GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) controls the operation of the seat belt indicator. The seat belt indicator is located in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The BCM turns the seat belt indicator ON by sending voltage through the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit. The seat belt indicator receives ground through the seat belt indicator ground circuit.

The BCM turns the seat belt indicator ON for 55 seconds when the following conditions are met:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The driver unbuckles the seat belt.

If the driver seat belt is fastened during the 55 second period, the BCM turns the seat belt indicator OFF. If the driver's seat belt releases anytime during the same ignition cycle, the BCM turns the seat belt indicator ON again for 55 seconds.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition voltage is within the normal operating voltage range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a short to voltage or a short to ground in the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The following actions are taken when the DTC sets:

    • A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) sets.
    • The seat belt indicator does not turn on when the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit shorts to ground.
    • The seat belt indicator stays on at all times when the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit shorts to voltage.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A short to voltage or a short to ground in the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit is no longer present.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect for a short to voltage or a short to ground in the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit (CKT 529).
    • Inspect for an internal short to voltage or a short to ground within the IPC.

Test Description

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

  1. This step test the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage.

  2. This step test the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit for an open, high resistance, or short to ground.

  3. This step test the IPC ground circuit for an open or high resistance.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Was the BCM Diagnostic System Check performed?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

2

Important: Note the indicators on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while turning the ignition ON.

Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Do the seat belt warning indicator or IPC indicators come ON?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 8

3

  1. Cycle the ignition OFF then back ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Release (unfasten) the driver's seat belt if fasten.
  3. Observe the fasten seat belt indicator on the IPC.

Does the seat belt indicator come ON and stay ON continuously?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the body control module (BCM) connector C2. Refer to in Body Control System.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the seat belt indicator stay ON continuously?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the IPC connector C2. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the seat belt indicator stay ON continuously?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

Test the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

--

7

Test the seat belt indicator supply voltage circuit for an open, high resistance, or short to ground.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

--

8

Test the IPC ground circuit for an open or high resistance.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Reconnect all components.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK