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 Descriptor

DTC B3950: Left Rear Turn Signal Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Left Front Turn Signal Control

B3948

B3948

1

--

Right Front Turn Signal Control

B3949

B3949

1

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

B3950

B3950

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

B3951

B3951

1

--

Left Turn Signal Switch Signal

1

1

1

--

Right Turn Signal Switch Signal

1

1

1

--

Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch Ground

--

1

--

--

LF Park/Turn Signal Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

RF Park/Turn Signal Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

Left Tail/Stop and Turn Signal Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

Right Tail/Stop and Turn Signal Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Park, License, and/or Tail Lamps Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

Ground is applied at all times at G200 to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START position. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through either the right turn or left turn signal switch signal circuit. The BCM then applies a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps through there respective voltage supply circuits. When a turn signal request is received by the BCM, a serial data message is sent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the respective turn signal indicator be pulsed ON and OFF.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC B3950 will set when the BCM detects a short to ground or an open/high resistance in the LR turn signal control circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • When the DTC is present, the LR turn signal will not operate.
    • The left signal indicator located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) will flash rapidly.

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 Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the left rear turn signal lamp.
  2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminal A 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 control circuit terminal B and ground.
  5. Command the Left Rear Turn Lamp ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control 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 left rear signal lamp assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Tail Lamp Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming