B3838

DTC B3838

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



DTC Descriptor
DTC B3838
- Park Lamp Signal Circuit




Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

B+ is applied at all times to the park lamp relay. When the headlamp switch is placed in either the PARK or HEAD position, ground is applied through the park lamp switch on signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then applies a ground to the park lamp relay control circuit. This energizes the relay and applies voltage through the park lamps.


Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON. The park lamps are commanded ON.


Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a short to ground or an open/high resistance on the park lamp relay control circuit while trying to energize the relay.


Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM disables the park lamp relay control for the remainder of the ignition cycle.


Conditions for Clearing the DTC

* The conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present
* A history DTC clears after 100 malfunction-free ignition cycles



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics (Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for Scan Tool Information


Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, command the Parking Lamps ON and OFF with a scan tool. The park lamps should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.


Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PK LAMPS relay.
2. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal M3 and B+.
3. Ignition ON, command the Parking Lamps 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. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the PK LAMPS relay.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.


Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for BCM replacement, setup, and programming