GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 G6 🢒 Safety and Security 🢒 Supplemental Inflatable Restraints 🢒 DTC C0161

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 C0161 00: Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Switch Circuit

Circuit/System Description

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) monitors inputs when the vehicle is stopping that it sees the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pressure increases, and the vehicle is slowing down, or when the vehicle is accelerating, the brake pedal is not pressed and the brake pressure does not increase.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 9.6 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The EBCM detects for 144 seconds the brake pedal is applied and the brake pressure is not increasing when the vehicle is accelerating.
    • The EBCM detects for 5 seconds the brake pedal is not applied and the brake pressure increases when the vehicle is stopping.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • EBCM disables the traction control system (TCS) and stability control for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The traction control warning indicator and the stability control warning indicators turn ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present, and the vehicle is operated at speeds greater than 13 km/h (8 mph) for the self test to complete.
    • The EBCM will clear a history DTC when a malfunction is not detected in 100 consecutive ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The DTC C0161 can be set if the vehicle has been driven with the brake applied when driving.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

ABS 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 EBCM BPP parameter while applying and releasing the brake pedal. The reading should change between Applied and Released.
  2. Verify that DTC C0277 or C0278 is not set.
    3. ⇒ If either DTC are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle
  3. Replace the EBCM.

Repair Verification

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.