B3445

DTC B3445 or B3878

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors
DTC B3445 02
- Brake Lamps Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B3878 02
- Right Brake Lamp Circuit Short to Ground

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal to the body control module (BCM). The BCM will apply battery voltage to the right, left and center stop lamp control circuits.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Brake pedal is applied or the headlamp switch is in park or low beam position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a short to ground on the control circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The appropriate brake lamp is inoperative.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Exterior Lights Schematics (Exterior Lights Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing For Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, perform the Brake Lamp Command test. The brake lamps should be ON/OFF.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate harness connector at the tail lamp listed below:

* E5E Tail Lamp - Left in-line harness connector X409
* E5F Tail Lamp - Right in-line harness connector X410

2. Test for less than 5 ohm between the appropriate ground circuit harness connector terminal listed below and ground:

* E5E Tail Lamp - Left harness connector terminal A
* E5F Tail Lamp - Right harness connector terminal A

• If greater than the specified value, test the appropriate ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate control circuit harness connector terminal listed below and ground :

* E5E Tail Lamp - Left harness connector terminal D
* E5F Tail Lamp - Right harness connector terminal D

4. Command the appropriate Brake Lamp test with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

• If the test lamp is always ON, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the appropriate control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate tail lamp.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Tail Lamp Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup and programming