GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Backup Lamps Always On Automatic Transmission

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. Listen for an audible click when the reverse relay operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Exterior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems

1

Did you perform the Lighting System Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
  3. Move the gear selector through the gear ranges.
  4. Observe the backup lamps.
  5. Place the gear selector in the PARK position.
  6. Release the brake pedal.

Did the backup lamps operate properly?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, command the Reverse Lamp Relay ON and OFF from the rear integration module (RIM) Output Control data list.

Does the reverse relay turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the reverse relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Do the backup lamps turn OFF?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the reverse relay control side supply voltage circuit and the reverse lamp relay control circuit.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, command the Reverse Lamp Relay ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Test the reverse lamp relay control circuit for a short ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

7

Test the backup lamp supply voltage circuit for a short to battery positive voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the reverse lamp relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the RIM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the reverse relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important:: After replacement perform the setup procedure for the RIM. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in Body Control System.

Replace the RIM. Refer to Rear Integration Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

12

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2

Backup Lamps Always On Manual Transmission

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

  1. Listen for an audible click when the reverse relay operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Exterior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems

1

Did you perform the Lighting System Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
  3. Move the gear selector through the gear ranges.
  4. Observe the backup lamps.
  5. Place the gear selector in the park position.
  6. Release the brake pedal.

Did the backup lamps operate properly?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, command the reverse lamp relay ON and OFF from the rear integration module (RIM) Output Control data list.

Does the reverse relay turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the reverse relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Do the backup lamps turn OFF?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the reverse relay control side supply voltage circuit and the reverse lamp relay control circuit.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, command the reverse lamp relay ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Test the reverse lamp relay control circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

Test the reverse switch signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

8

Test the backup lamp supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

9

Inspect for poor connections at the reverse lamp relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the RIM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the reverse relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

12

Important:: After replacement perform the setup procedure for the RIM.

Replace the RIM. Refer to Rear Integration Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

13

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2