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 C0870 03: Device Voltage Reference Output 1 Circuit Voltage Below Threshold

DTC C0870 07: Device Voltage Reference Output 1 Circuit Voltage Above Threshold

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Brake Pedal Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0277 06, C0870 03

C0277 06

1

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Relay B+

2

2

--

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Signal

C0277 06

C0277 06

C0277 07

C0277 09

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Relay Control

B3903 02

B3903 05

B3903 05

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Control

2

2

2

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277 07

1

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

2

1

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1

1

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Relay Ground

--

2

--

--

1. Stop Lamps Malfunction

2. Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply voltage to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) relay coil. When the CHMSL relay receives voltage from the BCM, the relay coil is energized and the CHMSL relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage to the CHMSL, transmission control module (TCM), and engine control module (ECM).

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

C0870 03

This DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to ground in the brake pedal position sensor voltage reference circuit for 0.5 seconds or greater.

C0870 07

This DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to battery voltage in the brake pedal position sensor voltage reference circuits for 0.5 seconds or greater.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.
    • If the DTC sets while the vehicle is running, the BCM 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.

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

  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. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  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 BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or 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 BCM replacement, setup, and programming