Ford Explorer Quiz
Electrical

Diagnosis and Testing - Stop Lamps

In this manual: Electrical
General Information — 41Chassis — 173Powertrain — 250Electrical — 303Body and Paint — 331
~13min 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 B1115:11 Center high mounted stop lamp: short to ground GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B1115:15 Center high mounted stop lamp: short to battery or open GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B1444:11 Left rear stop/tail lamp output: short to ground GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B1444:15 Left rear stop/tail lamp output: short to battery or open GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B1448:11 Right rear stop/tail lamp output: short to ground GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B1448:15 Right rear stop/tail lamp output: short to battery or open GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B14A0:11 Left rear door/liftgate lamps: short to ground GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B14A0:15 Left rear door/liftgate lamps: short to battery or open GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B14A1:11 Right rear door/liftgate lamps: short to ground GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM B14A1:15 Right rear door/liftgate lamps: short to battery or open GO to Pinpoint Test B
BCM C0040:12 Brake pedal switch "A": short to battery GO to Pinpoint Test A
BCM — All Other BCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
REFER TO: Body Control Module (BCM) (419-10 Multifunction Electronic Modules, Diagnosis and Testing).

Symptom Charts

Symptom Chart: Stop Lamps

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).

Condition Possible Sources Action
Module Does Not Respond to Diagnostic Scan Tool
  • Fuse
  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Module
REFER TO: Communication Network (418-00 Communication Network, Diagnosis and Testing).
All stop lamps inoperative or always on Refer to Pinpoint Test GO to Pinpoint Test A
Individual stop lamp inoperative or always on Refer to Pinpoint Test GO to Pinpoint Test B

Pinpoint Tests


PINPOINT TEST A: ALL STOP LAMPS INOPERATIVE OR ALWAYS ON

For wiring diagrams and connector information, refer to Section 90 Wiring Diagrams.

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 C0040:12 Brake pedal switch "A": short to battery On-demand DTC set when the BCM detects a short to voltage supply in the stop lamp switch input circuit during the on-demand self-test.

Possible Sources

  • Fuse
  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Stop Lamp Switch
  • BCM

Visual Inspection and Pre-checks

  • Verify BCMC fuse 44 (10A) is good.
A1 CHECK THE STOPLAMP OPERATION
  • The ignition is on.
  • Depress the brake pedal and observe the rear and high-mounted stoplamps.
  • Release the brake pedal and observe the rear and high-mounted stoplamps.

Do all the stoplamps illuminate?
Yes GO to A2
No GO to A5
A2 CHECK THE STOPLAMP SWITCH
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: BPP (Stop Lamp) Switch C278.
  • The ignition is on.

Do the stoplamps remain illuminated?
Yes GO to A3
No INSTALL a new brake switch.
Refer to: Brake Switch (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
A3 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE)
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: PCM C1381B (2.3 L EcoBoost).
  • Disconnect: PCM C1551B (3 L EcoBoost).
  • Disconnect: PCM C175B (3.3 L Duratec).
  • The ignition is on.

Do the stoplamps remain illuminated?
Yes GO to A4
No GO to A8
A4 CHECK THE STOPLAMP SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C278-4 Ground

Is there voltage present?
Yes REPAIR the circuit.
No GO to A9
A5 CHECK THE STOPLAMP SWITCH VOLTAGE SUPPLY CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: BPP (Stop Lamp) Switch C278.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C278-1 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to A6
No CHECK BCMC fuse 44 (10A) is good. If good, REPAIR the circuit. If not good, REFER TO the Wiring Diagrams to determine possible causes of the short.
A6 BYPASS THE STOPLAMP SWITCH
  • Connect a fused jumper wire:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C278-1 C278-4
  • The ignition is on.

Do the stoplamps illuminate?
Yes REMOVE the fused jumper wire. INSTALL a new stoplamp switch.
REFER to: Stoplamp Switch (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
No LEAVE the fused jumper wire connected. GO to A7.
A7 CHECK THE STOPLAMP SWITCH INPUT CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: BCM C2280A.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C2280A-1 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes REMOVE the fused jumper wire. GO to A9.
No REMOVE the fused jumper wire. REPAIR the circuit.
A8 CHECK THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) OPERATION
  • Disconnect and inspect all PCM 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
  • Connect the PCM 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 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If a TSB exists for this concern, STOP this test and FOLLOW the TSB instructions. If the TSBs do not resolve the concern,
Click here to access the guided routine (PCM). Internet Explorer version 11 or later is required to perform this Pinpoint test.
.
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.
A9 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 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). If a TSB exists for this concern, DISCONTINUE this test and FOLLOW the TSB instructions. If no TSB applies to this concern, INSTALL a new BCM.
REFER TO: Body Control Module (BCM) (419-10 Multifunction Electronic Modules, Diagnosis and Testing).
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 STOP LAMP INOPERATIVE OR ALWAYS ON

For wiring diagrams and connector information, refer to Section 90 Wiring Diagrams.

