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 C0278 00: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Not Calibrated

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Stop Lamp Relay B+

1

1

--

--

Brake Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0870 03

C0870 03

C0870 07

--

Brake Position Sensor Signal

C0277 03

C0277 03

C0277 07

C0277 09

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

P0572

P0573

P0573

--

Stop Lamp Relay Control

1

1

1

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Brake Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277 03

C0277 07

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

1

1

--

Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1

1

--

1. Stop Lamps Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver's application of the brake pedal. The BPP sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The instrument panel module (IPM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the BPP sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the IPM will apply battery voltage to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and stop lamp relay coil. When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the IPM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage through the stop lamps fuse to illuminate the stop lamps.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C0278 00 will set when the BPP sensor home position is not learned.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.
    • When DTC C0278 is set as current, the vehicle will not start.
    • Stop lamps may not activate at the expected brake pedal positions.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A successful BBP sensor calibration has been performed.
    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 50 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.

If DTC C0278 00 is set, recalibrate the BPP sensor.

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

Verify that DTC C0278 00 is not set.

If the DTC is set, perform the brake pedal position sensor recalibration procedure. If the DTC resets, replace the brake pedal position sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration
    •  Brake Pedal Position Sensor Replacement