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 B396E 02: Rear Liftgate Actuator Switch Circuit Short to Ground

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

When the power liftgate mode select switch is set to the Enable position, the power liftgate shall operate normally to the full height gate position. When the power liftgate mode select switch is set to the Garage Height position, the power liftgate shall operate normally to the garage height gate position. When the power liftgate mode select switch is set to the Disable position, the following power liftgate features shall be disabled:

    • Key fob actuated power liftgate - Open & Close
    • Power liftgate handle operation - when the power liftgate disable switch is in the Disable position and the handle is actuated, the latch shall release to allow for manual gate operation
    • Driver accessible power liftgate actuation - open & close
    • Shut face - Power operation

Conditions for Running the DTC

The system voltage is 9.5-16 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The liftgate control module detects a short to ground in the power liftgate shutface switch circuits.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The liftgate will default to manual operation.

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

Diagnostic Aids

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

  1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Door/Liftgate Locked Switch parameter while pressing and depressing the Liftgate Enable/Disable button on the mode/release select switch. The parameter should change from Inactive to Active.
  2. Observe the scan tool Liftgate Front Control Switch parameter while pressing and releasing the liftgate button on the interior liftgate control switch. The parameter should change from Inactive and Active.
  3. Close the liftgate by pressing the liftgate button switch. The liftgate should power close, cinch-in, and latch.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior.
  2. Test for less than 1 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K39 Liftgate Control Module.
  4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and ground circuit terminal 4. Verify the liftgate door starts to close.
  5. If not the specified result, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K39 Liftgate Control Module.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior.

Component Testing

Liftgate Close Switch Assembly

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 3 and the ground terminal 4 with the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior in the inactive position.
  3. If not the specified value, replace the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior.
  4. Test for less than 3 Ω between the signal terminal 3 and the ground terminal 4 with the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior in the active position.
  5. If greater than the specified range, replace the S45B Liftgate Control Switch - Interior.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Liftgate Release Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for liftgate control module replacement, setup, and programming