Backup Lamps Malfunction

Backup Lamps Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

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



Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

When the PRNDL is placed in the REVERSE position, a GMLAN signal is sent from the transmission control module (TCM) to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then applies voltage through the backup lamps voltage supply circuit to the tail lamp assemblies illuminating the backup lamps.


Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Exterior Lights Schematics (Exterior Lights Diagrams)
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 (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning)for Scan Tool Information


Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, place the PRNDL in the REVERSE position. The backup lamps should illuminate.


Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate tail lamp assembly.
2. Test for less than 5.0 ohms of resistance between the appropriate ground circuit terminal listed below and ground:

* Domestic - terminal C
* Export - terminal H


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

3. Connect a test lamp between the supply voltage circuit terminal E and ground.
4. Ignition ON, cycle the PRNDL between the PARK and REVERSE positions. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between park and reverse.

• If the test lamp is always ON, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the body control module.


• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the body control module.

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



Repair Instructions

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

* Tail Lamp Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement (Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement)
* Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning)for BCM replacement, setup, and programming