GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

This vehicle is equipped with a computer system capable of performing multiple engine and body control functions. Vehicle components (windows, locks, mirrors, etc.) are controlled directly by their system module. Each system communicates with other systems on an interconnecting bus or serial data line. These systems are all part of the vehicle's computer system providing two-way communication between various engine and body control systems.

Some electrical components are directly connected and controlled by their system module. Others systems accomplish this by sharing data information with other systems on the serial data line to execute various vehicle functions. All system data information (sensors, switches, etc.) can be monitored by any system module that completes the computer system.

All systems on the same serial data line use a communication process similar to a telephone system, where enormous amounts of information can be exchanged on a single data wire.

Communications between each system is accomplished by sending a digitally coded message, consisting of specific information a system module must follow. Each system module is assigned its own recognition code (address). So when a message is sent out on the serial data line, only the particular system module that was assigned that recognition code will responded to the message.

The BCM, which is the power mode master, is responsible for sending the power mode messages on the serial data line to other systems. Power mode messages consist of ignition switch position status information, and allows other systems (that are not directly wired to ignition power) away to determine which position the ignition switch is in. When the power mode message is sent, other systems respond to this message by entering a power-up state and sending a State of Health Code (SOH) code message. This SOH message indicates they are able to communicate information between other systems.

By communicating data information with other systems on the same serial data line, either input information or specific program information within the systems memory, can provide more accurate and reliable computer system control functions. The BCM uses information from other systems in order to execute some functions. Therefore, before further diagnosis, review the general information on how the BCM computer system operates and how each system interacts with the BCM. This will save diagnostic time, future misdiagnosis, and unnecessary parts replacement.

BCM Wake-up/Sleep States

The BCM is able to control or perform all of the BCM functions in the wake-up state. The BCM enters the sleep state when active control or monitoring of system functions has stopped, and the BCM has become idle again. The BCM must detect certain wake-up inputs before entering the wake-up state. The BCM monitors for these inputs during the sleep state, where the BCM is able to detect switch transitions that cause the BCM to wake-up when activated or deactivated. Multiple switch wake-ups are needed in order to sense both the insertion and the removal of the ignition key. This would allow the BCM to enter a sleep state when the key is IN or OUT of the ignition.

The BCM will enter a wake-up state if any of the following wake-up inputs are detected:

    • Any activity on the serial data line
    • Hatch ajar switch
    • Hatch release switch
    • Door ajar switch
    • Key-in-ignition switch
    • Monitored load relay
    • Park/fog/headlamps are on
    • The BCM experiences a battery disconnect and reconnect condition.
    • The ignition is turned ON.

The BCM will enter a sleep state when all of the following conditions exist:

    • No activity exists on the serial data line.
    • The ignition switch is OFF.
    • No outputs are commanded.
    • No delay timers are actively counting.
    • No wake-up inputs are present.

If all these conditions are met the BCM will enter a low power or sleep condition. This condition would indicate the BCM, which is the power mode master of the vehicle, must have sent a message to the other systems on the serial data line to stop broadcasting their state of health messages.

Power Requirements

The BCM has two main power feeds (high and low current), and two main grounds. The low power feed (battery 1) is used to provide power for the BCMs logic and internal driver operation. The high power feed (battery 2) is used to provide power for systems that draw higher amounts of current (motors, lights, etc.). Operating current at the BCMs battery should not exceed 3.0 amperes at battery 1, and 7.5 amperes (for 2  seconds) at battery 2 while the BCM is awake, and 2.5 milliamps when the BCM is asleep. For most BCM functions, the BCM will operate properly with a system voltage of 9.0-16.0 volts. If system voltages exceed 16.0 volts the BCM will provide protection by disabling certain functions that may damage due to higher than normal system voltages.

BCM Input/Output Information

The following components provide direct input to the BCM. Other systems can use this input information in order to carry out various functions:

BCM Inputs

    • Ambient Light Signal Processing -- provides the BCM with the ambient light input information for interior lamp illumination and automatic headlamp operation.
    • Column Feedback Switch -- provides steering column feedback information to the BCM in order to determine if the steering column was successfully locked or unlocked.
    • Door Ajar Switches -- provides door ajar status to the BCM.
    • Fog Lamp Switch, Front -- provides fog lamp switch activation input to the BCM in order to turn the front fog lamps ON or OFF.
    • Fog Lamp Switch, Rear (export)-- provides fog lamp switch activation input to the BCM in order to turn the rear fog lamps ON or OFF.
    • Folding Top Ajar Switch--provides folding top ajar status to the BCM.
    • Folding Top Release Switch -- provides folding top release switch information to the BCM.
    • Hatch Ajar Switch -- provides hatch ajar status to the BCM.
    • Hatch Release Switch -- provides hatch release switch information to the BCM.
    • Headlamps OFF -- provides the BCM with headlamps ON or OFF status for automatic headlamp operation.
    • Hood Ajar Switch (export)-- provides hood ajar status to the BCM.
    • Ignition Switch -- provides the BCM with ignition position status.
    • Key In/Out Ignition Switch -- allows the BCM to detect when a key is IN or OUT of the ignition.
    • Monitored Loads -- monitors electrical loads left ON after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
    • Pass-Key® Resistance -- determines the resistance of the key pallet for the PASS-Key® system.
    • Rear Defogger Switch -- provides rear defogger switch activation input to the BCM in order to turn the rear defogger ON or OFF.
    • Turn Signal Monitor, LH/RH -- monitors the turn signal status for the DRL.
    • Traction Control System (TCS) Switch -- provides traction control switch activation input to the BCM in order to turn the TCS ON or OFF.

The BCM directly controls the following outputs. Other systems may request the BCM to control these outputs for various functions:

BCM Outputs

    • Automatic Headlamp/Parklamp Control -- provides output control to turn ON the headlamps and parklamps when it's dark outside.
    • Backup Lamp Relay -- provides output control in order to energize the backup lamp relay for UTD and Approach Lighting functions.
    • Console Lamp Dimming Control -- controls the console lamp illumination when the headlamps or the parklamps are ON.
    • Courtesy Lamp Relay -- provides output control in order to energize the courtesy lamp relay when the courtesy lamp switch is ON.
    • DRL Relay, LH -- when energized, the relay allows the BCM to use the LH front turn signals for DRL, Approach Lighting, and UTD functions.
    • DRL Relay, RH -- when energized, the relay allows the BCM to use the RH front turn signals for DRL, Approach Lighting, and UTD functions.
    • Fog Lamp Relay, Front -- provides output control in order to energize the front fog lamp relay when the fog lamp switch is ON.
    • Fog Lamp Relay, Rear (export)-- provides output control in order to energize the rear fog lamp relay when the fog lamp switch is ON, or for Approach Lighting and UTD functions.
    • Folding Top Release Relay--provides output control in order to energize the folding top relay when the folding top switch is pressed.
    • Hatch Release Relay--provides output control in order to energize the hatch release relay when the hatch release switch is pressed.
    • Horn Relay -- allows the BCM to energize the horn relay for UTD and RFA system functions.
    • HVAC Lamp Dimming Control -- controls the HVAC lamp illumination when the headlamps or the parklamps are ON.
    • Monitored Load Relay -- provides output control for the monitored load relay, allowing the BCM to shut off certain electrical loads in order to prevent battery rundown.
    • PRNDL Lamp Control -- controls the PRNDL lamp illumination when the headlamps or the parklamps are ON (A/T only).
    • Rear Defogger Relay -- provides output control in order to energize the rear defogger relay when the rear defogger switch is pressed.
    • Steering Column Lock/Unlock Control -- provides output to control drive A and drive B for steering column lock/unlock operation.
    • Steering Column Lock Relay -- allows the BCM to disable steering column lock functions.
    • Theft Deterrent Relay -- allows the BCM to energize the theft deterrent relay for UTD functions.

Monitored Loads

In order to minimize any battery rundown, the BCM can detect if certain electrical loads have been left on. When the BCM detects that the ignition has been cycled to the OFF position, the BCM immediately checks the status of the load monitor input. If the BCM detects that a load is present (ground on CKT 640), the BCM turns ON the load monitor relay for 15 minutes. If after 15 minutes the BCM still recognizes that a load is present, the BCM will turn OFF the relay, removing the battery voltage from the loads. The BCM continues to monitor this circuit for a switch transition. The BCM will again turn ON the relay for 15 minutes if a switch transition exists.

Load Shed Control

The BCM can turn off the rear window defogger and heated outside mirror electrical loads when the vehicle is in a condition where these loads may discharge the battery. The BCM will also remove these loads when engine demands are greater.

Interior Lamp Over Voltage Protection

The BCM disables the interior lamp bulbs when the system voltage is above 18.0 volts in order to extend the bulb life.

Driver in Vehicle Detection

Using the ignition switch/door ajar inputs, the BCM can detect whether or not the driver has left the vehicle. If the ignition is turned to OFF with no door ajar status detected, the BCM assumes that the driver is in the vehicle. As soon as the BCM detects a door ajar, the BCM will assume the driver has left the vehicle. The BCM uses this information for the RAP functions, then sends the information on the serial data line to the other systems also responsible for the RAP functions.

BCM Fail-Soft Condition

If a particular BCM malfunction would result in unacceptable system operation, the BCM takes a fail-soft action in order to minimize the condition. A typical fail-soft action would be the substitution of a fixed input or output value when the BCM is unable to interpret data correctly.