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.

Circuit/System Description

The driver door switch (DDS) and the passenger door switch (PDS) receive a discrete input from the driver door ajar switch and the passenger door ajar switch respectively. Likewise, the body control module (BCM) receives a discrete input from both the left and right rear door ajar switches. The door ajar switches are normally open when the doors are fully closed. When a door is opened, the door ajar switch contacts close providing a path to ground. The driver information center (DIC) located at the bottom of the instrument panel cluster (IPC), illuminates the appropriate door ajar message when one of the doors is open. The IPC receives a GMLAN serial data message from the BCM, DDS, or PDS indicating the door ajar status. If this message is displayed and the vehicle speed is greater than 8.1 km/h (5 mph), a chime will sound.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Displays and Gages Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

Front Doors

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the door latch assembly.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit and ground.
  3. If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver door switch.
  4. Verify the scan tool Door Ajar Switch parameter is Inactive.
  5. If not Inactive, test the door ajar switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver door switch.
  6. Verify the scan tool Door Open Switch parameter is Inactive.
  7. If not Inactive, test the door open switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver door switch.
  8. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the door ajar switch signal circuit and ground. Verify that the Door Ajar Switch parameter is Active.
  9. If not Active, test the door ajar switch signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver door switch.
  10. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the door open switch signal circuit and ground. Verify that the Door Open Switch parameter is Active.
  11. If not Active, test the door open switch signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver door switch.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the door latch assembly.

Rear Doors

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the door latch assembly.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit and ground.
  3. If greater than 1.0 ohm, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance.
  4. Verify the scan tool Rear Door Ajar Switch parameter is Door Closed.
  5. If not Door Closed, test the left rear door ajar switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Verify the scan tool Passenger Door Open Switch parameter is Closed.
  7. If not Closed, test the door open switch signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the rear door ajar switch signal circuit and ground. Verify that the Rear Door Ajar Switch parameter is Door Ajar.
  9. If not Door Ajar, test the rear door ajar switch signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  10. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the door open switch signal circuit and ground. Verify that the scan tool Passenger Door Open Switch parameter is Open.
  11. If not Open, test the door open switch signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  12. If all circuits test normal, replace the door latch assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for the DDS, PDS, or BCM replacement, setup, and programming