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 C0297 00: Brake Applied Output Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Body Control Module (BCM) 5 Fuse B+

1, 2

1, 2

--

--

Body Control Module (BCM) 6 Fuse B+

1, 2

1, 2

--

--

Stop Lamp Relay Switch B+ - European

2

2

--

--

Brake Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0277 06, C0890 03

C0277 06, C0890 03

1, 2

--

Brake Position Sensor Signal

C0277 06, 07

C0277 06

C0277 07

C0277 09

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Control

B3445 00

2

2

--

Stop Lamp Relay Control - European

B3445 00

2

2

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1, 2

1, 2

1, 2

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1, 2

1, 2

1, 2

--

Brake Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277 06

1, 2

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

1, 2

1, 2

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1, 2

1, 2

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1, 2

1, 2

--

Stop Lamp Relay Ground - European

--

2

2

--

1. Stop Lamps Malfunction - North America

2. Stop Lamps Malfunction - European

Circuit/System Description

North America

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 5-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 right and left stop lamp control circuits, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) control circuit.

European

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 5-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 stop lamp relay coil side control circuit, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the BCM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage from the STOP LAMPS fuse to illuminate the rear stop lamps and trailer stop lamps.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C0297 00 will set when the BCM detects a short to ground or a short to voltage in the stop lamp switch signal circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The BCM stores the DTC to memory.
    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 40 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.

Verify that the brake pedal position sensor is properly calibrated.

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 ECM.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the stop lamp switch signal circuit and ground.
  3. Ignition ON, command the Stop Lamps ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  4. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  5. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the stop lamp switch signal circuit and the connector terminal at the ECM.
  6. Ignition ON, command the Stop Lamps ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  7. If the test lamps does not operate as described, replace the ECM.
  8. Ignition OFF, reconnect the ECM harness connector.
  9. Disconnect the harness connector at the TCM.
  10. Connect a test lamp between the stop lamp switch signal circuit and ground.
  11. Ignition ON, command the Stop Lamps ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  12. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  13. If all circuits test normal, replace the TCM.

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, ECM, or TCM replacement, setup, and programming