GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC C0161 00: Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Switch/Sensor Circuit not Plausible.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends a serial data message to the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and other electronic control modules. The BPP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph) and then slow down to less than 3 Km/h (2 mph) 4 times and the brake pedal signal does not show any change in state.
    • The vehicles speed is greater than 20 Km/h (12 mph) and the brake pedal signal indicates an active state for continuously more than 6 minutes.
    • The brake light switch signal coming from the module sends invalid data to the EBCM in terms of the rolling count value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The ABS/TCS remains functional.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The DTC  C0161 00 can be set if the vehicle has been driven with the brake applied during acceleration.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Antilock Brake System Connector End Views

Description and Operation Reference

ABS Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List for EBCM

Circuit/System Verification

With the ignition ON, use a scan tool to display DTCs for the BCM.

If DTC C0277 or C0890 and C0297 are present, go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle .
If no DTCs are present, go to Diagnostic Aids.

Repair Verification

Diagnostic Repair Verification