Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction
Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.2 and 4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The body control module (BCM) provides a 5-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine if outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lights (DRL) or automatic lamp control (ALC) when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. In daylight conditions, the BCM will command the DRLs ON by applying ground to the DRL relay via the DRL relay control circuit. When the BCM applies ground to the DRL relay control circuit, the DRL relay coil energizes causing the relay switch contacts to close. With the DRL relay switch contacts closed, battery voltage flows through the DRL 1 and DRL 2 fuses to the left and right LO HDLP fuses to the low beam headlamps. The DRL control circuit that supplies the low beam headlamp fuses with voltage contains a loop of wire that acts as resistance. This resistance is responsible for the low beam headlamps illuminating at a reduced intensity. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics (Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, Headlamps OFF, command the Low Beams ON and OFF with a scan tool. The low beam headlamps should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the low beam headlamps do not change between the commanded states, refer to Headlamps Malfunction (Headlamps Malfunction).
2. Command the DRLs ON and OFF with a scan tool. The daytime running lamps should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the daytime running lamps do not change between the commanded states, refer to Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction.
3. Observe the scan tool Ambient Light Status parameter while supplying sufficient light to simulate daylight conditions to the ambient light sensor. After 30 seconds, the parameter should be Day.
• If not the specified value, refer to Ambient Light Sensor Malfunction.
Circuit/System Testing
Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X4 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
2. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal H4 and B+.
3. Command the DRL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Ignition OFF, connect the X4 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
5. Remove the DRL 2 fuse from the underhood fuse block.
6. Connect a test lamp between the relay control circuit of the DRL 2 fuse and ground.
7. Command the DRL ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit terminal A3 X1 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit terminal A3 X1 for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.
8. If all circuits test normal, replace the underhood fuse block.
Ambient Light Sensor Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient light sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, scan tool OFF, doors CLOSED, test for less than 5.0 ohm between the ground circuit terminal listed below and ground.
* Terminal B - (C67/C42)
* Terminal C - (CJ2)
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is greater than 4.5 V.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal listed below for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
* Terminal A - (C67/C42)
* Terminal D - (CJ2)
4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal listed below and ground. Verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is less than 0.196 V.
* Terminal A - (C67/C42)
* Terminal D - (CJ2)
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM
5. If all circuits test normal, replace the ambient light sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Ambient Light Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement (Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup, and programming