Daytime Running Lamp: Description and Operation

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
The ambient light sensor is a light sensitive transistor that varies its voltage signal to the body control module (BCM) in response to changes to the outside (ambient) light level. When the BCM receives this signal it will either turn on the daytime running lamps (DRL) or the headlights for auto headlamp operation. Any function or condition that turns on the headlights will cancel the daytime running lamps operation. With the headlight switch in the OFF position, the headlights will either be turned ON or OFF, after an approximate 8-second delay depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed. The DRL will operate when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the gear selector is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is released. When these conditions have been met and the ambient light sensor indicates daytime conditions, the DRL will illuminate.

DRL operation in Manual Transmission equipped vehicles will occur when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, and the parking brake is released.

The automatic lamp control (ALC) system and the DRL feature, except the Canadian version, can be temporarily disabled by performing the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN.
2. Press the DOME OVERRIDE button 4 times within 6 seconds.

A chime will sound informing you that the system is OFF. The system will remain disabled until the ignition is cycled off and then on or by pressing the DOME OVERRIDE button 4 more times within 6 seconds. The chime will sound again signaling that the system has been reactivated.