Lamps/Lighting - Exterior

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

NOTE:
- When diagnosing the exterior lighting circuits, remember that high generator output can burn out bulbs rapidly and repeatedly; and, that dim or flickering bulbs can be caused by low generator output or poor battery condition. If one of these symptoms is a problem on the vehicle, be certain to diagnose the battery and charging system, then repair as necessary.
- A good ground is necessary for proper lighting operation. If a lighting problem is being diagnosed that involves multiple symptoms, systems, or components, the problem can often be traced to a loose, corroded, or open ground.

The hard wired exterior lamp and lighting circuits may be diagnosed and tested using conventional diagnostic tools and methods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

However, conventional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC), the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, or the electronic message inputs used to provide exterior lamp and lighting service or many of the electronic features of the exterior lamp and lighting systems. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the EMIC, the TIPM, the PCM, the CAN data bus, and the electronic message inputs for the exterior lamps and lighting system requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool.