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 low reference ground and 5 V reference signal to the ambient light sensor. 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 apply ground to the DRL relay control circuit causing the DRL relay coil to energize. With the DRL relay energized, the switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow through the DRL fuse via the DRL control circuit illuminating the low beam headlamps at reduced intensity. 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 Description and Operation)
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 Beam/DRLs ON and OFF with a scan tool. The low beam headlamps should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the daytime running lights do not change between the commanded states, refer to Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction.
2. Observe the scan tool DRL Status parameter while supplying sufficient light to simulate daylight conditions to the ambient light sensor. After 30 seconds, the parameter should be Active.
• If not the specified value, refer to the Ambient Light Sensor Malfunction.
Circuit/System Testing
Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
2. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal E5 and B+.
3. Command the Low Beam/DRLs 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 X2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
5. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
6. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal F4 and ground.
7. Command the Low Beam/DRLs 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 underhood fuse block.
• If the test lamp is always OFF and the circuit fuse is good, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.
• If the test lamp is always OFF and the circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests 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, test for less than 5 ohm between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
• If greater than the specific range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is greater than 4.65 V.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal A for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the ground circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is less than 0.196 V.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage 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 Bracket Replacement (Removal and Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup, and programming