Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Chevrolet >> 2011 >> Cruze L4-1.8L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Lighting and Horns >> Testing and Inspection >> Headlamps Malfunction

Headlamps Malfunction




Headlamps 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

Low Beam

The vehicle headlamps are controlled by the body control module (BCM) based on inputs from the headlamp switch and the turn signal/multi-function switch. The headlamp switch has 4 positions: Off, Auto, Parking light, and Low beam. For vehicles equipped with ambient light sensor the default headlamp switch position is Auto, in which the BCM uses the ambient light sensor to determine when headlamps are needed. When in the Off position, the headlamp switch grounds the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit, prompting the BCM to turn OFF the headlamps. The park position of the headlamp switch will only illuminate the vehicle parking lamps. The headlamp position of the headlamp switch will illuminate both the parking lamps, as well has the headlamps. With the headlamp switch in the headlamp position, the headlamp switch headlamps on signal circuit is grounded, prompting the BCM to turn on the headlamps, regardless of other factors such as ambient light.

High Beam

The headlamp high beams are controlled through the flash to pass switch and the headlamp dimmer switch, both located in the turn signal/multi-function switch. The flash to pass switch is a momentary type switch, designed to illuminate the high beams as long as the switch is held. With the switch closed, the flash to pass switch signal circuit is grounded, prompting the BCM to turn on the high beam lamps. The headlamp dimmer switch allows the operator to select between full time high or low beam operation. Unlike the flash to pass switch, it is not a momentary switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch is in the high beam position, the headlamp dimmer switch high beam signal circuit is grounded. This prompts the BCM to turn on the high beam lamps.

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 (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Headlamp On Switch parameter while cycling the headlamp switch between the ON and OFF positions. The parameter should cycle between Active and Inactive.

• If the parameter does not cycle between the specified values, refer to Headlamp Switch Malfunction.

2. With the low beams ON, observe the scan tool Headlamps Flash Switch parameter while pulling and releasing the turn signal/multifunction switch. The parameter should cycle between Active and Inactive.

• If the parameter does not cycle between the specified values, refer to Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch Malfunction.

3. With the low beams ON, observe the scan tool High Beam Select Switch parameter while switching the Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch between the low and high beam positions. The parameter should cycle between Active and Inactive.

• If the parameter does not cycle between the specified values, refer to Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch Malfunction.

4. Command the Low Beams ON and OFF with a scan tool. Verify the low beam headlamps turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

• If the low beam headlamps do not cycle between the commanded states, refer to Low Beam Headlamp Malfunction.

5. Command the High Beams ON and OFF with a scan tool. Verify the low beam headlamps turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

• If the high beam headlamps do not cycle between the commanded states, refer to High Beam Headlamp Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

Headlamp Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S30 Headlamp Switch.
2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ground circuit terminal 6 and B+.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the signal circuit terminals listed below and ground:

* Headlamp switch low beams ON signal terminal 4
* Park lamp switch ON signal terminal 3
* Headlamp switch OFF signal terminal 5

• If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the park lamp ON signal circuit terminal 3 and ground. Verify the scan tool Parklamp Switch parameter changes from Inactive to Active.

• If always Inactive, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

• If always Active, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the low beams ON signal circuit terminal 4 and ground. Verify the scan tool Headlamp On Switch parameter changes from Inactive to Active.

• If always Inactive, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

• If always Active, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

6. Remove the jumper wire. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground. Verify the scan tool Automatic Headlamp Disable Switch parameter is briefly Active.

• If always Inactive, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

• If always Active, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

7. If all circuits test normal, replace the S30 Headlamp Switch.

Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the turn S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the C1 Battery.
3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 3 and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

4. Reconnect the negative terminal to the C1 Battery.
5. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Headlamps Flash Switch parameter is Inactive.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 4 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

6. Verify the scan tool High Beam Select Switch parameter is Inactive.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 2 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

7. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 4 and ground. Verify the scan tool Headlamps Flash Switch parameter is Active.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or and open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

8. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 2 and ground. Verify the scan tool High Beam Select Switch parameter is Active.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.

Low Beam Headlamp Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate headlamp.
2. Test for less than 5 ohm between the appropriate headlamp ground circuit harness connector listed below and ground.

* E13L Headlamp Assembly - Left ground circuit harness connector terminal 3
* E13R Headlamp Assembly - Right ground circuit harness connector terminal 3

• If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Connect a test lamp between the appropriate headlamp control circuit harness connector listed below and ground.

* E13L Headlamp Assembly - Left signal circuit harness connector terminal 2
* E13R Headlamp Assembly - Right signal circuit harness connector terminal 2

4. Command the appropriate Headlamp Low Beam test 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 signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

5. If all the circuits test normal, replace the appropriate headlamp.

High Beam Headlamp Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the appropriate harness connector at headlamp lamp listed below:

* E13L Headlamp Assembly - Left
* E13R Headlamp Assembly - Right

2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the C1 Battery.
3. Test for less than 5 ohm between the appropriate headlamp ground circuit harness connector terminal 3 and ground.

• If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

4. Reconnect the negative terminal to the C1 Battery.
5. Remove the appropriate fuse listed below:

* F38UA Left High Beam
* F37UA Right High Beam

6. Verify that the headlamp does not illuminate.

• If the headlamp does illuminate, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage.

7. Install a 10 A fused jumper wire between appropriate fuse output contact and B+ Verify that the appropriate high beam illuminates.

• If the high beam lamp does not illuminate, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the appropriate bulb.

8. Disconnect the X2 harness connector at the X50A Fuse Block - Underhood.
9. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal 58 X2 and B+.
10. Ignition ON, switch the high beam lamps ON and OFF by using the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch. The test lamp should go ON and OFF.

• If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 Body Control Module.

11. If all circuit test normal, replace the X50A Fuse Block - Underhood.

Component Testing

Static Test - Headlamp Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S30 Headlamp Switch.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 3 and the ground terminal 6 with the switch in the park lamp position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S30 Headlamp Switch.

3. Test for less than 2 ohm between the signal terminal 5 and the ground terminal 6 with the switch in the OFF position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S30 Headlamp Switch.

4. Test for less than 2 ohm between the signal terminal 4 and the ground terminal 6 with the switch in the low beam position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S30 Headlamp Switch.

5. Test for less than 2 ohm between the signal terminal 3 and the ground terminal 6 with the switch in the park lamp position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S30 Headlamp Switch.

Static Test - Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness at the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 4 and the ground terminal 3 with the flash to pass switch in the open position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminal 2 and the ground terminal 3 with the headlamp dimmer switch in the low beam position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.

4. Test for less than 2 ohm between the signal terminal 4 and the ground terminal 3 with the flash to pass switch in the closed position.

• If not the specified value, replace the turn S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.

5. Test for less than 2 ohm between the signal terminal 2 and the ground terminal 3 with the headlamp dimmer switch in the high beam position.

• If not the specified value, replace the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.

Repair Instructions

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

* Headlamp Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Turn Signal Switch Replacement (Turn Signal Switch Replacement)
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Headlamp Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup and programming

pro multis · About Operation CHARM