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

Brake Fluid Level Signal

C0126 00

1

1

--

Park Brake Signal

1

1

1

--

Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Brake Warning Indicator Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) sees the brake fluid level switch input opens and illuminates the Red Brake Warning indicator. The body control module (BCM) sees the park brake switch input grounded, it sends a serial data message to the IPC requesting illumination of the Red Brake Warning indicator.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Brake Warning System 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

  1. Verify the park brake is released and the brake fluid is at or above the proper level.
  2. If low, refer to Brake Fluid Loss.
  3. Command the IPC display test with a scan tool, the warning indicator should turn ON.
  4. If the red brake warning indicator does not illuminate, replace the IPC.
  5. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BCM Park Brake Switch parameter while applying and releasing the park brake. The parameter should cycle between Active and Inactive.
  6. If the parameter does not cycle between the specified values, refer to Park Brake Switch Malfunction.
  7. Observe the scan tool IPC Brake Fluid Level Switch parameter. The reading should be OFF.
  8. If not the specified value, refer to Brake Fluid Level Switch Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

Park Brake Switch Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the park brake switch.
  2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool BCM Park Brake Switch parameter is Inactive.
  3. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and ground. Verify the scan tool BCM Park Brake Switch parameter is Active.
  5. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the park brake switch.

Brake Fluid Level Switch Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the brake fluid level switch.
  2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 - 5.2 volts between the 5 volt reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5 volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5 volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the brake fluid level switch.

Component Testing

Park Brake Switch Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the park brake switch.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal B and ground with the park brake released.
  3. If less than the specified value, replace the park brake switch.
  4. Test for less than 1 ohm between the signal terminal B and ground with the park brake applied.
  5. If greater than the specified range, replace the park brake switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Brake Fluid Level Indicator Switch Replacement
    •  Parking Brake Indicator Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM and IPC replacement, setup, and programming