GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B153F 02: Liftgate Object Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B153F 03: Liftgate Object Sensor Signal Circuit Voltage Below Treshold

DTC B153F 05: Liftgate Object Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Battery or Open

DTC B153F 07: Liftgate Object Sensor Signal Circuit Voltage Above Threshold

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Liftgate Module B+

B396A 02, B153A 08

B396A 02, B153A 08

--

--

Liftgate Position Sensor 5V Reference Voltage

2

B153E 08

2

--

Full Open Signal

B153B 02

2

2

--

Liftgate Disable Signal

1, 2

1

1

--

Liftgate Open Signal

1

1

1

--

Object Sensors Signal

B153F 02

B153F 05

B153F 05

B153F 03, B153F 07

Open/Close Switches Signal

B2494 02

1, 2

1, 2

--

Pawl Switch Signal

B153A 00

B153A 00

B153A 00

B153A 08

Position Sensor Signal 1

B153E 02

B153E 05, B153E 08

B153E 05

--

Position Sensor Signal 2

B153E 02

B153E 05, B153E 08

B153E 05

--

Ratchet Switch Signal

B153A 00

B153A 00

B153A 00

B153A 08

Sector Switch Signal

B153A 00

B153A 00

B153A 00

B153A 08

Disengage Clutch Control

B396B 02

B396B 04

B396B 01

--

Engage Clutch Control

B396B 02

B396B 04

B396B 01

--

Liftgate Latch Cinch Control

B2495 02

B2495 04

B2495 01

--

Liftgate Latch Release Control

B2495 02

B2495 04

B2495 01

--

Liftgate Motor Close Control

B396A 02

B396A 04

B396A 01

--

Liftgate Motor Open Control

B396A 02

B396A 04

B396A 01

--

Full Open Low Reference

--

2

2

--

Liftgate Switches Low Reference

--

1

1

--

Position Sensor Low Reference

--

B0153E 08

2

--

I/P Switch Ground

--

1

1

--

Liftgate Control Module Ground

--

2

2

--

1. Liftgate Switch Malfunction

2. Liftgate Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The liftgate object sensor uses two tape switches embedded in the liftgate opening weatherstrip to detect any foreign objects in the path of the liftgate. When pressure is applied to the weatherstrip, the tape switch is closed signaling the liftgate module (LGM) that an object is in the path of the liftgate. The LGM will reverse the direction of the liftgate motor should this occur.

The 2 tape switches are placed in series between the liftgate object sensor signal circuit and the liftgate object low reference circuit. Each object sensor has a resistor as well as a switch. The resistors enable the LGM to perform diagnostic functions on the circuits. When both switches are open, voltage supplied by the LGM passes through the resistors and supplies the LGM with a reference voltage. If an object is in the path of the moving liftgate, the affected switch would close. The closing of the switch would bypass the resistor and change the reference voltage seen by the LGM, indicating that one of the switches is closed and an object has been detected.

Conditions for Running the DTC

System voltage to the liftgate control module must be 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B153F 02

When the LGM detects a short to ground in the liftgate tape switch signal circuit.

B153F 03

When the LGM detects less than 3.3 volts in the liftgate tape switch signal circuit.

B153F 05

When the LGM detects a short to voltage or an open/high resistance in the liftgate tape switch signal circuit.

B153F 07

When the LGM detects greater than 5.5 volts in the liftgate tape switch signal circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The power liftgate will be inoperative until the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present. If the liftgate is in motion prior to the DTC setting, the liftgate will close and immediately re-open.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC will be current for as long as the fault is present.
    • When the fault is no longer present, the DTC will be a history status code.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 ignition cycles or with a scan tool using the clear DTCs function.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Liftgate Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Vehicle Access Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Rear Hatch/Gate Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Object Sensor Supply Voltage parameter while pressing and releasing the left and right liftgate object sensors. The parameter should change between Inactive and Active.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the LGM.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 8 and ground.
  3. If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.
  4. Test for 15K-25K ohms between the signal circuit terminal 8 and the low reference circuit terminal 16.
  5. If not within the specified range, test the signal circuit between the left and right liftgate object sensors and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the left or right liftgate object sensor.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the LGM.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the right liftgate object sensor.
  2. Test for 10K ohms between the signal terminal A and the low reference terminal B.
  3. If not within the specified value, replace the right liftgate object sensor.
  4. Disconnect the harness connector at the left liftgate object sensor.
  5. Test for 10K ohms between the signal terminal A and the low reference terminal B.
  6. If not within the specified value, replace the left liftgate object sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Liftgate Side Upper Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for liftgate control module replacement, programming and setup