Smart Beam - Operation

OPERATION

The SmartBeam(R) automatic high beam control system uses digital light-sensing technology to monitor the lighting and traffic conditions in front of the vehicle. It helps improve forward visibility during nighttime driving by initiating high beam usage as ambient lighting and traffic conditions warrant. SmartBeam(R) is also a Local Interface Network (LIN) slave node and communicates over a LIN data bus with the Body Control Module (BCM), which is a LIN master node. The BCM is also a gateway to the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus, which allows bus communication with other electronic modules in the vehicle and the diagnostic scan tool.

SmartBeam(R) may be enabled or disabled by using the customer programmable features function of the Radio Receiver Module (RRM) and selecting or deselecting the AUTO DIM HIGH BEAMS feature. Then the headlamp switch control knob, located on the instrument panel, must be in the AUTO (Automatic) position and the high beams must be selected using the beam selector function of the multi-function switch control stalk for SmartBeam(R) to be operational. An AUTO HIGHBEAM AUTOMATIC or AUTO HIGHBEAM MANUAL textual message will temporarily appear in the Integrated Center Stack (ICS) display to confirm the current system status.

When the SmartBeam(R) system is enabled, ambient light levels are low enough to require the use of high beams, the vehicle is moving over 24 kilometers-per-hour (16 miles-per-hour) and no other traffic is present; SmartBeam(R) will automatically turn the high beams ON. When the system detects the headlamps of an approaching vehicle or the tail lamps of a preceding vehicle, the high beams will automatically turn OFF. If the high beams are ON while decelerating and approaching a full stop, the system will turn them OFF automatically at below approximately 21 kilometers-per-hour (14 miles-per-hour).

SmartBeam(R) will switch the high beams ON or OFF instantaneously. The high beam indicator in the instrument cluster will illuminate as soon as the high beams come ON, and will remain illuminated until the high beams are OFF. SmartBeam(R) will instantaneously turn the high beams OFF if the system detects the sudden presence of vehicle lights ahead. The vehicle operator can also override the SmartBeam(R) selection at any time by manually using the beam selection function of the multi-function switch control stalk to select the low beams.

SmartBeam(R) senses lighting conditions directly ahead of the vehicle. In certain situations, such as hills or winding roads, it may be more comfortable manually overriding the system because the vehicles in front may not be in the SmartBeam(R) imaging camera field of view. However, it is not likely that your high beams will cause discomforting glare to other drivers in this situation.

SmartBeam(R) may not function properly if its field of view is obscured. Because it looks through the windshield, the system may not function properly if this area is covered with ice, dirt, haze or any other obstruction. For optimal system performance, the lens of the imager camera must be cleaned periodically, as it may haze over due to the air quality in the vehicle passenger compartment. Spray a small amount of glass cleaner onto a soft cloth and gently clean the lens. Do not spray the glass cleaner directly onto the lens.

SmartBeam(R) uses a red Light Emitting Diode (LED) unit to indicate certain faults it detects in the imager camera and circuitry. A slow (once-per-second) continual flashing of this LED indicates the SmartBeam(R) camera requires aiming. A constantly (solid) illuminated LED indicates the camera has failed aim. The LED is located to the right of the rearward facing ElectroChromic (EC) inside rear view mirror photo sensor, behind the top center of the mirror glass. This LED is only clearly visible when it is illuminated.

The BCM will store a DTC for any SmartBeam(R) fault that is detected. The hard wired inputs and outputs of the EC mirror may be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and procedures. 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 will not prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the SmartBeam(R) unit, the EC mirror or the electronic controls or communication between modules and other devices that provide some features of the automatic high beam system. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means to diagnose the SmartBeam(R), the EC mirror or the electronic controls and communication related to automatic high beam system operation requires the use of a diagnostic scan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.