B3878
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 01
- Brake Lamps Circuit Short to Battery
DTC B3445 02
- Brake Lamps Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B3445 04
- Brake Lamps Circuit Open
DTC B3878 01
- Right Brake Lamp Circuit Short to Battery
DTC B3878 02
- Right Brake Lamp Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B3878 04
- Right Brake Lamp Circuit Open
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
Ignition ON. Brake pedal is pressed.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
B3445 01 or B3878 01
The BCM detects a short to voltage on the control circuit.
B3445 02 or B3878 02
The BCM detects a short to ground on the control circuit.
B3445 04 or B3878 04
The BCM detects an open 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 End Views By Name)
Description and Operation
Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems)
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)
Circuit/System Verification
Ignition ON, command the Brake Lamps 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:
* E5AA Tail/Brake Lamp - Left
* E5AB Tail/Brake Lamp - Right
2. Test for less than 5 ohm between the appropriate ground circuit harness connector terminal listed below and ground:
* E5AA Tail/Brake Lamp - Left harness connector terminal 3
* E5AB Tail/Brake Lamp - Right harness connector terminal 3
• 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:
* E5AA Tail/Brake Lamp - Left harness connector terminal 1
* E5AB Tail/Brake Lamp - Right harness connector terminal 1
4. Command the Brake Lamps 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)