C0161
DTC C0161
Circuit Description
The stop lamp switch is a normally open switch, when the brake pedal is depressed the electronic brake control module (EBCM) will sense battery voltage. This allows the EBCM to determine the state of the brake lamps. The EBCM sources 5 volts on the stop lamp switch signal circuit when the stop lamp switch is inactive. The voltage is supplied a ground path through the stop lamp bulbs.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC C0161 ABC/TCS Brake Switch Circuit Malfunction
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition switch is ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
* EBCM detects open in the brake signal circuit.
* Both brake lamps are faulty.
* The stop lamp switch input voltage is between 6.6 and 9 volts for 0.5 second.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
If equipped, the following actions occur:
* A malfunction DTC will set.
* The EBCM stores this information-only DTC for as long as the condition is present.
* The ABS remains functional.
* The ABS indicator remains OFF.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* The condition for the DTC is no longer present and you used the scan tool Clear DTC function.
* The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
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.
* Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that may be causing the complaint for the following conditions:
^ Backed out terminals
^ Improper mating
^ Broken locks
^ Improperly formed or damaged terminals
^ Poor terminal-to-wiring connections
^ Physical damage to the wiring harness
* Possible causes of this DTC are the following conditions:
^ A signal circuit of the stop lamp switch is open
^ The stop lamp switch is misadjusted
^ Verify proper stop lamp switch operation using the data list of the scan tool. As the brake is applied, the data list displays the stop lamp switch ON within 2.54 cm (1 in) of travel
^ All brake lamps are open
^ All brake lamp grounds are open
^ Circuit has a wiring problem, terminal corrosion, or poor connections
^ Loose or corroded EBCM ground
* If an intermittent malfunction exists Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections. Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
3. This DTC detects an open stop lamp switch signal circuit from the stop lamp side of the splice pack to the EBCM.
4. The EBCM sources 5 volts on the stop lamp switch signal circuit. This small voltage has a ground path through the stop lamp bulbs. This DTC sets if the path to ground is open.
