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 P0572 : Brake Switch Circuit 1 Low Voltage

DTC P0573: Brake Switch Circuit 1 High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

P0572

P0572

P0573

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Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver 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. 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. Ground for the left stop lamp and CHMSL is provided at G402 and the right stop lamp is grounded at G401.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • Battery voltage is greater than 11.5 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0572

The ECM detects a low voltage signal on the stop lamp switch signal circuit when the serial data message from the BCM indicates the brakes are applied.

P0573

The ECM detects a high voltage signal on the stop lamp switch signal circuit when the serial data message from the BCM indicates the brakes are not applied.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The cruise control system is disabled.

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.

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

With a scan tool, command the stop lamps ON and OFF. The stop lamps should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

If the stop lamps do not illuminate when commanded, refer to Stop Lamps Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connectors at the appropriate control modules listed below.
  2. • ECM X1 - with LH2/LC3
    • ECM X2 - with LLT
    • TCM
  3. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate signal circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  4. • ECM terminal 7 - with LH2/LC3
    • ECM terminal 52 - with LLT
    • TCM terminal 8
  5. Ignition ON, verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when pressing and releasing the brake pedal.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the stop lamp relay.
    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 stop lamp relay.
  7. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the TCM.
  8. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate signal circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  9. • ECM terminal 7 - with LH2/LC3
    • ECM terminal 52 - with LLT
  10. Ignition ON, verify the test lamp turns ON and OFF when pressing and releasing the brake pedal.
  11. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TCM.
    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 TCM.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM ot TCM replacement, setup, and programming