Chassis code C0161?

WANDERTOAL

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

Brake lights on, with key on and headlights selected off brake lights still on as well as third brake light. Lights do extinguish with key off.
Traction control & stabilitrack message illuminate after a few moments of driving. ABS/ brake message not illuminated. Messages reset after key off.
Instrument panel lights will not dim, full bright.
Brake switch has been replaced.
Reseated connector @ the EBCM same condition remains.
Wiring appears to be intact from what I can see.
Can I pull the fuse and disable the EBCM to troubleshoot?

Friday, December 12th, 2025 AT 2:34 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,217 POSTS

So, if you pull up on the brake pedal does the lights go off? Also, if you unplug the brake light switch does the brake lights go off? The brake light switch feeds directly into the BCM so if the switch is working correctly the BCM is to blame so I would double check your work on that.

C0161 - ABS / Traction Control Brake Switch Circuit Malfunction

The switch is pretty straight forward, also you might have a defective switch, did it have this problem before changing out the switch? Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or a short video in your response

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