Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Description
The vehicle power mode master (PMM) is the body control module (BCM). The ignition switch is a low current switch with multiple discrete ignition switch signals to the PMM for determination of the power mode. The PMM receives the ignition switch signals, and additionally a reference voltage signal from the BCM, through the ignition switch, and back to the BCM. There are redundancies within the PMM system that can allow operation of certain subsystems when there are faults in the ignition switch circuits. Other information such as serial data input from other modules and DTCs is also used to determine what power mode signals and information is transmitted by the PMM. The BCM logic uses all this information to identify the operator's desired power mode and activate specific discrete signals, and serial data messages for the operation of different subsystems as necessary. Other modules which have switched voltage inputs may operate in a default mode if the PMM serial data message does not match what the individual module can detect from its own connections.
The PMM will activate relays and other direct outputs of the PMM as needed according to the calculated power mode. Some relays controlled by the BCM are switched ignition voltage outputs that are pass through circuits within the BCM directly from the ignition switch. If these circuits short to ground, the B+ circuit fuse to the ignition switch will open.
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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.