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 C0277 03: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open

DTC C0277 07: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Voltage Above Threshold

DTC C0277 09: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Rate of Change Above Threshold

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

C0277 03

The DTC will set when the IPM detects an open or short to ground in the BPP sensor circuit for 0.5 second or greater.

C0277 07

The DTC will set when the IPM detects a short to battery voltage in the BPP sensor or low reference circuits for 0.5 second or greater.

C0277 09

The DTC will set when the IPM detects the BPP signal is changing faster than possible under normal operating conditions.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.
    • When DTC C0277 is set as current, the vehicle will not start.
    • If the DTC sets while the vehicle is running, the IPM will activate the brake lights when the vehicles transmission is not in the PARK position and the vehicle is not accelerating.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 50 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.
    • A DTC will not clear the current status until the next ignition cycle.

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.

C0277 09

If the DTC is set, replace the brake pedal position sensor. If the DTC resets, replace the IPM.

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

DTC C0277 03 or C0277 07

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the brake pedal position sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the low reference circuit terminal A.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal C and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPM.
  6. Verify the scan tool BPP Sensor parameter is less than 2 counts.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal C. Verify the scan tool BPP Sensor parameter is greater than 1000 counts.
  9. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPM.
  10. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the brake pedal position sensor.

C0277 09

Verify that DTC C0277 09 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
    •  Control Module References for IPM replacement, setup, and programming