Pinpoint Test N: The Brake Warning Indicator Is Always On
- Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
for schematic and connector information.
Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
See Brake Warning Indicator, ABS/Brake/Stability-Traction Control System Indication and Brake Fluid Level Switch. REFER to: Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) - 3.5L Duratec (202kW/275PS)/3.5L EcoBoost (235kW/320PS) - System Operation and Component Description .
If the brake fluid level warning, brake (red) warning indicator request or parking brake warning indicator request messages are missing or invalid for less than 5 seconds, the IPC defaults the brake warning indicator to the last indication mode (on/off) based upon the last message received.
If the brake fluid level warning, brake (red) warning indicator request or parking brake warning indicator request messages are missing or invalid for 5 seconds or longer, the IPC defaults the brake warning indicator on.
DTC Fault Trigger Conditions
DTC Description Fault Trigger Condition BCM B1048:01 Brake Fluid Level Switch: General Electrical Failure A continuous and on-demand DTC that sets in the BCM when the BCM detects an open on the brake fluid level switch input. BCM B1048:7B Brake Fluid Level Switch: Low Fluid Level A continuous and on-demand DTC that sets in the BCM when the BCM detects low brake fluid level. BCM C1D00:11 Park Brake Apply Switch: Circuit Short To Ground A continuous and on-demand DTC that sets in the BCM when the BCM detects the parking brake applied or a short to ground on the parking brake input. Possible Sources
- Wiring, terminals or connectors
- Brake fluid level switch
- Parking brake system concern
- Electric park brake (if equipped)
- ABS concern
- GWM
- BCM
- IPC
Visual Inspection and Pre-checks
- Inspect the base brake system and the parking brake system for correct operation.
- Inspect the brake fluid level switch connection and check for signs of connector terminal damage, corrosion or pushed-out pins.
- Inspect the brake fluid level switch wiring for signs of a cut or opened circuit.
- Inspect the brake fluid level switch for signs of any external damage.
- N1 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FROM THE IPC (INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER) SELF-TEST
- Ignition ON.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the IPC self-test.
Are any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) recorded?
Yes REFER to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart . No GO to N2 - N2 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FROM THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) SELF-TEST
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the BCM self-test.
Are any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) recorded?
Yes For DTC B1048:01, GO to N7 For DTC B1048:7B, VERIFY the brake fluid level is low. If the brake fluid is low, CORRECT the low brake fluid condition. REFER to appropriate Hydraulic Brake Actuation article . If the brake fluid is not low, INSTALL a new brake fluid level switch. For DTC C1D00:11 (manual parking brake), GO to N5 For all other Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Body Control Module (BCM) . No GO to N3 - N3 CHECK THE GWM (GATEWAY MODULE A) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS)
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, check the GWM Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs).
Are any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) recorded?
Yes No GO to N4 - N4 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FROM THE ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) MODULE SELF-TEST
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, perform the ABS module self-test.
Are any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) recorded?
Yes REFER to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart . No For manual parking brake, GO to N5
For electric park brake, REFER to PARKING BRAKE - VEHICLES WITH: ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE . - N5 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect Parking Brake Switch C306 .
- Ignition ON.
- Using a diagnostic scan tool, view the BCM Parameter Identifications (PIDs).
- Access the BCM and monitor the PARK_BRK_SWPID
- Monitor the parking brake PID with the parking brake released.
Does the PID indicate the parking brake is released?
Yes INSTALL a new parking brake position switch. No GO to N6 - N6 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect BCM C2280E .
- Measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C2280E-47 Ground
Is the resistance greater than 10, 000 ohms?
Yes GO to N12 No REPAIR the circuit. - N7 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect BCM C2280F .
- Ignition ON.
- Measure:
Lead 1 Measurement / Action Lead 2 C2280F-28 Ground
Is any voltage present?
Yes REPAIR the circuit. No GO to N8 - N8 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect Brake Fluid Level Switch C124 .
Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to N9 No REPAIR the circuit. - N9 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
- Measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C124-2 Ground
Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to N10 No REPAIR the circuit. - Measure:
- N10 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
- Ignition OFF.
- Measure:
Positive Lead Measurement / Action Negative Lead C2280F-28 Ground
Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to N11 No GO to N12 - N11 CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND WITH THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH DISCONNECTED
Is the resistance greater than 10, 000 ohms?
Yes INSTALL a new brake fluid level switch. No REPAIR the circuit. - N12 CHECK FOR CORRECT BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) OPERATION
- Ignition OFF.
- Disconnect and inspect all BCM connectors.
- Repair:
- corrosion (install new connector or terminals - clean module pins)
- damaged or bent pins - install new terminals/pins
- pushed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
- Reconnect the BCM connectors. Make sure they seat and latch correctly.
- Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.
Is the concern still present?
Yes CHECK OASIS for any applicable service articles: TSB, GSB, SSM or FSA. If a service article exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If no service articles address this concern, INSTALL a new BCM. Refer to the appropriate BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) . No The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by module connections. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or pin issues.