Circuit/System Testing

2008 Chevrolet HHR LT, 2.4 P, AutomaticSECTION Circuit/System Testing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G5 and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Stop Lamps Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the inoperative stop lamp.
  2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the appropriate ground circuit terminal listed below and ground.
    • Stop/turn lamp ground terminal C - coupe
    • Stop/turn lamp ground terminal G - sedan
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  4. Ignition ON, command the appropriate Stop/Turn Signal Lamp 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 voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    • If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  5. If all circuits test normal, replace the inoperative tail lamp assembly.

Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the CHMSL relay.
  2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 86 and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 CHMSL relay.
  5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the CHMSL.
  6. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  7. Connect the harness connector at the CHMSL.
  8. Connect a 10A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. Verify the CHMSL is illuminated.
    • If the CHMSL does not illuminate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the CHMSL.
  9. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 85 and ground.
  10. Ignition ON, command the stop lamps ON and OFF by applying and releasing the brake pedal. 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 voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    • If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CHMSL.

Brake Pedal Position Sensor (BPPS) Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the BPPS.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the low reference circuit terminal C and ground.
    • If the test lamp illuminates, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  3. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 volts and 5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal A and ground.
    • If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
    • If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. If all circuits test normal, replace the BPPS.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.