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 B1115:11 Center high mounted stop lamp: short to ground Continuous memory and on-demand DTC set when the BCM detects a short to ground in the upper stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B1115:15 High-Mounted Stoplamp Control: Short to Battery or Open Continuous memory and on-demand DTC set when the BCM detects an open or short to voltage supply in the upper stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B1444:11 Left rear stop/tail lamp output: short to ground Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects a short to ground in the left rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B1444:15 Left rear stop/tail lamp output: short to battery or open Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects an open or short to voltage in the left rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B1448:11 Right rear stop/tail lamp output: short to ground Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects a short to ground in the right rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B1448:15 Right rear stop/tail lamp output: short to battery or open Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects an open or short to voltage in the right rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B14A0:11 Left rear door/liftgate lamps: short to ground Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects a short to ground in the left rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B14A0:15 Left rear door/liftgate lamps: short to battery or open Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects an open or short to voltage in the left rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B14A1:11 Right rear door/liftgate lamps: short to ground Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects a short to ground in the right rear stop lamp power circuit.
BCM B14A1:15 Right rear door/liftgate lamps: short to battery or open Continuous memory and on-demand DTC that sets when the BCM detects an open or short to voltage in the right rear stop lamp power circuit.

Possible Sources

  • Wiring, Terminals or Connectors
  • Rear Lamp Assembly
  • High Mounted Stop Lamp
  • BCM
B1 CHECK STOP LAMP OPERATION
  • The ignition is on.
  • Depress the brake pedal and observe the rear and high-mounted stoplamps.
  • Release the brake pedal and observe the rear and high-mounted stoplamps.

Does any stoplamp remain illuminated?
Yes GO to B2
No For the high-mounted stoplamp, GO to B3.
For the rear stoplamp, GO to B8.
B2 CHECK THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) STOPLAMP OUTPUT CIRCUITS FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: BCM C2280E.
  • The ignition is on.

Does the applicable stoplamp remain illuminated?
Yes REPAIR the faulty circuit.
No GO to B13
B3 CHECK THE VOLTAGE AT THE HIGH-MOUNTED STOPLAMP
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: Upper Stop Lamp C475.
  • The ignition is on.
  • While depressing the brake pedal, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C475-1 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to B5
No GO to B4
B4 REPEAT THE ON-DEMAND SELF-TEST AND CHECK THE VOLTAGE AT THE HIGH-MOUNTED STOPLAMP
  • Release the brake pedal.
  • Using a scan tool, perform the BCM self-test.
  • Clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and repeat the self-test (required to enable the lamp output driver if DTC U1000:00 is present).
  • Ignition OFF.
  • The ignition is on.
  • While depressing the brake pedal, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C475-1 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes INSTALL a new high-mounted stoplamp.
REFER to: High-Mounted Stoplamp (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
No GO to B6
B5 CHECK THE HIGH-MOUNTED STOPLAMP GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • While depressing the brake pedal, measure:
    Click to display connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C475-1 C475-2

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes INSTALL a new high-mounted stoplamp.
REFER to: High-Mounted Stoplamp (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
No REPAIR the circuit.
B6 CHECK THE HIGH-MOUNTED STOPLAMP POWER FEED CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: BCM C2280E.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C475-1 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to B7
No REPAIR the circuit. After repair:
If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present, VERIFY the system operates correctly.
If DTC U1000:00 is present, CLEAR the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and REPEAT the on-demand 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, Diagnosis and Testing).
B7 CHECK THE HIGH-MOUNTED STOPLAMP POWER FEED CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors
    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C475-1 C2280E-13

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to B13
No REPAIR the circuit.
B8 CHECK THE VOLTAGE AT THE REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: Left rear lamp C414 or right rear lamp C417 not working.
  • The ignition is on.
  • While depressing the brake pedal, measure:
    Click to display connectors

    Left stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C414-5 Ground

    Click to display the connectors

    Right stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C417-5 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes GO to B10
No GO to B9
B9 REPEAT THE ON-DEMAND SELF-TEST AND CHECK THE VOLTAGE AT THE REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY
  • Release the brake pedal.
  • Using a scan tool, perform the BCM self-test.
  • Clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and repeat the self-test (required to enable the lamp output driver).
  • Ignition OFF.
  • The ignition is on.
  • While depressing the brake pedal, measure:
    Click to display connectors

    Left stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C414-5 Ground

    Click to display the connectors

    Right stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C417-5 Ground

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes INSTALL a new rear lamp assembly.
REFER to: Rear Lamp Assembly (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
No GO to B11
B10 CHECK THE REAR STOPLAMP GROUND CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • While depressing the brake pedal, measure:
    Click to display connectors

    Left stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C414-5 C414-1

    Click to display the connectors

    Right stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C417-5 C417-1

Is the voltage greater than 11 volts?
Yes INSTALL a new rear lamp assembly.
REFER to: Rear Lamp Assembly (417-01 Exterior Lighting, Removal and Installation).
No REPAIR the circuit.
B11 CHECK THE REAR STOPLAMP POWER FEED CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND
  • Ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect: BCM C2280E.
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors

    Left stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C414-5 Ground

    Click to display the connectors

    Right stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C417-5 Ground

Is the resistance greater than 10000 Ohms?
Yes GO to B12
No REPAIR the circuit. After repair:
If no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present, VERIFY the system operates correctly.
If DTC U1000:00 is present, CLEAR the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and REPEAT the on-demand 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, Diagnosis and Testing).
B12 CHECK THE REAR STOPLAMP POWER FEED CIRCUIT FOR AN OPEN
  • Action:
    Click to display the connectors

    Left stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C414-5 C2280E-24

    Click to display the connectors

    Right stoplamp


    Positive lead Measurement/Action Negative lead
    C417-5 C2280E-23

Is the resistance less than 3 ohms?
Yes GO to B13
No REPAIR the faulty circuit.
B13 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 concern, STOP this test and FOLLOW the service article instructions. If no service articles apply, INSTALL a new BCM.
REFER to: Body Control Module (BCM) (419-10 Multifunction Electronic Modules, Diagnosis and Testing).
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.

Test yourself

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