GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 415872  Size: MF
Cell 44: Power and Ground
ABS Components
Antilock Brake System Schematic Icons

Circuit Description

This circuit is used to detect an open Stoplamp Switch in the non-ABS mode. The EBTCM looks for a deceleration rate that would indicate braking action and verifies this assumption by requiring several repeats of this detection method. In each case, TCS/Active Handling (if equipped with RPO JL4) will not be available since no Stoplamp Switch voltage is seen by the EBTCM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC C1291 is set after the stoplamp switch remains open for three deceleration cycles.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

ABS remains enabled, TCS/ Active Handling™ (if equipped with RPO JL4) are disabled.

    • Indicators that turn on:
        Car Icon (TCS indicator)
    • Messages displayed on the DIC:
        Service Traction System
        Service Active HNDLG (if equipped with RPO JL4)

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • Condition for DTC is no longer present and scan tool clear DTC function is used.
    • Fifty ignition cycles have passed with no DTCs detected.

Diagnostic Aids

    • It is very important that a thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors be performed. Failure to carefully and fully inspect wiring and connectors may result in misdiagnosis, causing part replacement with reappearance of the malfunction.
    • If any Wheel Speed Sensor DTCs are present you must diagnose them first.
    • An intermittent malfunction is most likely caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation, or a wire that is broken inside the insulation.
    • If an intermittent malfunction exists refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.
    • Possible causes:
       - Open stoplamp switch.
       - Open fuse.
       - Stoplamp switch misadjusted.
       - Erratic Wheel Speeds.
       - Circuit has a wiring problem, terminal corrosion, or poor connections.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Checks if Stoplamp Switch and power distribution are OK.

  2. Checks for voltage at EBTCM.

  3. Checks the Stoplamp Switch.

DTC C1291 Open Brake Lamp Switch During Deceleration

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Diagnostic System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2

Are any Wheel Speed Sensor DTC(s) present?

--

Go to Applicable DTC table. Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

Press the brake pedal.

Do the brake lights come on?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the EBTCM.
  3. Install J 39700 Universal Pinout Box using J 39700-25 adapter cable to the EBTCM harness connector only.
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, engine off.
  5. Using J 39200 DMM, measure the voltage at terminal 9 of J 39700 while an assistant presses the brake pedal.

Is the voltage within the range specified in the value(s) column?

Battery voltage

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the EBTCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

6

Repair open in CKT 20. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

7

Check the STOP/HAZ fuse in the Instrument Panel Electrical Center.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 12

8

  1. Disconnect the Stoplamp switch connector.
  2. Using the J 39200 DMM, measure the voltage at terminal A of the Stoplamp switch harness connector.

Is the voltage within the range specified in the value(s) column?

Battery voltage

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Repair CKT 140 for an open. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

10

Connect a fused jumper wire between terminals A and B of the Stoplamp switch harness connector.

Do the brake lamps come on?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

11

Adjust or repair the Stoplamp switch as necessary. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Adjustment in Hydraulic Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

12

  1. Replace the STOP/HAZ fuse. Do not press the brake pedal.
  2. Check the STOP/HAZ fuse.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

13

Repair short to ground in CKT 140. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--

14

  1. Press the brake pedal.
  2. Check the STOP/HAZ fuse.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

Go to Step 15

15

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the EBTCM.
  3. Replace the fuse.
  4. Press the brake pedal.
  5. Check the STOP/HAZ fuse.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 16

16

Repair CKT 20 for a short to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

--