LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Cadillac >> 2003 >> Escalade EXT >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 459 (Antilock Brake System, Traction Control System & Stability Control System) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> DTC C0281: Stoplamp Switch Circuit >> Test Description
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Test Description

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2004 GMC Yukon XL, 2004 GMC Yukon, 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 4:  This step tests for a shorted stop lamp switch.
  2. 5:  This step tests for an open stop lamp switch.
DTC C0281

Step Action Yes No
Schematic Reference:  ABS Schematics  
Connector End View Reference:  ABS Connector End Views   or Lighting Systems Connector End Views in Lighting Systems
1 Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check? Go to Step 2  Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS (W/O JL4)  or Diagnostic System Check - ABS (W/JL4) 
2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Select the ABS Data Display function.
  3. Observe the Brake Switch Status on the scan tool.
Does the scan tool display Off?		 Go to Step 3  Go to Step 5 
3
  1. Apply the brake.
  2. Observe the Brake Switch Status on the scan tool.
Does the scan tool display On?		 Go to Diagnostic Aids Go to Step 4 
4 
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the stop lamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  3. Turn ON the ignition.
  4. Observe the Brake Switch Status on the scan tool.
Does the scan tool display On?		 Go to Step 9  Go to Step 7 
5 
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the stop lamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
  3. Connect a fused jumper wire between the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the TCC brake switch signal circuit at the stop lamp switch harness connector. Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.
  4. Turn ON the ignition.
  5. Observe the Brake Switch Status on the scan tool.
Does the scan tool display Off?		 Go to Step 9  Go to Step 6 
6 Test the ignition 3 voltage circuit and the TCC brake switch signal circuit for an open or a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 12  Go to Step 8 
7 Test the TCC brake switch signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 12  Go to Step 8 
8 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 12  Go to Step 10 
9 Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the stop lamp switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 12  Go to Step 11 
10
IMPORTANT: Following EBCM replacement, use the scan tool to perform the Tire Size Calibration procedure.
Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement (w/ JL4)  or Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement (w/o JL4) .Did you complete the replacement?		 Go to Step 12  -
11 Replace the stop lamp switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
Did you complete the replacement?		 Go to Step 12  -
12
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
Does the DTC reset?		 Go to Step 2  System OK
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals