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 B1015: Vehicle Information Number (VIN) Information Error

Circuit/System Description

After a loss of battery power has been restored the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) will perform a check on the stored vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN is CORRECT, the RCDLR will run the VIN Timer for a programmable length of time, typically 10 minutes. The RCDLR will send a message via the serial data circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the SECURITY indicator. After the VIN Timer has timed out, the security indicator will turn OFF. If the VIN is INCORRECT, the RCDLR will send the fuel disable password to the engine control module (ECM) via the serial data circuit. The immobilizer system considers this to be a tamper and will not allow the vehicle to start. The RCDLR will send a message via the serial data circuit to the IPC to flash the SECURITY indicator.

Substitution detection is based on correct response from the following modules:

    • IPC
    • Rear integration module (RIM)
    • Driver door module (DDM)
    • Front passenger door module (FPDM)
    • Left rear door module (LRDM)
    • Right rear door module (RRDM)
    • Driver position module (DPM)

The modules compare their VIN to that stored in the VIN master on every ignition ON cycle and report their status to the RCDLR. The RCDLR will only check the modules status to see the 5 correct matches when a battery reconnect has been recognized within the theft deterrent module.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The VIN check flag of the RCDLR is True.
    • The RCDLR has determined that the battery has been reconnected after a battery disconnect.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The vehicle will not start.
    • The RCDLR sends the fuel disable message via the serial data circuit to the ECM.
    • The RCDLR will run the VIN Timer for a programmable length of time, typically 10 minutes.
    • The RCDLR sends a message to the IPC to illuminate the SECURITY indicator.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The RCDLR clears the current DTC when the correct VIN information is present.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Immobilizer Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Immobilizer 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

  1. With a scan tool, verify the stored VIN in the IPM matches the actual vehicle VIN.
  2. If VIN does not match, perform the BCM Programming/RPO Configuration procedure. If the IPM VIN does not match the actual VIN after programming or the programming procedure can not be performed, replace the IPM.
  3. With a scan tool, verify the stored VIN in the following modules matches the actual vehicle VIN:
  4. • RIM
    • DDM
    • FPDM
    • LRDM
    • RRDM
    • DPM
    If any modules stored VIN does not match the actual VIN, perform the setup procedure for that module. If the stored VIN does not match after setup, replace the module.
  5. If all modules stored VIN match the actual VIN, replace the RCDLR.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for RCDLR, IPC, RIM, DDM, FPDM, LRDM, RRDM, or DPM replacement, setup, and programming