GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The stop lamp switch signal circuit is a direct hardwire input to the engine control module (ECM) from the instrument panel module (IPM). The ECM monitors the stop lamp switch signal circuit in order to detect when the brake pedal has been applied. When the brake pedal is pressed, the IPM sends a class 2 serial data message to the ECM indicating that the brake pedal has been applied. The IPM also sends a high voltage signal on the stop lamp switch signal circuit to the ECM. This DTC will set if the class 2 serial data message and the voltage signal on the stop lamp switch signal circuit do not match.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0571 Brake Switch Circuit 1

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine speed is greater than 700 RPM.
    • The Traction Control System or the Antilock Brake System are not active and have not failed.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects that there is a 8.3 km/h (5.1 mph) or greater decrease in vehicle speed within 1 second.
    • The ECM detects that the class 2 serial data message from the IPM and the voltage signal on the stop lamp switch signal circuit do not match for 10 consecutive times that this diagnostic is run.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Cruise Control System is disabled.
    • The ECM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM stores this information in the Failure Records.

Conditions for clearing the DTC

    • A last test failed, or the current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if failures are not reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • In order to avoid a misdiagnosis, inspect for proper operation of the stop lamps. Refer to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation .
    • For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Exterior Lights Schematics .

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views .

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Do the stop lamps operate properly?

Go to Step 3

Go to Stop Lamps Inoperative or to Stop Lamps Always On

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, observe the Stoplamp Pedal Switch parameter in the Body and Accessories engine control module (ECM) data list.
  4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

Does the Stoplamp Pedal Switch parameter display Applied?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the stop lamp switch signal circuit for an open or for a high resistance between the instrument panel module (IPM) and the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the IPM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK