GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC C0267 : Low Brake Fluid Indicated

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Low Brake Fluid Signal Circuit

C0267¹

C0130

--

--

¹Low brake fluid level

Circuit/System Description

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) sends 12 volts across the low brake fluid circuit. The brake fluid level sensor has an internal resistor between the contacts of the normally open switch. The EBCM can determine the difference between low brake fluid and an open circuit by calculating the current change of the low brake fluid signal circuit when the switch closes or the circuit becomes open.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EBCM detects low brake fluid.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the traction control system (TCS)/dynamic rear proportion (DRP)/vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The Brake Warning indicator turns ON.
    • The driver information center (DIC) displays the BRAKE SYSTEM/SERVICE TRACTION messages.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

The brake fluid level switch has an internal resistor between the fluid level sensor signal circuit and the ground circuit. Even though the switch is open, a resistance value will appear across both terminals of the brake fluid level switch.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Brake Warning System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Hydraulic Brake Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

Fill the brake reservoir up to the proper level and make sure the DTC does not reset.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify that the brake fluid reservoir is filled to the proper level and the hydraulic brake system is not leaking. Cycle the ignition from OFF to ON. Clear the DTC with the scan tool.
  2. If DTC C0267 does not reset, the system is OK.
  3. Disconnect the low brake fluid harness connector. At the harness connector, measure for 9 volts or greater on the low brake fluid signal circuit with a DMM.
  4. If voltage is below 9 volts, check for a short to ground on the low brake fluid signal circuit.
    If voltage is above 9 volts, go to Component Testing.

Component Testing

Ignition OFF, disconnect the brake fluid switch harness connector. Measure for 1 K ohms to 3 K ohms between the 2 terminals of the low brake fluid switch.

If the resistance of the low brake fluid switch is below 1 K ohms or above 3 K ohms, replace the low brake fluid switch.
If resistance is between 1 K ohms and 3 K ohms and a short to ground in the low brake fluid signal circuit was not found, replace the EBCM.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement
    •  Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling
    •  Brake System External Leak Inspection
    •  Control Module References for EBCM replacement, setup, and programming