Pinpoint Test M: The Brake Warning Indicator is Never On
Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes
Pinpoint Test M: The Brake Warning Indicator is Never On
Normal Operation
The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) uses 3 basic messaged inputs to control the brake warning indicator. The first 2 are the parking brake warning indicator switch and brake fluid level switch. The third is for the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), controlled by the ABS module. The parking brake warning indicator switch and the brake fluid level switch status are sent from the Smart Junction Box (SJB) over the Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN) communication bus. The EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) message is sent from the ABS module over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN) communication bus lines. The parking brake warning indicator switch is hardwired to the SJB (Smart Junction Box) through an input circuit. The brake fluid level switch is hardwired to the SJB (Smart Junction Box) through independent signal and return circuits.
The SJB (Smart Junction Box) provides a reference voltage to both the parking brake warning indicator switch and the brake fluid level switch. When the parking brake is applied, the parking brake warning indicator switch closes to ground, providing a ground to the SJB (Smart Junction Box) and pulling the input circuit low. When a low brake fluid level condition exists, the low brake fluid level switch closes to ground, pulling the input circuit low. The SJB (Smart Junction Box) monitors the parking brake and the brake fluid level inputs sending the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) a message to turn the brake warning indicator on when the parking brake is applied, when the brake fluid level is low or if the SJB (Smart Junction Box) detects an open in the brake fluid level signal or return circuits. When the ABS module detects a base brake system concern or other ABS-related concerns that affect the EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) function, the ABS module sends a message to the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) to illuminate both the ABS warning indicator and the brake warning indicator.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Parking brake warning indicator switch
- Brake fluid level switch (part of the master cylinder)
- SJB (Smart Junction Box)
- IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
PINPOINT TEST M : THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR IS NEVER ON
NOTICE: Use the correct probe adapter(s) when making measurements. Failure to use the correct probe adapter(s) may damage the connector.
NOTE: Failure to disconnect the battery when instructed will result in false resistance readings.
M1 DETERMINE IF THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR OPERATES WITH THE PARKING BRAKE
- Ignition ON.
- Apply the parking brake while monitoring the brake warning indicator.
Does the brake warning indicator illuminate with the parking brake applied?
Yes
GO to M7.
No
GO to M2.
M2 CARRY OUT THE IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) INDICATOR LAMP CONTROL ACTIVE COMMAND USING THE SCAN TOOL
- Ignition ON.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) DataLogger.
- Select the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) brake warning indicator (PBA_LMP) active command. Command the brake warning indicator on while observing the brake warning indicator.
Does the brake warning indicator illuminate when commanded on?
Yes
GO to M3.
No
INSTALL a new IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster). REFER to Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) . TEST the system for normal operation.
M3 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR SWITCH PID
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: SJB (Smart Junction Box) DataLogger.
- Select the SJB (Smart Junction Box) parking brake PID (PRK_BRAKE). Monitor the parking brake PID while applying the parking brake.
Does the PID agree with the parking brake position?
Yes
GO to M11.
No
GO to M4.
M4 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR SWITCH
- Disconnect: Parking Brake Warning Indicator Switch C2015.
- Connect a fused jumper wire between the parking brake warning indicator switch C2015-1, circuit CMC25 (WH/VT), harness side and the parking brake warning indicator switch C2015-2, circuit GD133 (BK), harness side.
Does the brake warning indicator illuminate?
Yes
REMOVE the jumper wire. INSTALL a new parking brake warning indicator switch. TEST the system for normal operation.
No
REMOVE the jumper wire. GO to M5.
M5 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Negative Battery Cable.
- Measure the resistance between the parking brake warning indicator switch C2015-2, circuit GD133 (BK), harness side and ground.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to M6.
No
REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
M6 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE INPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Disconnect: SJB (Smart Junction Box) C2280C.
- Measure the resistance between the SJB (Smart Junction Box) C2280C-1, circuit CMC25 (WH/VT), harness side and the parking brake warning indicator switch C2015-1, circuit CMC25 (WH/VT), harness side and ground.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to M11.
No
REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
M7 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH OPERATION
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Brake Fluid Level Switch C124.
- Ignition ON.
Does the brake warning indicator illuminate?
Yes
GO to M9.
No
GO to M8.
M8 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL INPUT AND RETURN CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TOGETHER
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: SJB (Smart Junction Box) C2280F.
- Measure the resistance between the brake fluid level switch C124-2, circuit RMC19 (YE/GY), harness side and the brake fluid level switch C124-3, circuit CMC19 (GY/VT), harness side.
Is the resistance greater than 10,000 ohms?
Yes
GO to M11.
No
REPAIR the circuits. TEST the system for normal operation.
M9 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect: Negative Battery Cable.
- Measure the resistance between the brake fluid level switch C124-1, circuit GD123 (BK/GY), harness side and ground.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to M10.
No
REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.
M10 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
- Ignition ON.
- NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid onto painted or plastic surfaces. If spilled, wipe up immediately before damage to the painted or plastic surface occurs.
Remove the brake fluid from the reservoir to allow the brake fluid level switch to fall to the bottom of the reservoir.
- Measure the resistance between the brake fluid level switch C124 pin 3, component side and the brake fluid level switch C124 pin 1, component side.
Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?
Yes
GO to M11.
No
INSTALL a new master cylinder. TEST the system for normal operation.
M11 CHECK FOR CORRECT SJB (Smart Junction Box) OPERATION
- Disconnect all the SJB (Smart Junction Box) connectors.
- Check for:
- corrosion
- damaged pins
- pushed-out pins
- Connect all the SJB (Smart Junction Box) connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
Is the concern still present?
Yes
INSTALL a new SJB (Smart Junction Box). TEST the system for normal operation.
No
The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.