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 B3618: Exterior Trunk Release Switch Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Trunk Key Switch Signal

1

1

1

--

Trunk Release Control Signal

1

1

B3265

--

Trunk Release Switch Signal -- Exterior

B3618

1

1

--

Trunk Release Switch Signal -- Interior

1

1

1

--

Rear Compartment Lid Pull Down Actuator Signal

B1297

B1297

B1297

--

Rear Compartment Lid Pull Down Actuator B+

1

1

1

--

Rear Compartment Lid Release Close Switch B+

1

1

B3641

--

Trunk Release Switch Supply Voltage

1

1

1

--

Rear Compartment Lid Pull Down Actuator Ground

1

1

1

--

Rear Compartment Lid Release Switch Exterior Ground

1

1

1

--

Rear Compartment Lid Release Switch Interior Ground

1

1

1

--

Rear Compartment Lid Release Close Switch Ground

1

1

1

--

1. Trunk Release Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

The exterior trunk release switch is located just under the lip of the deck lid in the license plate pocket area. As a vehicle with locked doors is approached with a key fob and the exterior trunk release switch is pressed, the keyless entry antenna transmitter broadcasts a challenge approximately in a 1-meter range to the key fob. If the response from the key fob via radio frequency (RF) is a valid response, the locked door will be passively unlocked/unlatched allowing the trunk to be opened. For more detailed information concerning trunk release operation refer to Luggage Compartment Description and Operation .

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR) will set DTC B3618 when the exterior trunk release switch circuit is shorted to ground for more than 3 minutes.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

Stores DTC B3618 in RCDLR memory.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • You issue a scan tool CLEAR DTCs command.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Release Systems Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Vehicle Access Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the exterior rear compartment lid release switch harness connector at the exterior rear compartment lid release switch.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal C and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Exterior Rear Compartment Lid Release Switch parameter is Inactive.
  5. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the RCDLR.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the exterior rear compartment lid release switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Rear Compartment Lid Latch Replacement
    •  Rear Compartment Lid Pulldown Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for RCDLR replacement, setup, and programming