GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2006 🢒 SSR 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC B0540

Circuit Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the vehicle speed information from the powertrain control module (PCM) through the vehicle speed signal circuit. The PCM converts the data from the vehicle speed sensor to a 4000 pulses/mile signal. The PCM also sends a class 2 message to the IPC indicating the vehicle speed. If the IPC determines there is a loss of the vehicle speed signal from the PCM due to a vehicle speed signal circuit malfunction, a DTC sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B0540 Speedometer Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h (6 mph).
    • The ignition voltage is between 9-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The IPC detects that the vehicle speed signal circuit does not match the vehicle speed from the class 2 serial data circuit.
    • The condition above must be present for a minimum of 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The IPC stores a DTC B0540 in memory.
    • The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 mph).
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The history DTC clears after 100 malfunction-free warm-up cycles.
    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The IPC receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster 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. Install a scan tool.
  2. Raise the vehicle drive wheels. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Place the transmission into drive for an automatic transmission and third gear for a manual transmission.
  5. With the scan tool, observe the Vehicle Speed Sensor parameter in the PCM Engine Data 1 data list.

Does the Vehicle Speed Sensor parameter match the speedometer display?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM) connector C2.
  3. Install the J 33431-C Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester lead to the vehicle speed signal circuit at the PCM harness connector, and the other lead to a good ground.
  4. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  5. Set the J 33431-C to generate a speedometer signal.

Does the vehicle speedometer indicate a reading?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the vehicle speed signal circuit for an open, short to voltage or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for a poor connection at the harness connector of the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the IPC. 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 vehicle within the conditions for running this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK