FixVault
Home › Pontiac › 2001 › Aztek Base, FWD › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 1629 (Lighting System) › Diagnostic Information and Procedures › Stop Lamps Malfunction › Circuit/System Testing

Circuit/System Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Stop Lamps Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X4 harness connector at the BCM.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 4 and ground.
    • If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition OFF, connect the X4 harness connector at the BCM.
  4. Disconnect the stop lamp relay.
  5. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 86 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 87 and ground.
    • If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
  7. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
    • If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the relay control circuit terminal 87 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the stop lamp relay.
  8. Disconnect the harness connector at the inoperative stop lamp.
  9. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  10. Connect the harness connector at the inoperative stop lamp.
  11. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. Verify the stop lamps are activated.
    • If the stop lamps do not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the inoperative stop lamp.
  12. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 85 and the ground circuit terminal 86.
  13. 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.
    • 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.
  14. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the stop lamp relay.

Stop Lamp Switch Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the stop lamp switch.
  2. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the B+ voltage reference circuit terminal 1 and ground.
    • If less than the specified value, test the B+ voltage reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Stop Lamp Switch Status parameter displays 1 Count or less.
    • If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Connect a 3A fused jumper wire between the B+ voltage reference circuit terminal 1 and the signal circuit terminal 2. Verify the scan tool Stop Lamp Switch Status parameter is greater than 1000 Counts.
    • If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the stop lamp switch.

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) 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 2 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  4. 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.
    • 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.
  5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CHMSL.
About FixVault