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 B3903 02: Stop Lamp Relay Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B3903 05: Stop Lamp Relay Circuit Short to Battery or Open

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Signal

C0277 06

C0277 06

C0277 07

C0277 09

Brake Pedal Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0277 06, C0870 03

C0277 06

1

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Control

B3903 02

B3903 05

B3903 05

--

Brake Lamp Diagnostic Resistor

B3903 02

B3903 05

B3903 05

--

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277 07

1

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Supply Voltage

1

1

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Supply Voltage

1

1

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

--

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 battery positive voltage to the stop lamps, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL).

Conditions for Running the DTC

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

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B3903 02

The DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to ground in the CHMSL control circuit.

B3903 05

The DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to voltage or an open/high resistance in the CHMSL control circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Service Vehicle Soon indicator is commanded ON.
    • The BCM disables the CHMSL control circuit.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: The stop lamps will not illuminate unless the ignition is in the ON position. For more detailed information concerning stop lamp operation, refer to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation .

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 CHMSL.
  2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. Ignition ON, command the stop lamps ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF as the brake pedal is applied and released.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, replace the CHMSL.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming