Hello all, long time reader of these forums, first time poster. Unfortunately having an issue with my Vette that I'm hoping for some help with.

Car has been showing the service active handling message on the dic recently. I also noticed my brake lights were on all the time, unless I pressed the brake pedal then they would go out and come back on about 2-5 seconds after releasing the pedal. First time this happened was just over a month ago, took it to the dealer and they found codes C0710 and C0161. They replaced the steering position sensor and brake switch/sensor and all was well until last Saturday evening.

Saturday I got the service active handling message on the dic as well as the brake lights malfunctioning again. So first thing Monday morning I took the car back to the dealership to let them check it all out. Car had thrown code C0161 again and I was informed that the computer had not retained the programming for the brakes. The dealership reprogrammed the computer(ebcm?) and checked the car multiple times throughout the day with no issues found, thankfully at no charge to me.

Fast forward to today and I noticed my brake lights were acting up again (chrome grills are a nice mirror ) but no messages on the dic yet. About 5 min later heading home the message came back up on the dic.

Anyone able to offer any advice or help that might help me fix this without going back to the dealer or perhaps information that I can bring with me to the dealer to help get this issue resolved. I don't have the time or the patience to keep bringing the car in every month, or recently every week, trying to get this resolved.

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance .

 

I would check for a possible battery issue or a poor ground.

Good luck.

 

First, you really don't know for sure that you have the same code causing the Service Active Handling Message.

Here is the Service Manual diagnostic for C0161:
DTC C0161
Diagnostic Instructions
DTC Descriptor DTC C0161 00: Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Switch/Sensor Circuit not Plausible.

Circuit/System Description
The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends a serial data message to the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and other electronic control modules. The BPP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The instrument panel module (IPM) supplies the 5-volt reference to the BPP.

Conditions for Running the DTC
• The ignition is ON.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
• The ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
• The brake pedal is sensed as applied.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The vehicles acceleration exceeds 8 km/h per second (5 mph per second).
• Brake pedal is not applied.
• Master cylinder pressure is greater than 150 psi.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 24 km/h (14 mph).
• The vehicles deceleration exceeds 11.5 km/h per second (7 mph per second).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The ABS/TCS/ESC 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
The DTC C0161 00 can be set if the vehicle has been driven with the brake applied during acceleration.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation Reference
ABS Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Wiring Repairs
• Connector Repairs

Circuit/System Verification
With the ignition ON, use a scan tool to display DTCs for the BCM.

⇒ If DTC C0277 or C0278 are present, go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.

⇒ If no DTCs are present, go to Diagnostic Aids.

Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.




Hope this helps to show you what is involved.

Bill

 

Thank you very much, that's actually very helpful. Explains why the message always tripped when it did. As of yesterday morning the car is at the dealership so at this point hoping they find more than just clear the code and reset the programming.

 

I read this and it looked like I could of written it...

Bought an '08 2 weeks ago and had exact same problems. First time taking it to the dealer they calibrated brake sensor, and 2 days later I had brake lights on again when not pushing on brake, and the opposite.

Took it back to the dealer and they replaced the whole bcm. Hoping this will take care of the problem.

Car is out of warranty, but gladly dealership took care of us and didn't charge $$$$. Except OVER $300 for a spare key!!!!

 

Hi everyone. I have been following the SAHS threads for a while as I have similar problems with my 07 auto. I no longer get the SAHS message, but do have the brake lights sticking on and/or off and the difficuility getting the trans out of park.
The dealer has tried a new BPPS and BCM to no avail. They say the codes are C0161 and C0277-06. Anyone have an idea on what maybe happining? Thx, Fred.

 

Clueless...
I had the issue and dealer "fixed" it with new BCM. I jumped for joy as that cured the issue. At least for 6 months and 6,000 miles because the SAH is back. Started ~ a month ago. No brake light issue, just message. Code is unchanged at C0161. Felt ok this time because it had appeared the second BCM crapped out but within warranty. Then your post states the BCM change made no difference. Ugh

And Chevy just gave us a new C7 loaded with electronic handling nannies. I can only imagine the issues on the horizon for thousands of new owners

 

There's a "sticky" at the top of this forum, lots of info about this.

 

The sticky is about the recall due to steering sensor issues not issues with the brake pedal position sensor. Two different things. The Service Message just means you have to investigate a problem and that the Active Handling system has been shut down for that ignition cycle.


Bill

 

Good point.