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.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Brake Position Sensor 5-Volt Reference

C0870 03

C0870 03

C0870 07

--

Brake Position Sensor Signal

C0277 06

C0277 06

C0277 07

C0277 09

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

B3903 02, P0572

B3903 05, P0573

B3903 05, P0573

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Control

1

1

1

--

Brake Position Sensor Low Reference

--

C0277 06

C0277 07

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

2

--

--

Left Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

Right Rear Stop/Turn Lamp Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Stop Lamps Malfunction

2. High Mounted Stop Lamp Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to the stop lamps, center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), and engine control module (ECM). The stop lamps will not operate unless the ignition is in the ON position. Ground for the left rear stop lamps is provided at G400. Ground for the right rear stop lamps is provided by G402.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Exterior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems 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 Testing

Stop Lamps Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect harness connector at the inoperative stop lamp.
  2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit and ground.
  5. Command the inoperative Stop Lamp On and Off with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, replace the inoperative stop lamp.

High Mounted Stop Lamp Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the CHMSL.
  2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. Ignition ON, command the CHMSL ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF as the brake pedal is applied and released.
  6. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, replace the CHMSL.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  High Mount Stop Lamp Replacement
    •  Tail Lamp Replacement
    •  Tail Lamp Bulb Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming