GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) controls the dimming operation of the interior lamps. The BCM applies a 12-volt reference signal to the instrument panel (I/P) dimming switch. When you move the I/P dimming switch, the BCM uses this varying voltage signal in order to apply a pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage in order to control the brightness of the interior illumination lamps.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B1398 Dimming Reference Voltage Circuit High

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Voltage supplied to the module is in the normal operating range, approximately 10-16 volts.
    • The interior lamps must be ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The BCM detects a short to battery positive voltage in the dimming reference voltage circuit.
    • The condition is present for longer than 3 ms.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM stores DTC B1398 in memory.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A current DTC B1398 clears when the BCM no longer detects a short to battery positive voltage in the dimming reference voltage circuit.
    • A history DTC B1398 clears after 100 consecutive ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the DTC B1398 is a history DTC, the fault may be intermittent. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .
    • An intermittent short to battery positive voltage in the following locations may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:
       - The dimming reference voltage circuit
       - The I/P dimming switch
       - The BCM

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the dimming reference circuit for a short to battery positive voltage.

  2. This step tests the dimming return circuit for a short to battery positive voltage.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Interior Lights Dimming Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Disconnect the headlamp switch.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
  3. Measure the voltage from the dimming reference voltage circuit.

Does the voltage measure near the specified value?

12 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Test the dimming return circuit for a short to battery positive voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

4

Test the dimming reference voltage circuit for a short to battery positive voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the body control module (BCM). Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

6

Replace the headlamp switch. Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs .
  2. 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