C0277 Brake pedal position sensor fault (GM)

C0277 brake pedal position sensor

C0277 in short

On Chevrolet and Pontiac, C0277 means the brake pedal position sensor has a fault. Brake lights may stay on or not work, cruise control and stability control may stop, and shifting out of park can take extra travel. Get it checked soon, because working brake lights matter.

The brake pedal position sensor tells the body and brake modules when you press the pedal. It drives the brake lights, cruise cancel and shift lock.

GM's bulletin for 2005 and later cars lists brake lights not working correctly, long travel to shift out of park and cruise control inoperative with C0161 and C0277. A 2018 Malibu bulletin adds Service Stabilitrak and traction control.

Dealer records on a Malibu replaced the sensor, cleaned and greased the connector and relearned the sensor; a Pontiac owner's repeat failure shows replacement alone may not end it.

Pick your make

C0277 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Brake pedal position sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Dealer and shop records on a Malibu and G6 replaced the sensor for C0277.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appears with brake lights staying on or off wrongly. Falls if sensor data tracks the pedal.

  2. Corroded BCM or sensor connector

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The Malibu repair also cleaned and greased the BCM connector.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector shows corrosion or the fault is intermittent. Falls if clean.

  3. Procedure in GM bulletin 08-05-22-009 or 19-NA-202

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    GM issued these for the code on Malibu and related cars; details are not in the summary.
    What would change this
    Rises if your model and year match a bulletin.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Check whether the brake lights work with the pedal pressed and stay off when released.

    Low risk

  2. Ask a dealer whether a GM bulletin applies to your VIN.

    Low risk

Symptoms

  • Brake lights stay on or do not work correctly
  • Cruise control not working
  • Extra pedal travel needed to shift out of park
  • Service Stabilitrak or traction control light
  • Brake lights lit constantly with less responsive braking Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Body control module (BCM):Dealers also cleaned the module connector. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • SB-08-05-22-009AStatus unverified

    Brake lights, park shift, cruise with C0161/C0277

    2005malibu · issued · NHTSA 10032206

    Perform the repair outlined in GM bulletin 08-05-22-009; NHTSA summary only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 19NA202Status unverified

    Stabilitrak message, stop lamps, C0595/C0277/U0422

    2018malibu · issued · NHTSA 10166628

    Correct the condition by the GM procedure; summary only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Pontiac

  • 2008 · G6

    Supported by vehicle data

    A G6 owner had C0277 read as the pedal position sensor and the problem returned after replacement. Based on complaints.

  • C0161ABS computer does not trust the brake pedal switch signal

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list C0161 with C0277 for brake pedal position faults.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C0277 questions

Why are my brake lights always on?

A faulty brake pedal position sensor is one cause GM names with C0277. Have it checked.

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 10400984: 2008 Pontiac G6, C0277 brake pedal position sensor — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  2. Chevrolet SB-08-05-22-009A: CHEVROLET/PONTIAC/SATURN: INTERMITTENTLY BRAKE LIGHTS (STOP LAMPS) DO NOT FUNCTION CORREC — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10032206)
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10577667: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, C0277 BCM code — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. Chevrolet 19NA202: This Technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct conditions of Service Stabilitrak — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10166628)
  5. Cadillac PIT-5122-C: GENERAL MOTORS: SERVICE STABILITY MESSAGE LOW POWER BRAKE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL OPERATI — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10044879)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
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