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 C0297 00: Brake Applied Output Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Body Control Module (BCM) B+ Terminal 1 X4

1

1

--

--

Body Control Module (BCM) B+ Terminal 3 X4

2

2

--

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0277 06, C0890 03

C0277 06

C0277 06

--

Brake Applied Signal

C0297 00

4

4

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Signal

C0277 06

C0277 06

C0277 07

C0277 09, C0277 4B

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Control

B3445 00, B3884 00

3

3

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

2

2

2

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277 06

1

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

3

--

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

2

--

--

1. Stop Lamps Malfunction - Left

2. Stop Lamps Malfunction - Right

3. Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Malfunction

4. Cruise Control 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 battery ltage to the stop lamps, center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), and engine control module (ECM).

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.
    • Brakes APPLIED.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a short to ground in the brake applied signal circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The BCM stores the DTC to memory.
    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.

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.

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 X1 harness connector at the ECM.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate signal circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  3. • Brake applied signal terminal 7 - with LS4
    • Brake applied signal terminal 9 - with LZE, LZ4, or LZ8
  4. Ignition ON, command the stop lamps ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  5. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the appropriate signal circuit terminal listed below at the ECM harness connector and the connector terminal at the ECM.
  7. • Brake applied signal terminal 7 - with LS4
    • Brake applied signal terminal 9 - with LZE, LZ4, or LZ8
  8. Ignition ON, command the stop lamps ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  9. If the test lamp does not turn ON and OFF when commanded, replace the ECM.
  10. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the ECM.
  11. Disconnect the harness connector at the TCM.
  12. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal 42 and ground.
  13. Ignition ON, command the stop lamps ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  14. If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
  15. If all circuits test normal, replace the TCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BCM, ECM or TCM replacement, setup and programming