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 Descriptor

DTC C0161 00: ABS/TCS Brake Switch Circuit

DTC C0161 5A: ABS/TCS Brake Switch Plausibility Failure

Circuit/System Description

The EBCM receives a serial data message from BCM that the brake pedal is applied and to ensure that the states of their feedback circuits agree.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The brake pedal is sensed as applied for 6 minutes.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 21 km/h (13 mph).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The ABS/TCS/VSES if equipped, remains functional.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for the DTC is no longer present.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The DTC C0161 00 can be set if the brake switch is applied while accelerating.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

ABS Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Verification

With the ignition ON, use a scan tool to display DTCs for the body control module (BCM).

If DTC C0277 is present, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
If no DTCs are present, go to Diagnostic Aids.

Repair Verification

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.