GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Generic 🢒 2003 🢒 Unit Repair 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P1520

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) will detect a malfunction when the stoplamp switch is in the closed position, and the stop lamps are ON, the stop lamp switch should be open. The DTC P1520 is only supported on vehicles with an automatic transmission. If the stop lamp switch is closed, the PCM will not allow the TCC lock-up to occur. The PCM also uses the stop lamp switch input for fuel cut-off control.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The engine is running.
    • The vehicle speed is more than 30 km/h (19 mph).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The stop lamp switch always remains in the ON position.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 2 consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs with the fault active.
    • The PCM stores the conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The PCM turns OFF the MIL on the third consecutive trip cycle during which the diagnostic has been run and the fault condition is no longer present.
    • The DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a fault.
    • A DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Diagnostic Aids

An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the stop lamp switch electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and the components for any of the following conditions:

    • Any backed-out terminals
    • Any improper mating of terminals
    • Any broken electrical connector locks
    • Any improperly formed or damaged terminals
    • Any faulty terminal-to-wire connections
    • Any physical damage to the wiring harness
    • A broken wire inside the insulation
    • Any corrosion of the electrical connections, the splices, or the terminals

Repair any electrical circuit faults that were found. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

The information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining the vehicle operating conditions when the DTC first set.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

  1. The OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

    2.

  2. This step will determine if the fault is in the stop lamp switch.

    3.

  3. This step will determine whether there is a short to voltage in the stop lamp circuit between the PCM and the stoplamp switch.

    4.

  4. This step will determine whether there is a short to voltage within the PCM, or a short to voltage in the circuit between the PCM and the stop lamp switch.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform a Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls

2
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. The brake pedal released.
  3. Observe the stop lamps.

Do the stop lamps remain ON?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3

  1. Disconnect the electrical connector from the stop lamp switch .
  2. Observe the stop lamps.

Do the stop lamps remain ON?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Disconnect the PCM electrical connector.
  2. Ensure the stop lamp switch electrical connector is still disconnected.
  3. Measure the voltage at terminal 1 of the stop lamp switch connector.

Is the voltage more than the specified voltage?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

5
  1. Observe the TCC brake switch parameter, using a scan tool.
  2. The brake pedal released.

Does the scan tool indicate that the stop lamp switch is in the released position?

Go to Symptoms - Engine Controls in Engine Controls

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Disconnect the PCM electrical connector.
  2. Back out the brake signal circuit terminal.
  3. Reconnect the PCM electrical connector.
  4. Observe the TCC brake switch parameter, using a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate the stop lamp switch is in the released position?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

7
  1. Check for a misadjusted stop lamp switch.
  2. Adjust the stop lamp switch as necessary.

Was adjustment of the stop lamp necessary?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

8

Repair the short to voltage in the brake signal circuit between the stoplamp switch electrical connector and the PCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring System.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the stop lamp switch.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 11

--

11
  1. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function and road test the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions that set the DTC.
  2. Check for DTCs.
  3. Review the scan tool data and if no DTCs are stored the repair is complete.

Are any DTCs displayed on the scan tool?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK