A rear tail lamp water leak on some 2018-2023 Equinox and Terrain models may result in a no start or extended crank condition, a drained battery, a fuel pump that runs with the key/ignition off or a Service Safety Restraints message on the Driver Information Center (DIC). DTC P12A6 (Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Enable Circuit Performance) and DTC B0073 (Passenger Seat Belt Switch Circuit) also may be set. These conditions may occur if there is water intrusion at the right-side tail lamp from a cracked or broken lens or housing.
Check for damage to the right-side tail lamp lens or housing. (Fig. 5) Water in the housing may migrate through the bulb connector wire strands to the X350 connector, the X320 connector or the Body Control Module (BCM).
Fig. 5
If these conditions are found, inspect the tail lamp bulb connectors for signs of corrosion or water. Replace the tail lamp and bulb connector, if corroded.
TIP: Damaged tail lamps and wiring and/or connector issues caused by the damage are not warrantable repairs unless the tail lamp is found to be defective. Impact and collision damage is not a tail lamp defect.
X350 Connector
If DTC P12A6 is set, check connector X350, which is the Fuel Tank Harness to Body Harness connector under the vehicle. Corrosion in the connector may result in a no start or extended crank condition. (Fig. 6) The water intrusion also can short terminals together, which may cause the fuel pump to continue to run after the key/ignition is turned off and drain the battery.
Fig. 6
If water intrusion or corrosion is found, replace the damaged connector with terminated leads on the body harness side and/or replace the fuel pump control module harness as needed.
X320 Connector
If DTC B0073 is set or a Service Safety Restraints message is displayed on the DIC, check connector X320, Right Front Seat Harness to Body Harness, for any corrosion or water damage. Be sure to disable the SIR system prior to inspection. Make any wiring repairs as needed.
If there is water damage at either connector, also check the BCM connector for any signs of water intrusion. Refer to the appropriate Service Information for repairs to wiring, connectors and terminated leads.
If water intrusion or corrosion is not found, add dielectric grease to the connector and continue with diagnosis following the appropriate Service Information for the set DTC.
For additional information, refer to Bulletin #22-NA-170.
– Thanks to Rob Smith
