  Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming