GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    â€¢ Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    â€¢ Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    â€¢  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3445 00: Stop Lamp Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Stop Lamp Relay Switch B+

1

1

--

--

Stop Lamp Switch B+ Voltage Reference

B1395 03, B3600 03

1

1

--

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

1

1

1

--

Stop Lamp Relay Control

B3445 00

1

1

--

Tail/Stop Lamp Control - Left

1

1

1

--

Tail/Stop Lamp Control - Right

1

1

1

--

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Ground

--

2

--

--

Tail/Stop Lamp Ground - Left

--

1

--

--

Tail/Stop Lamp Ground - Right

--

1

--

--

Stop Lamp Relay Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Stop Lamps Malfunction

2. Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The stop lamp switch is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a B+ reference voltage to the stop lamp switch. When the stop lamp switch contacts close indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to stop lamp relay control circuit and the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the BCM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage to the STOP LAMPS fuse to illuminate the left and right stop lamps.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    â€¢ Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.
    â€¢ Brakes APPLIED.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The DTC will set when the BCM detects a short to ground in the CHMSL control circuit when the stop lamps are being commanded ON.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM will not illuminate the CHMSL.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    â€¢ The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    â€¢ A history DTC will clear once 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

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

    â€¢  Circuit Testing
    â€¢  Connector Repairs
    â€¢  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    â€¢  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the CHMSL.
  2. Test for less than 5.0 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 control circuit terminal A and the ground circuit terminal B.
  5. Ignition ON, command the stop lamps ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. 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 CHMSL.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    â€¢  Tail Lamp Bulb Replacement
    â€¢  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming