Interior Backlighting Malfunction
Interior Backlighting Malfunction
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.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The instrument panel (I/P) lamp dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. The I/P dimmer switch provides a voltage signal that will increase as the brightness of the light are increased and decrease as the brightness of the lights are decreased. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 12 volt reference to the I/P dimmer switch. When the I/P dimmer switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the I/P dimmer switch through the I/P dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets the signal and applies the dimmed voltage to the I/P lamps supply voltage circuit and the interior backlighting components dim to the requested level. The BCM also sends a GMLAN serial data message to the driver and front passenger door modules indicating the dimmed level. The door modules respond by supplying there respective switch backlighting with the appropriate voltage for the desired dimmed setting.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Interior Lights Dimming Schematics (Interior Lights Dimming Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Interior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Interior 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, observe the scan tool dimming control signal parameter while operating the dimmer switch from high to low. The reading should change from a high percent to a low percent as the switch is activated.
If the reading does not change, refer to Dimmer Switch Malfunction.
Circuit/System Testing
Dimmer Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the I/P Dimmer switch.
2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit terminal 10.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool dimming control signal parameter is less than 0.0 volts.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 9 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Ignition ON, test for 12 volts between the voltage reference circuit terminal 5 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the voltage reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the voltage reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 9 and the 12 volt reference circuit terminal 5. Verify the scan tool dimming control signal parameter is greater than 2.5 volts.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the I/P dimmer switch.
Interior Backlighting Malfunction - Incandescent
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the component with the inoperative incandescent backlighting.
2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the I/P lamps dimmer switch signal circuit and ground.
4. Command the incandescent dimming control 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 OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the component with the inoperative incandescent backlighting.
Interior Backlighting Malfunction - LED
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the BCM.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the BCM 2 fuse voltage supply circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition OFF, reconnect the X3 harness connector at the BCM.
4. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the component with the inoperative LED backlighting.
5. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
6. Connect a test lamp between the dimming control circuit and ground.
7. Command the LED dimming control 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 OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the component with the inoperative LED backlighting.
Front Door Switch Indicator Malfunction - LED
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the inoperative front door switch LED.
2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit terminal A.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
4. Command the switch dimming feed 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 voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the appropriate door control module.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the appropriate door control module.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate front door switch LED.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement (Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement)
* Driver Information Display Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Instrument Panel Lamp Dimmer Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement - Driver Side (Service and Repair)
* Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement - Passenger Side (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM, DDM, or PDM replacement, setup, and programming