Electrical

Diagnosis and Testing - Back-Up Lamps

~6min read

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).


Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart


Module Trouble Code Description Action
BCM B1277:11 Back-up lamp: short to ground GO to Pinpoint Test A
BCM B1277:15 Back-up lamp: short to battery or open GO to Pinpoint Test A

Global Customer Symptom Codes (GCSC) Table

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).


Symptom Action
Lighting/Glass/Vision > Exterior Lighting > Reverse/Back-Up > Inoperative GO to Pinpoint Test A
Lighting/Glass/Vision > Exterior Lighting > Reverse/Back-Up > Inoperative GO to Pinpoint Test B
Lighting/Glass/Vision > Exterior Lighting > Reverse/Back-Up > Remains On GO to Pinpoint Test A

Symptom Charts

The diagnosis in this manual assumes a certain level of skill and knowledge of Ford-approved diagnostic procedures.
REFER TO: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Symptom Chart: Back-Up Lamps


Condition Action
Module Does Not Respond to Diagnostic Scan Tool
REFER TO: Communication Network (418-00 Communication Network, Diagnosis and Testing).
Both back-up lamps inoperative or always on GO to Pinpoint Test A
Individual back-up lamp inoperative GO to Pinpoint Test B

Pinpoint Tests


DIAGNOSTIC TEST A: BOTH BACK-UP LAMPS INOPERATIVE OR ALWAYS ON

For wiring diagrams and connectors, refer to Wiring Diagrams, Cell 93.

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Exterior Lighting - Overview (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Description and Operation).
REFER TO: Exterior Lighting - System Operation and Component Description (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Description and Operation).

DTC Fault Trigger Conditions

Trouble Code Description Fault Trigger Condition
BCM B1277:11 Back-up lamp: short to ground Continuous memory and on-demand DTC set when the BCM detects a short to ground in the back-up lamp output circuit.
BCM B1277:15 Back-up lamp: short to battery or open Continuous memory and on-demand DTC set when the BCM detects an open or short to voltage in the back-up lamp output circuit.

Possible Sources

  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Gear Range Concern
  • BCM
A1 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) GEAR RANGE PID (PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION)
  • Apply the parking brake.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Access the PCM and monitor the TR_CORRECTED PID

  • Place the gear selector in each gear position.

Does the PID indicate the correct value when each gear is selected?
Yes If both back-up lamps are inoperative, GO to A2.
If both back-up lamps are always on, GO to A4.
No CHECK for a gear range concern. REFER TO: External Controls (307-05B Automatic Transmission External Controls - HF45, Diagnosis and Testing).
REFER TO: External Controls (307-05A Automatic Transmission External Controls - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission - 8F35/8F40, Diagnosis and Testing).
REFER TO: External Controls (307-05A Automatic Transmission External Controls - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission - 8F35/8F40, Diagnosis and Testing).
A2 CHECK THE BACK-UP LAMP VOLTAGE CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Move the shift lever to PARK (P).
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect the left back-up lamp C451 and the right back-up lamp C461.
  • Disconnect the C2280F connector.
  • Disconnect the auto-dimming inside rearview mirror C911 (if equipped).
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C2280F-66 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to A3
No REPAIR the faulty circuit. After the repair:
If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present, CHECK the system for normal operation.
If DTC U1000:00 is present, CLEAR the DTCs and REPEAT the self-test (required to enable the lamp output driver if DTC U1000:00 is present).
If DTC U3000:49 is present, INSTALL a new BCM.
REFER TO: Body Control Module (BCM) (419-10 Multifunction Electronic Modules, Removal and Installation).
A3 CHECK THE BACK-UP LAMP VOLTAGE CIRCUITS FOR AN OPEN
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C451-1 C2280F-66

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to A6
No REPAIR the faulty circuit.
A4 CHECK THE BACK-UP LAMP VOLTAGE SUPPLY CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect the C2280F connector.
  • The ignition is on.

Do the back-up lamps remain on?
Yes If the inside rearview mirror is not equipped with auto-dimming, REPAIR the electrical circuit.
If the inside rearview mirror is equipped with auto-dimming, GO to A5.
No GO to A6
A5 CHECK THE REVERSE OUTPUT SUPPLY CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect the auto-dimming inside rearview mirror C911.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C2280F-66 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes REPAIR the circuit.
No INSTALL a new auto-dimming inside rearview mirror.
REFER TO: Inside Rearview Mirror (501-09 Mirrors, Removal and Installation).
A6 CHECK THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) OPERATION
  • Disconnect and inspect all BCM connectors.
  • Repair:
    • corrosion (install new connector or terminals - clean module pins)
    • damaged or bent pins - install new terminals/pins
    • backed-out pins - install new pins as necessary
  • Reconnect the BCM connectors. Make sure they are fully seated and locked.
  • 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 condition, STOP this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If no service article resolves this condition, INSTALL a new BCM.
REFER TO: Body Control Module (BCM) (419-10 Multifunction Electronic Modules, Removal and Installation).
No The system is currently operating correctly. The concern may have been caused by module connections. ADDRESS the root cause of any connector or terminal issues.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST B: ONE BACK-UP LAMP INOPERATIVE

For wiring diagrams and connectors, refer to Wiring Diagrams, Cell 93.

Normal Operation and Fault Symptoms

REFER TO: Exterior Lighting - Overview (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Description and Operation).
REFER TO: Exterior Lighting - System Operation and Component Description (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Description and Operation).

Possible Sources

  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Back-Up Lamp Assembly

Visual Inspection and Pre-checks

  • Inspect the back-up lamp assembly for damage.
B1 BACK-UP LAMP VOLTAGE CHECK
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Apply the parking brake.
  • Disconnect the inoperative left back-up lamp C451 or right back-up lamp C461.
  • The ignition is on.
  • Place the gear selector in REVERSE (R).
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors

    Left Back-Up Lamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C451-1 Ground

    Click to display the connectors

    Right Back-Up Lamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C461-1 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to B2
No REPAIR the back-up lamp voltage supply circuit for an open.
B2 CHECK THE BACK-UP LAMP GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors

    Left Back-Up Lamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C451-1 C451-5

    Click to display the connectors

    Right Back-Up Lamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C461-1 C461-5

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes INSTALL a new back-up lamp.
No REPAIR the faulty circuit.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.