GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

  1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
  2. Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
  3. Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3883 01: License Plate Lamp Circuit Short to Battery

DTC B3883 02: License Plate Lamp Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B3883 04: License Plate Lamp Circuit Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

License Plate Lamp

B3883 02

B3883 04

B3883 01

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Circuit/System Description

The headlamp switch is supplied with ground at all times. When the headlamp switch is placed in either the park or low beam position, ground is applied to the license plate lamp signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM responds by applying battery voltage to the license plate lamp control circuit. This energizes the left and right license lamp.

Conditions for Running the DTC

B3883 01

    • The ignition is turned OFF.
    • Headlamp switch in OFF or AUTO position.

B3883 02 or B3883 04

Headlamp switch in park or low beam position

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B3883 01

The BCM detects a short to voltage on the control circuit.

B3883 02

The BCM detects a short to ground on the control circuit.

B3883 04

The BCM detects an open control circuit.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.

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 Verification

Ignition ON, perform the License Plate Lamps Command test. The license plate lamps should be ON / OFF.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate harness connector at the license plate lamps listed below:
  2. • E7L License Lamp - Left
    • E7R License Lamp - Right
  3. Test for less than 5 Ω between the appropriate license plate lamp ground circuit harness connector terminal 2 and ground.
  4. If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit for an open / high resistance.
  5. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate control circuit harness connector terminal 1 and ground.
  6. Command the License Plate Lamp test with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  7. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module (BCM).
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open / high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module (BCM).
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate license plate lamp.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Rear License Lamp Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup and programming