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 B153F 03: Liftgate Object Sensor Signal Circuit Voltage Below Treshold

DTC B153F 07: Liftgate Object Sensor Signal Circuit Voltage Above Threshold

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Liftgate Position Sensor 5 V Reference Voltage

B153E 08

2

2

--

Liftgate Disable Signal

1, 2

1

1

--

Liftgate Open Signal -- Exterior Switch

B396E 02

1

1

--

Liftgate Open Signal -- Shut Face Switch

B396E 02

1

1

--

Object Sensors Signal

B153F 02

B153F 05

B153F 05

B153F 03, B153F 07

Liftgate Open Signal -- Exterior Switch

B396E 02

1

1

--

Open/Close Switches Signal

B396D 02

1, 2

1, 2

--

Pawl Switch Signal

B153A 08

B153A 08

B153A 08

B153A 08

Position Sensor Signal 1

B153E 08

B153E 08

B153E 08

B153E 08

Position Sensor Signal 2

B153E 08

B153E 08

B153E 08

B153E 08

Ratchet Switch Signal

B153A 08

B153A 08

B153A 08

B153A 08

Sector Switch Signal

B153A 08

B153A 08

B153A 08

B153A 08

Liftgate Latch Cinch Control

B2495 02

B2495 04

B2495 01

--

Liftgate Latch Release Control

B2495 02

B2495 04

B2495 01

--

Liftgate Motor Close Control

B396A 02

B396A 04

B396A 01

--

Liftgate Motor Open Control

B396A 02

B396A 04

B396A 01

--

Liftgate Switches Low Reference

--

B153A 08

1

B153E 08

Position Sensor Low Reference

--

B0153E 08

2

--

Mode/Release Switch Ground

--

1

1

--

Liftgate Control Module Ground

--

U0230 00

2

--

1. Liftgate Switch Malfunction

2. Liftgate Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The liftgate object sensor uses two tape switches embedded in the liftgate opening weatherstrip to detect any foreign objects in the path of the liftgate. When pressure is applied to the weatherstrip, the tape switch is closed signaling the liftgate control module that an object is in the path of the liftgate. The liftgate control module will reverse the direction of the liftgate motor should this occur.

The 2 tape switches are placed in series between the liftgate object sensor signal circuit and the liftgate object low reference circuit. Each object sensor has a resistor as well as a switch. The resistors enable the liftgate control module to perform diagnostic functions on the circuits. When both switches are open, voltage supplied by the liftgate control module passes through the resistors and supplies the liftgate control module with a reference voltage. If an object is in the path of the moving liftgate, the affected switch may close. The closing of the switch would bypass the resistor and change the reference voltage seen by the liftgate control module, indicating that one of the switches is closed and an object has been detected.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The system voltage is 9.5-16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B153F 03

When the liftgate control module detects less than 3.3 V in the liftgate tape switch signal circuit.

B153F 07

When the liftgate control module detects greater than 5.5 V in the liftgate tape switch signal circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The power liftgate will be inoperative until the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present. If the liftgate is in motion prior to the DTC setting, the liftgate will close and immediately re-open.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will be current for as long as the fault is present.
    • When the fault is no longer present, the DTC will be a history DTC.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 ignition cycles.

Note: Before testing can be performed the liftgate must be opened. Refer to Opening the Liftgate Without Electrical Power for the appropriate procedure.

Whenever the liftgate control module loses power or is disconnected, the ignition must be cycled OFF then ON in order to reactivate the liftgate control module.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Liftgate Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Rear Hatch/Gate 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 Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Object Sensor Supply Voltage parameter while pressing and releasing the left and right liftgate object sensors. The parameter should change between Inactive and Active.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the K39 Liftgate Control Module.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal M and ground.
  3. If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.
  4. Test for 15 k -25 kΩ between the signal circuit terminal M and the low reference circuit terminal L.
  5. If not within the specified range, test the signal circuit between the B71L Liftgate Object Sensor - Left and B71R Liftgate Object Sensor - Right and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the B71L Liftgate Object Sensor - Left or B71R Liftgate Object Sensor - Right.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the K39 Liftgate Control Module.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B71R Liftgate Object Sensor - Right.
  2. Test for 10 kΩ between the signal terminal A and the low reference terminal B.
  3. If not within the specified value, replace the B71R Liftgate Object Sensor - Right.
  4. Disconnect the harness connector at the B71L Liftgate Object Sensor - Left.
  5. Test for 10 kΩ between the signal terminal A and the low reference terminal B.
  6. If not within the specified value, replace the B71L Liftgate Object Sensor - Left.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    • Liftgate Object Sensor
    •  Control Module References for liftgate control module replacement, setup and programming