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B257B




DTC B257B

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.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B257B 03
- Lighting Control Switch Signal Low Voltage

DTC B257B 07
- Lighting Control Switch Signal High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. The instrument panel dimmer switch provides a voltage signal that will increase as the brightness of the lights are increased and decrease as the brightness of the lights are decreased. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a B+ voltage reference to the instrument panel dimmer switch. When the instrument panel dimmer switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the instrument panel dimmer switch through the instrument panel dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets the signal and applies a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage through the LED dimming 1 and dimming 2 control circuits illuminating the interior backlighting to the requested level of brightness.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* Battery voltage must be between 9-16 V.

* Park Lamps ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC B257B 03

* The BCM detects a short to ground or an open/high resistance in the instrument panel dimmer switch B+ circuit.

* The BCM detects a short to ground or an open/high resistance in the instrument panel dimmer switch signal circuit.

DTC B257B 07

The BCM detects a short to voltage in the instrument panel dimmer switch signal circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM will not dim any interior backlighting. All interior backlighting will default to the level selected prior to the fault being present.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

* The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.

* A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Interior Lights Dimming Schematics Interior Lights Dimming Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly

Description and Operation

Interior Lighting Systems Description and Operation Interior 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 Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S30 headlamp switch, ignition ON.

2. Test for B+ between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground.

If less than B+

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the B+ circuit and ground.

If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the B+ circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

If B+

3. Verify the scan tool LED Backlight Dimming Command parameter is greater than 40%.

If 40% or less

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the K9 body control module, ignition ON.

2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit terminal 12 and ground.

If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.

If less than 1 V, replace the K9 body control module.

If greater than 40%

4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 12 and the B+ circuit terminal 1.

5. Verify the scan tool LED Backlight Dimming Command parameter is less than 30%.

If 30% or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the K9 body control module.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit and ground.

If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

If infinite resistance

3. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, replace the K9 body control module.

If less than 30%

6. Test or replace the S30 headlamp switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.

* Headlamp, Instrument Panel Lamp Dimmer, and Fog Lamp Switch Replacement Service and Repair

* Control Module References Control Module References for BCM replacement, programming, and setup