GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Brake Warning System Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Hydraulic Brake Connector End Views Antilock Brake System Connector End Views and Computer/Integrating Systems Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
  2. Ensure the park brake is released.
  3. Turn ON the ignition while observing the brake warning indicator.

Does the brake warning indicator illuminate for 3 seconds and then turn OFF?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Select the Instrument Panel Cluster Special Functions menu on the scan tool.
  3. Command the Brake Lamp OFF.

Does the brake warning indicator turn OFF?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 11

4

  1. Select Input 1 from the Body Control Module Data Display menu on the scan tool.
  2. Ensure the park brake is released.
  3. Observe the Park Brake status on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display Released?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Disconnect the brake fluid level switch harness connector.

Does the brake warning indicator turn OFF?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

6

Disconnect the park brake switch harness connector.

Does the brake warning indicator turn OFF?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect from the body control module (BCM), the harness connector containing the park brake switch output circuit.
  2. Test the park brake switch output circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

8

  1. Disconnect from the electronic brake control module (EBCM), the harness connector containing the brake fluid level sensor signal circuit.
  2. Test the brake fluid level sensor signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

9

Replace the park brake switch. Refer to Parking Brake Indicator Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

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10

Important: Perform the set up procedure for the BCM.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

--

11

Replace the instrument panel cluster. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the brake fluid level switch. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

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13

Important: Following EBCM replacement, use the scan tool to perform the Tire Size Calibration procedure.

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

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14

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 5 seconds.
  2. Ensure the park brake is released.
  3. Turn ON the ignition while observing the brake warning indicator.

Does the brake warning indicator illuminate for 3 seconds and then turn OFF?

System OK

Go to Step 2