Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction
Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators 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
Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multi-function switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START position. When the turn signal/multi-function switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the body control module through either the right turn or left turn signal switch signal circuit. The BCM then applies a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps through there respective voltage supply circuits. When a turn signal request is received by the BCM, a serial data message is sent to the instrument cluster requesting the respective turn signal indicator be pulsed ON and OFF.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Exterior Lights Schematics (Exterior Lights Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation
Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior 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 (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch and Left Turn Signal Switch parameters while cycling the turn signal switch between the left and right positions. The parameters should change between Active and Inactive.
• If the parameters do not change between the selected states, refer to Turn Signal Switch Malfunction.
2. Ignition ON, observe the right and left turn signal lamps while cycling the turn signal switch between the right and left positions. Verify the turn signal lamps turn ON and OFF.
• If the turn signal lamps do not cycle between the selected states, refer to Turn Signal Lamps Malfunction.
3. Command the All Indicators Test ON and OFF with a scan tool. The left and right turn signal indicators should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the left and right turn signal indicators illuminate during the test, replace the K9 BCM.
• If the left and right turn signal indicators do not illuminate during the test or remain illuminated at all times, replace the P16 instrument cluster.
Circuit/System Testing
Turn Signal Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.
2. Test for less than 5 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 6 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Left Turn Signal Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 1 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.
4. Verify the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 7 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground. Verify the scan tool Left Turn Signal Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.
6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 7 and ground. Verify the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.
Turn Signal Lamps Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate E4 or E5 turn signal lamp.
2. Test for less than 5.0 ohm between the ground circuit terminal G and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
4. Command the appropriate Turn Signal Lamp 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 voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K9 BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, replace the E4 or E5 turn signal lamp.
Component Testing
Static Test
Turn Signal Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the S78 turn signal/multi-function switch.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 5 and the ground terminal 6.
• If less than the specified value, replace the S78 Turn Signal/Multi-Function Switch.
3. Push the signal/multifunction switch in the turn left position, test for less than 5 ohm between signal terminal 5 and ground terminal 6.
• If greater than the specified value, replace the S78 turn signal/multi-function switch.
4. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 4 and the ground terminal 6.
• If less than the specified value, replace the S78 turn signal/multi-function switch.
5. Push the signal/multifunction switch in the turn right position, test for less than 5 ohm between signal terminal 4 and ground terminal 6.
• If greater than the specified value, replace the S78 turn signal/multi-function switch.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
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* Tail Lamp Replacement (Equinox) (Tail Lamp Replacement)Tail Lamp Replacement (Terrain) (Tail Lamp Replacement)
* Headlamp Bulb Replacement (High Beam Equinox) (Headlamp Bulb Replacement (High Beam))Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Low Beam Equinox) (Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Low Beam))Headlamp Bulb Replacement (High Beam Terrain) (Headlamp Bulb Replacement (High Beam))Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Low Beam Terrain) (Headlamp Bulb Replacement (Low Beam))
* Tail Lamp Bulb Replacement (Equinox) (Service and Repair)Tail Lamp Bulb Replacement (Terrain) (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM or instrument cluster replacement, setup, and programming