I had ordered a euro 3rd brake light from procarparts and am having trouble with what should be a simple swap out.

When I install the euro light, start the car, and take my foot off the brake , it throws a code.

28 TCS

C 1295 H C brake lights

Also get the message to service active handling

If I reinstall the stock 3rd brake light, and clear the error, I no longer get the error and the service active handling message disappears.

This is the second euro light I got from them as I exchanged the first one as all the LED's didn't light and got the same message/error.

Any ideas?

Ray

 

What did procarparts have to say about this issue?

 

I haven't contacted them yet about it, just received the replacement today and wanted to try it out. They did replace the last one, but with them on the west coast and me on the east coast, it takes about 2.5 weeks to get the replacement, so was wondering if I was missing something.

 

Seems to me, the most expedicious route, is to talk to procarparts. If you are experiencing this problem, chances are someone else has, or they know exactly what the problem is. I looked at their website, and they claim this assembly is "plug and play". I'd give them a call.

 

Sent an email off to them.

I was hoping that since so many others had installed them, that I would hear if anyone else ran into this problem.

Ray

 

I called them. They were no help whatsoever. I told them I had a friend who had installed the kit, and what happened. They said that is should be professionally installed. I explained that the website states it is "plug and play", which they acknowledged it should be. Just based on the responses I received, I will never buy anything from them. Not helpful.

 

My guess is that there needs to be some resistance in the circuit to make the problem go away. Surprised that no one else has run into this problem before.

I wonder is procarparts will now take this back!

Ray

 

I am not getting any codes like yours searching the shop manual. Are you sure those are the complete codes listed?

Okay, I did find a DTC C1295

Document ID# 670726
2004 Chevrolet Corvette


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DTC C1295
Circuit Description
The electronic brake control module (EBCM) sources 5 volts on the stop lamp switch signal circuit when the stop lamp switch is inactive. The voltage is supplied a ground path through the stop lamp bulbs.

Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
The stop lamp switch input voltage is between 1.87 volts and 5.03 volts for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
If equipped, the following actions occur:

The EBCM disables the TCS/VSES for the duration of the ignition cycle.
The Traction Control and Active Handling indicator turns ON.
The DIC displays the following messages:
Service Traction System
Service Active Handling
The ABS remains functional.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
Possible causes of this DTC are the following conditions:

A signal circuit of the stop lamp switch is open.
The stop lamp switch is misadjusted.
Verify proper stop lamp switch operation using the data list of the scan tool. As the brake is applied, the data list displays the stop lamp switch ON within 2.54 cm (1 in) of travel.
All brake lamps are open.
All brake lamp grounds are open.
Circuit has a wiring problem, terminal corrosion, or poor connections.
Loose or corroded EBCM ground or ECM ground.
An internal EBCM problem.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

This DTC detects an open stop lamp switch signal circuit from the stoplamp side of the splice pack to the EBCM.

The EBCM sources 5 volts on the stop lamp switch signal circuit. This small voltage has a ground path through the stop lamp bulbs. This DTC sets if the path to ground is open.

Step
Action
Yes
No

Schematic Reference: ABS Schematics

Connector End View Reference: ABS Connector End Views

1
Did you perform the ABS Diagnostic System Check?
Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS

2
Press the brake pedal.
With the scan tool, observe the Stop lamp Switch parameter in the TCS data list.
Does the Stoplamp Switch parameter display Applied?
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 3

3
Test the signal circuit of the stoplamp switch for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 7

4
Press the brake pedal.

Are all of the stop lamps OFF?
Go to Step 5
Go to Diagnostic Aids

5
Test the feed circuit of the stoplamps for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 6

6
Test the ground circuit for the stoplamps for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Diagnostic Aids

7
Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EBCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 8

8
Replace the EBCM. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 9
--

9
Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

That is exactly what is happening.

I currently have LED tail lamps - not stock ones.

My guess is that with the euro (LED) 3rd brake light and LED stop lamps, I no longer have a complete circuit for the detection voltage to have a path to ground once I lift my foot off the brake.

If I remove the euro 3rd brake light and put the stock one back on, everything goes back to normal and I can clear the code.

Ray

 

Ah, I didn't know that you had LED tail lamps, I'm sure you just diagnosed your problem. Good going. Couldn't you fix it by putting a resistor to ground?

 

Yes, I'm thinking of trying out a resistor, but finding the right value is always a challenge and then of course sealing it up to be waterproof.

If anyone else has encountered this problem and has worked out the value, I'd like to know.

Ray

 

You could always wire in a bulb, lots of people do this. You just need to make sure it won't do any "heat" damage where you put (hid) it.

 

nice to know that; helps out those trying to offer solutions?

BTW, the factory CHMSL is a LED unit.

 

Going to try this to see if it makes a difference.

 

That's what I thought - but there must be some difference or I wouldn't be having this difficulty.

 

As a test, I disconnected one of the LED brake lights, and installed the new 3rd brake light. No codes.

Guess I will have to wire in a bulb.

Ray

 

I having the same problem with my led 3rd break light!!!! code 1295 tcs when I turn my lights on.....

 

(1998 Coupe)
I am having the same codes (C1295C and "service active handling").
I am switching to Euro tail lights but after cutting the white wire below the dash I am getting a constant 4.9 Volts (5?) on the high (third) stop lamp? Makes no difference if I turn the key or press the brake pedal.

I have not installed the new harness.

Right now the only stop lamp is the third (LED?) lamp.
Will it help to add more resistance to the brake circuit)
Any help is appreciated:-)

 

If you are getting "input" voltage on the 3rd brake light at the rear (without the pedal being depressed) then you have an issue with the brake switch. Should be 0 volts. With the pedal depressed it should be 12 volts.

The C 1295 circuit is different as you can see in this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k6tkb5w31v...stics.pdf?dl=0


Mr. Sam