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 C0870: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Brake Pedal Position Sensor 10-Volt Reference

C0283, C0870

C0277

C0277

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Signal

C0283

C0277

C0277

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277

1

--

1. Stop Lamps 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 10-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 voltage to the stop lamps, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), electronic brake control module (EBCM), and center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.
    • Brakes APPLIED.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C0870 will set when the BCM detects a short to ground in the brake pedal position sensor voltage reference circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.
    • If the DTC sets while the vehicle is running, the BCM will activate the brake lights when the vehicles transmission is not in the PARK position and the vehicle is not accelerating.

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.

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

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 brake pedal position sensor
  2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the low reference circuit terminal A.
  3. 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.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 9.8-10.2 volts between the 10-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the 10-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If less than the specified range, test the 10-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the brake pedal position sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration
    •  Brake Pedal Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming