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 B1015 00: Vehicle Identification Number Mismatch

Circuit/System Description

After a loss of battery power has been restored the theft deterrent module (TDM) will perform a check on the stored vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN is CORRECT, the TDM will run the VIN Timer for a programmable length of time, typically 10 minutes. The TDM will send a message via the serial data circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the SECURITY indicator. After the VIN Timer has timed out, the security indicator will turn OFF. If the VIN is INCORRECT, the TDM will send the fuel disable password to the engine control module (ECM) via the serial data circuit. The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system considers this to be a tamper and will not allow the vehicle to start. The TDM will send a message via the serial data circuit to the IPC to flash the SECURITY indicator. Substitution detection is based on 3 of 5 correct responses from the following modules: IPC, sensing diagnostic module (SDM), integrated radio chassis/infotainment unit (IRC), rear seat entertainment (RSE) interface module. The modules compare their VIN to that stored in the VIN master on every ignition ON cycle and report their status to the TDM. The TDM will only check the modules status to see that 3 of the 5 modules match when a battery reconnect has been recognised within the TDM.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The VIN check flag of the theft deterrent control module is true.
    • The TDM has determined that the battery has been reconnected after a disconnect.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The vehicle will not start.
    • The TDM sends the fuel disable message via the serial data circuit to the engine control module (ECM).
    • The TDM will run the VIN Timer for a programmable length of time, typically 10 minutes.
    • The TDM sends a message to the IPC to illuminate the SECURITY indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The TDM clears the current DTC when the correct VIN information is present.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Theft Deterrent System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, wait for 30 seconds.
  2. Ignition ON, using the scan tool, select the DTC display function.
  3. If DTC B1015 is set to current, ensure that the body control module (BCM) transmits the VIN. To achieve this perform a 'Module/ECU Presence Check/VIN Check' using the scan tool. The VIN can also be visually verified by reading the 'Additional Functions/Read ECU Identification' data display.
    If the BCM fails to transmit the VIN, replace the BCM.
  4. Ignition ON, using the scan tool view the stored VIN in the TDM.
  5. If the TDM system displays a "VIN Mismatch" message, replace the TDM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification .

Control Module References .