Exterior Lighting Systems

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

The exterior lighting system consist of the following lamps:

* Backup lamps

* Daytime running lamps (DRL)

* Front fog lamps

* Hazard warning lamps

* Headlamps

* Park, tail, license, and marker lamps

* Stop lamps

* Turn signal lamps

Low Beam Headlamps - without T4F

The body control module (BCM) monitors three signal circuits from the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, all three signal circuits are open. When placed in the AUTO position, the BCM monitors inputs from the ambient light sensor to determine if headlamps are required or if daytime running lamps will be activated based on outside lighting conditions. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit is grounded, indicating to the BCM that the exterior lamps should be turned OFF. With the headlamp switch in the PARK position, the headlamp switch park lamps ON signal circuit is grounded, indicating that the park lamps have been requested. When the headlamp switch is placed in the HEADLAMP position, both the headlamp switch park lamps ON signal circuit and the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit are grounded. The BCM responds to the inputs by illuminating the park lamps and headlamps. When the low beam headlamps are requested, the BCM applies B+ to both low beam headlamp control circuits illuminating the low beam headlamps.

The BCM will also command the low beam headlamps ON during daylight conditions when the following conditions are met:

* Headlamp switch in the AUTO position

* Windshield wipers ON

* Vehicle in any gear but PARK - automatic transmission

* Vehicle in motion - manual transmission

When the BCM commands the low beam headlamps ON, the operator will notice the interior backlighting for the instrument cluster and the various other switches dim to the level of brightness selected by the instrument panel dimmer switch.

Low Beam Headlamps - with T4F

The body control module (BCM) monitors three signal circuits from the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, all three signal circuits are open. When placed in the AUTO position, the BCM monitors inputs from the ambient light sensor to determine if headlamps are required or if daytime running lamps will be activated based on outside lighting conditions. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit is grounded, indicating to the BCM that the exterior lamps should be turned OFF. With the headlamp switch in the PARK position, the headlamp switch park lamps ON signal circuit is grounded, indicating that the park lamps have been requested. When the headlamp switch is placed in the HEADLAMP position, both the headlamp switch park lamps ON signal circuit and the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit are grounded. The BCM responds to the low beam request by applying ground to the low beam relay control circuit which energizes the low beam relay. With the low beam relay energized, the switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow through the low beam fuses. Battery voltage is then applied from the fuses, through the low beam control circuits to the left and right headlamp ballast located in each headlamp assembly. When battery voltage is applied to the headlamp ballast through the low beam control circuits, the ballast charge the starter to start the lamp. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps do not have filaments like traditional bulbs, instead the starter uses a high voltage transformer to convert the input voltage into a higher voltage. This increased voltage is used in order to create an arc between the electrodes in the bulb. Ground for the left headlamp is provided at G101 and the right headlamp at G102.

The BCM will also command the low beam headlamps ON during daylight conditions when the following conditions are met:

* Headlamp switch in the AUTO position

* Windshield wipers ON

* Vehicle in any gear but PARK - automatic transmission

* Vehicle in motion - manual transmission

When the BCM commands the low beam headlamps ON, the operator will notice the interior backlighting for the instrument cluster and the various other switches dim to the level of brightness selected by the instrument panel dimmer switch.

Run Up Of The Lamp

Each ballast requires higher amperage in order to ensure normal startup and run up of the lamp. Run up is the term used to describe the extra power level given to the bulb. The input current during the steady state operation is lower that the start up amperage. After the lamp receives the strike from the starter and the arc is established, the ballast uses its operating voltage in order to provide the run up power needed in order to keep the lamp on. The lamp rapidly increases in intensity from a dim glow to a very high-intensity, bright light called a steady state. Within a few seconds of the arc being established in the bulb, the majority of steady state is complete. 100 percent of the steady state is completed shortly there after. A high watt power level is necessary in order to bring the lamp to a steady state in such a short period of time.

When To Change The HID Bulb

Bulb failure, end of life occurs when the bulb gets old and becomes unstable. The bulb may begin shutting itself off sporadically and unpredictably at first, perhaps only once during a 24-hour period. When the bulb begins shutting itself off occasionally, the ballast will automatically turn the bulb back on again within 0.5 seconds. The ballast will re-strike the bulb so quickly that the bulb may not appear to have shut off. As the bulb ages, the bulb may begin to shut off more frequently, eventually over 30 times per minute. When the bulb begins to shut off more frequently, the ballast receives excessive, repetitive current input. Repetitive and excessive restarts or re-strikes, without time for the ballast to cool down, will permanently damage the ballast. As a safeguard, when repetitive re-strikes are detected, the ballast will not attempt to re-strike the lamp. The ballast then shuts down and the bulb goes out.

The following symptoms are noticeable signs of bulb failure:

* Flickering light, caused in the early stages of bulb failure

* Lights go out, caused when the ballast detects excessive, repetitive bulb re-strike

* Color change - the lamp may change to a dim pink glow

Input power to the ballast must be terminated in order to reset the ballast's fault circuitry. In order to terminate the input power to the ballast, turn the lights off and back on again. Turning the lights off and back on again resets all of the fault circuitry within the ballast until the next occurrence of excessive, repetitive bulb re-strikes. When excessive, repetitive bulb re-strikes occur, replace the starter/arc tube assembly. The ballast will begin the start-up process when the starter/arc tube assembly is replaced. Repeatedly resetting the input power can overheat the internal components and cause permanent damage to the ballast. Allow a few minutes of cool-down time in between reset attempts.

Light Color

White light has a different color rating than regular headlamps. The range of white light that is acceptable is broad when compared to halogens. Therefore, some variation in headlight coloring between the right and left headlamp will be normal. One high intensity discharge (HID) at the end of the normal range may appear considerably different in color from one at the other end of the range. Difference in color is normal. Replace the arc tube only if the arc tube is determined to be at the bulb failure stage.

High Beam Headlamps - without T4F

When the low beam headlamps are ON and the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in the high beam position, ground is applied to the BCM through the high beam signal circuit. The BCM responds to the high beam request by applying ground to the high beam relay control circuit which energizes the high beam relay. With the high beam relay energized, the switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow through the left and right high beam fuses to the high beam control circuits illuminating the left and right high beam headlamps. Each headlamp is permanently grounded at ground G101 for the left headlamp and ground G102 for the right headlamp.

High Beam Headlamps - with T4F

When the low beam headlamps are ON and the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in the high beam position, ground is applied to the BCM through the high beam signal circuit. The BCM responds to the high beam request by applying ground to the high beam relay control circuit which energizes the high beam relay. With the high beam relay energized, the switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow through the left and right high beam fuses to the high beam control circuits and on to the left and right high beam solenoid actuators within the headlamp assemblies. Once the high beam solenoid actuators are active, the solenoid shutters open in each headlamp assembly exposing the remaining portion of the headlamp that was covered by the shutters illuminating the high beams at full intensity. Each headlamp is permanently grounded at ground G101 for the left headlamp and ground G102 for the right headlamp.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) - without HID

The daytime running lamps (DRL) will illuminate the right and left low beam headlamps continuously. The DRLs will operate when the following conditions are met:

* The ignition is in the RUN or CRANK position

* The shift lever is out of the PARK position for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions or the parking brake is released for vehicles with manual transmissions

* The low and high beam headlamps are OFF

With Manual HVAC

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 which is permanently grounded at G203. The 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 low beam headlamps ON. The low beam headlamps are the designated DRL's. During low light conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

With Automatic HVAC

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 and the HVAC control module provides a low reference ground. The 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 low beam headlamps ON. The low beam headlamps are the designated DRL's. During low light conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) - with HID

The daytime running lamps (DRL) will illuminate continuously when the following conditions are met:

* The ignition is in the RUN or CRANK position

* The shift lever is out of the PARK position for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions or the parking brake is released for vehicles with manual transmissions

* The low and high beam headlamps are OFF

With Manual HVAC

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 which is permanently grounded at G203. The 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 designated DRLs ON. During low light conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

With Automatic HVAC

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 and the HVAC control module provides a low reference ground. The 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 designated DRLs ON. During low light conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

Flash to Pass (FTP)

When the turn signal/multifunction switch is momentarily placed in the flash to pass (FTP) position, ground is applied from G203 to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal/multifunction switch applies ground to the body control module (BCM) through the FTP switch signal circuit. The BCM then applies ground to the high beam relay control circuit. This energizes the high beam relay, closing the switch side contacts of the high beam relay, applying battery voltage to the left and right high beam fuses. Battery voltage is applied from the high beam fuses through the high beam control circuit to the high beam headlamp assemblies. This causes the high beam headlamps to illuminate at full brightness momentarily.

Front Fog Lamps

The front fog lamp switch is an input to the body control module (BCM) and is contained in the headlamp switch assembly. The BCM supplies voltage to the front fog lamp switch via the front fog lamp and I/P dimmer switch B+ circuit. When the front fog lamp switch is pressed, voltage from the B+ circuit is pulled down through the front fog lamp switch resistor. The front fog lamp resistor is part of the resistor ladder that also provides the dimming signals for the I/P dimmer switches. The BCM receives the voltage signal through the front fog lamp and I/P dimmer switch signal circuit.

The front fog lamp relay is supplied with battery voltage at all times. The front fog lamp switch signal circuit is grounded momentarily by pressing the front fog lamp switch. The body control module (BCM) energizes the front fog lamp relay by applying ground to the front fog lamp relay control circuit. When the front fog lamp relay is energized, the relay switch contacts close and battery voltage is applied through the front fog lamp fuse to the front fog lamp control circuit which illuminates the front fog lamps.

Hazard Lamps

The hazard flashers may be activated in any power mode. The hazard switch signal circuit is momentarily grounded when the hazard switch is pressed. The body control module (BCM) responds to the hazard switch signal input by supplying battery voltage to all four turn signal lamps in an ON and OFF duty cycle. When the hazard switch is activated, the BCM sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting both turn signal indicators to be cycled ON and OFF.

The I/P dimmer switch controls are located on the headlamp switch assembly and are used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. When the I/P dimmer switch is placed in a desired brightness position, the body control module (BCM) receives a signal from the I/P dimmer switch and responds by applying a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage to the hazard switch light emitting diode (LED) backlighting control circuit illuminating the LED to the desired level of brightness.

Park, Tail, and License Lamps

When the headlamp switch is placed in the HEAD or PARK position, ground is applied to the park lamp switch ON signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM responds by applying voltage to the park lamps, tail lamps, and license lamps control circuits illuminating the park, tail, and license lamps.

Stop Lamps

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The BPP sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the BPP sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to the left and right stop lamp control circuits as well as the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) control circuit illuminating the left and right stop lamps and the CHMSL.

Turn Signal Lamps

Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START positions. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through either the right turn or left turn signal switch signal circuit. The BCM responds to the turn signal switch input by applying a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps through there respective control circuits. When a turn signal request is received by the BCM, a serial data message is sent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the respective turn signal indicator be pulsed ON and OFF.

Backup Lamps

With the engine ON and the transmission in the REVERSE position, the transmission control module (TCM) sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM). The message indicates that the gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The BCM applies battery voltage to the backup lamps control circuit illuminating the backup lamps. Once the driver moves the gear selector out of the REVERSE position, a message is sent by the TCM via serial data requesting the BCM to remove battery voltage from the backup lamps control circuit. The engine must be ON for the backup lamps to operate.

Battery Run Down Protection/Inadvertent Power

To provide battery run down protection, the exterior lamps will be deactivated automatically under certain conditions. The BCM monitors the state of the headlamp switch. If the park or headlamp switch is ON when the ignition switch is placed in either the CRANK or RUN position and then placed in the OFF position, the BCM initiates a 10 min timer. At the end of the 10 min, the BCM will turn off the control power output to the park lamp controls as well as the headlamp relay coils, deactivating the exterior lamps. This feature will be cancelled if any power mode other than OFF becomes active. The BCM will disable battery run down protection if any of the following conditions exist. The park or headlamp switch is placed in the ON to OFF position, and back to the ON position during battery run down protection. The BCM determined that the park or headlamp switch was not active when the ignition was turned OFF.