GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using the 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 B0540: Speedometer Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Vehicle Speed Signal Circuit

B0540

B0540

B0540

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Circuit Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the vehicle speed information from the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) through the vehicle speed signal circuit. The ECM/PCM converts the data from the vehicle speed sensor to a 4000 pulses/mile signal. The ECM/PCM also sends a class 2 message to the IPC indicating the vehicle speed. If the IPC determines there is a loss of the vehicle speed signal from the ECM/PCM due to a vehicle speed signal circuit malfunction, a DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h (6 mph).
    • The ignition voltage is between 9-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The IPC detects that the vehicle speed signal circuit does not match the vehicle speed from the class 2 serial data circuit.
    • The condition above must be present for a minimum of 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The IPC stores a DTC B0540 in memory.
    • The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 mph).
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The history DTC clears after 100 malfunction-free warm-up cycles.
    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The IPC receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 4.2L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 5.3L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 6.0L engine

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 5.3L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 6.0L engine

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECM/PCM. Install a signal generator and instrument panel tester between the vehicle speed signal circuit and ground.
  2. Ignition ON, set the signal generator to generate a speedometer signal. Verify that the vehicle speedometer indicates a reading.
  3. If no speedometer reading is present, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance, a short to voltage, or a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ECM/PCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for the ECM/PCM and IPC replacement, setup, and programming