GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3608 01: Steering Wheel Control Entertainment Output Signal Circuit Short to Battery

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

10-Volt Reference

1

1

1

--

Steering Wheel Control Signal

1

1

B3608

--

1. Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

The radio supplies 10 volts to the steering wheel control momentary contact switches, and monitors the return signal. Each switch is associated to a set resistance value, when pressed a specific voltage drop occurs through a series of resistors unique to the switch selected. The radio will perform the desired function, or send a serial data message to its another component.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The radio is in the ACCESSORY, RUN, or RAP power mode.
    • The system voltage is at least 9 volts and no more than 16 volts.
    • All the above conditions are present for greater than 50 ms.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Short to voltage is present for 50 ms or longer.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The steering wheel control switch functions are inoperative.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • A history DTC clears after 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles.
    • The radio receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Before diagnosis of the steering wheel controls, ensure the primary controls of the associated component are functioning properly.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Steering Wheel Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Entertainment Connector End Views
    •  Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the radio.
  2. Ignition ON, verify test lamp does not illuminate between the signal circuit and ground.
  3. If the test lamp illuminates, repair the signal circuit for short to voltage.
  4. Replace the radio.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for Radio replacement, setup, and programming.