GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC C0281 or C081 Brake Switch Circuit 310 ABS

Circuit Description

The stoplamp switch is closed when the brake is released. Ignition voltage is supplied through the closed stoplamp switch to the EBCM. When the brake is applied, the switch is open and the signal to the EBCM is low.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle experiences an ABS event involving all 3 brake circuits.

OR:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 56 km/h (35 mph) when the IPC completes the ABS bulb check.
    • The vehicle reaches a speed of greater than 56 km/h (35 mph) after the above criteria are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Either of the following conditions will set DTC C0281:

    • The EBCM detects that the brake is released during an ABS event involving all 3 brake circuits.
    • The EBCM detects that the brake is applied for the entire time that the ignition is ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Repair the condition(s) responsible for setting the DTC.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Thoroughly inspect connections or circuitry that may cause an intermittent malfunction. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Connector Repairs and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This step tests for a shorted stoplamp switch.

  2. This step tests for an open stoplamp switch.

  3. If the system is functioning properly, the scan tool displays On when the brake is applied and Off when the brake is released.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

Use a scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display Off?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Apply the brake.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display On?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Use the scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display On?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  3. Connect a fused jumper wire between terminals C and D of the stoplamp switch harness connector.
  4. Turn the ignition ON.
  5. Use the scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display Off?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the TCC brake switch signal circuit for an open or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Test the TCC brake switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the stoplamp switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Important: Perform the Tire Size Calibration procedure.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTC.
  2. Observe the Brake Switch Status displayed on the scan tool while applying and releasing the brake.

Does the system function normally?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2

DTC C0281 or C081 Brake Switch Circuit 325 ABS

Circuit Description

The stoplamp switch is closed when the brake is released. Ignition voltage is supplied through the closed stoplamp switch to the EBCM. When the brake is applied, the switch is open and the signal to the EBCM is low.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle experiences an ABS event involving all 3 brake circuits.

OR:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 56 km/h (35 mph) when the IPC completes the ABS bulb check.
    • The vehicle reaches a speed of greater than 56 km/h (35 mph) after the above criteria are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Either of the following conditions will set DTC C0281:

    • The EBCM detects that the brake is released during an ABS event involving all 3 brake circuits.
    • The EBCM detects that the brake is applied for the entire time that the ignition is ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Repair the condition(s) responsible for setting the DTC.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Thoroughly inspect connections or circuitry that may cause an intermittent malfunction. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , Connector Repairs and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This step tests for a shorted stoplamp switch.

  2. This step tests for an open stoplamp switch.

  3. If the system is functioning properly, the scan tool displays On when the brake is applied and Off when the brake is released.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Antilock Brake System Schematics

1

Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check

2

Use a scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display Off?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Apply the brake.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display On?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Use the scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display On?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  3. Connect a fused jumper wire between terminals C and D of the stoplamp switch harness connector.
  4. Turn the ignition ON.
  5. Use the scan tool in order to observe the Brake Switch Status.

Does the scan tool display Off?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the TCC brake switch signal circuit for an open or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Test the TCC brake switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the stoplamp switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Important: Perform the Tire Size Calibration procedure.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the stoplamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTC.
  2. Observe the Brake Switch Status displayed on the scan tool while applying and releasing the brake.

Does the system function normally?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2