B257A
DTC B257A
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.
DTC Descriptor
DTC B257A 00
-
Headlamp Switch Input Signals Mismatch
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
When the headlamp and panel dimmer switch is placed in the AUTO position, the body control module (BCM) receives a ground signal through the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit. The headlamp and panel dimmer switch headlamps ON signal circuit and the park lamp switch signal circuit are both open and have no ground signal. When the headlamp and panel dimmer switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position, the BCM will receive a ground signal through the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit and the park lamp switch signal circuit. The headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit will be open and have no ground signal.
Conditions for Running the DTC
Battery voltage must be between 9-16 V
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The BCM detects a short to ground on the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit or the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit.
Actions Taken When the DTC Sets
* The low beam headlamps are always ON in the AUTO position. The headlamp switch operates in all positions other than AUTO. The AUTO headlamp defeat is inoperative.
* The low beam headlamps are always ON. The BCM disregards all headlamp switch inputs.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
* A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.
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 End Views By Name
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 Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the BCM.
2. Connect a test lamp between B+ and the signal circuit terminal 17.
3. Turn the headlamp switch between the AUTO and AUTO disable positions. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF as the switch is cycled.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the headlamp and panel dimmer switch.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit test normal, replace the headlamp and panel dimmer switch.
4. Connect a test lamp between B+ and the signal circuit terminal 3.
5. Turn the headlamp switch to the ON and OFF positions. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF as the switch is cycled.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the headlamp and panel dimmer switch.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit test normal, replace the headlamp and panel dimmer switch.
6. If all circuits test normal, replace the BCM.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Headlamp Switch Replacement (Cadillac) Service and RepairHeadlamp Switch Replacement (Except Cadillac) Service and Repair
* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming