Backup Lamps Malfunction
Backup Lamps Malfunction
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.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
When the transmission is placed in the REVERSE position with the engine running, the transmission control module (TCM) sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM). The message indicates that the gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The BCM applies ground to the backup lamp relay control circuit energizing the backup lamp relay coil. With the relay coil energized, the switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow from the backup lamps fuse to the left and right backup lamps. Once the driver moves the gear selector out of the REVERSE position, a message is sent by the TCM via serial data requesting the BCM to remove ground from the backup lamp relay control circuit. This opens the backup lamp relay switch contacts turning OFF the backup lamps.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Exterior Lights Schematics Exterior Lights Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Sunshade - Left (DH6)
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 Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the backup lamp relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 87 and ground.
• If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit terminal 87 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the backup lamp relay.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate backup lamp.
6. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 1 ohms between the backup lamp ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
7. Connect the harness connector at the backup lamp.
8. Connect a 10 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. Verify the backup lamps illuminate.
• If the backup lamps do not illuminate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the backup lamp.
9. Connect a test lamp between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
10. Command the Backup Lamps ON and OFF 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 control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the backup lamp relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Backup Lamp Bulb Replacement Service and Repair
* Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness)
* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming and setup