GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

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

DTC Descriptor

DTC C0129: Low Brake Fluid Circuit High

DTC C0267: Low Brake Fluid Indicated

Diagnostic Fault Information

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 Circuit

--

C0129

C0129

--

Low Brake Fluid Circuit

C0267¹

C0267¹

--

--

¹Low brake fluid level

Circuit/System Description

The body control module (BCM) monitors the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir via the brake fluid level switch. When the BCM sees the brake fluid level switch input grounded, it sends a class 2 message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to turn ON the Red Brake Warning indicator.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The BCM detects low brake fluid.
    • The BCM detects a short to voltage, or an open in the brake fluid level circuit..

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The red brake warning indicator turns ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.
    • The BCM 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

Hydraulic Brake 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

Verify the brake fluid reservoir is up to the proper level.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the brake fluid level switch.
  2. Test for less than 4 ohms of resistance between the ground circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit for an open /high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 9.6 - 11 volts between the signal circuit terminal 1 and the ground circuit terminal 2.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal replace the BCM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the brake fluid level switch.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the brake fluid level switch.
  2. Test for less than 2300 ohms between the signal terminal 1 and the ground terminal 2.
  3. If greater than specified value, replace the brake fluid level switch.

Repair Instructions

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 BCM replacement, setup, and programming