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 Descriptors

DTC B153E 02: Liftgate Position Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B153E 05: Liftgate Position Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit Short to Battery or Open

DTC B153E 08: Liftgate Position Sensor Signal Circuit Signal Invalid

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Latch Pawl Switch Signal

B153A 08

B153A 08

1

--

Latch Ratchet Switch Signal

B153A 08

B153A 08

1

--

Latch Sector Switch Signal

B153A 08

B153A 08

1

--

Liftgate Ajar Switch Signal

B396F 06

B396F 06

B396F 0B

--

Liftgate Latch Motor Close Control

B2495 02

B2495 04

B2495 01

--

Liftgate Latch Motor Open Control

B2495 02

B2495 04

B2495 01

--

Liftgate Motor Close Control

B396A 02

B396A 04

B396A 01

--

Liftgate Motor Disengage Control

B396B 02

B396B 04

B396B 01

--

Liftgate Motor Engage Control

B396B 02

B396B 04

B396B 01

--

Liftgate Motor Open Control

B396A 02

B396A 04

B396A 01

--

Liftgate Position Sensor Reference Voltage

B153E 02

B153E 05

B153E 05

--

Liftgate Position Sensor Signal 1

B153E 08

B153E 08

B153E 08

--

Liftgate Position Sensor Signal 2

B153E 08

B153E 08

B153E 08

--

Liftgate Tape Switch Signal

B153F 02

B153F 05

B153F 05

--

Liftgate Full Open Switch Signal

B153B 02

B153B 05

B153B 05

--

Open/Close Switch Signal

B2494 02

1

1

--

Liftgate Full Open Switch Low Reference

--

B153A 08

--

--

Liftgate Handle Switch Low Reference

--

1

--

--

Liftgate Position Sensor Low Reference

--

1

--

--

Liftgate Tape Switch Low Reference

--

B153F 05

--

--

1. Power Liftgate Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The power liftgate module (LGM) uses an optical sensor to monitor the liftgate position at all times. The optical sensor requires a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit from the LGM. There are 2 liftgate position sensor signal circuits from the liftgate module to the optical sensor. The optical sensor sends pulses through both signal circuits to the LGM whenever the liftgate is in motion. The optical sensor pulses allow the LGM to calculate the liftgate position at all times. The optical sensor signal circuits switch from 0.01-0.45 volt as the liftgate is moving. For more detailed information concerning power liftgate operation refer to Liftgate Description and Operation .

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • DTC B153E 02 will set when the LGM detects a short to ground in the liftgate motor assembly position sensor 5-volt reference circuit.
    • DTC B153E 05 will set when the LGM detects a short to voltage or an open/high resistance in the liftgate motor assembly position sensor 5-volt reference circuit.
    • DTC B153E 08 will set when the LGM does not detect optical sensor pulses when the liftgate is in motion.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The power liftgate system will be disabled.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • You issue a scan tool CLEAR DTCs command.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Whenever the LGM is disconnected or loses power, the ignition must be cycled OFF then ON.
    • Inspect the optical sensor for proper and secure installation in relation to the liftgate motor.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Liftgate Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Vehicle Access Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the C3 harness connector at the LGM.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 8 and ground.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the LGM.
  4. Test for continuity between the voltage reference terminal 8 and low reference terminal 11.
  5. If continuity is not found, test the voltage reference circuit terminal 8 and low reference circuit terminal 11 for an open/high resistance. If all circuits test normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
  6. Test for continuity between the voltage reference circuit terminal 8 and ground.
  7. If continuity is found, test the voltage reference circuit terminal 8 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
  8. Test for continuity between the voltage reference circuit terminal 8 and position sensor signal 1 terminal 9.
  9. If continuity is not found, test the position sensor signal 1 circuit terminal 9 for an open/high resistance. If all circuits test normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
  10. Test for continuity between the position sensor signal 1 circuit terminal 9 and ground.
  11. If continuity is found, test the position sensor signal 1 circuit terminal 9 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
  12. Test for continuity between the voltage reference circuit terminal 8 and position sensor signal 2 circuit terminal 10.
  13. If continuity is not found, test the position sensor signal 2 circuit terminal 10 for an open/high resistance. If all circuits test normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
  14. Test for continuity between the position sensor signal 2 circuit terminal 10 and ground.
  15. If continuity is found, test the position sensor signal 2 circuit terminal 10 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the liftgate motor assembly.
  16. If all circuits test normal, replace the LGM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Liftgate Close Actuator Motor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for LGM replacement, setup, and programming