High Intensity Discharge Lamp Malfunction
High Intensity Discharge Lamp 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
With the headlamp switch in the ON position, the headlamp switch headlamp ON signal circuit is grounded through the headlamp switch. In response to this input, the body control module (BCM) provides ground to either the headlamp low beam relay control circuit or the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. The position of the turn signal/multifunction switch determines which relay coil is supplied with ground. The BCM supplies ground to the relay coil circuits, if the headlamps are necessary. The underhood fuse block supplies battery voltage to the relay coil and switch circuits. The low beam headlamps operate when the BCM grounds the relay coil control circuit to the relay coil of the low beam relay. This energizes the low beam relay causing the switch contacts to close. With the switch contacts closed, battery voltage is applied to the LT LO and RT LO beam fuses through to the left and right low beam headlamps.
Diagnostic Aids
The following symptoms are noticeable signs of bulb failure:
* Flickering light, caused in the early stages of bulb failure.
* Lights go out, caused when the ballast detects excessive, repetitive bulb re-strike.
* Color change--The lamp may change to a dim pink glow.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics ()
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation)
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
Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the headlamp low beam relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 87 and ground.
• If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate headlamp.
6. Test for less than 5 ohm between the headlamp ground circuit terminal 6 and ground
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
7. Connect the harness connector at the headlamp.
8. Connect a 10 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. Verify the headlamp is activated.
• If the headlamp does not activate and the jumper wire fuse is good, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the headlamp.
• If the headlamp does not activate and the jumper wire fuse is open, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the headlamp.
9. Connect a test lamp between the B+ circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
10. Command the Low Beams 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 control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the headlamp low beam relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Headlamp Replacement (Traverse with TVP) (Headlamp Replacement (with TVP)) Headlamp Replacement (Acadia) (Headlamp Replacement (with TVP)) Headlamp Replacement (Enclave) (Headlamp Replacement (with TVP))
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Service and Repair)
* High Intensity Discharge Headlamp Starter/Arc Tube Replacement (Acadia TVD) (High Intensity Discharge Headlamp Starter/Arc Tube Replacement (TVC TSH)) High Intensity Discharge Headlamp Starter/Arc Tube Replacement (Enclave TVC TSH) (High Intensity Discharge Headlamp Starter/Arc Tube Replacement (TVC TSH))
* Headlamp Ballast Replacement (Acadia TVD) (Headlamp Ballast Replacement (TVC TSH)) Headlamp Ballast Replacement (Enclave TVC TSH) (Headlamp Ballast Replacement (TVC TSH))
* Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Traverse without TVP High Beam) () Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Traverse with TVP Lo Beam) () Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Traverse without TVP Lo Beam) () Headlamp Bulb Replacement (High Beam without T96) (Headlamp Bulb Replacement (High Beam without T96)) Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Low Beam without T96) (Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Low Beam without T96))
* Headlamp Capsule Replacement (Acadia TVD) (Headlamp Capsule Replacement (TVC TSH)) Headlamp Capsule Replacement (Enclave TVC TSH) (Headlamp Capsule Replacement (TVC TSH))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM or IPC replacement, setup and programming