Exterior Lighting Systems

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

Exterior Lamps

The exterior lighting system consists of the following lamps:

* The headlamps
* The daytime running lamps (DRL)
* The front fog lamps
* The rear fog lamp (export only)
* The park, tail and marker lamps
* The exterior courtesy lamps
* The turn signal/hazard lamps
* The side repeater lamps (export only)
* The stop lamps
* The backup lamps
* The cargo lamps
* The clearance lamps

Headlamps

The headlamps may be turned ON in 2 different ways. First, when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position, for normal operation. Second, with the headlamp switch placed in the AUTO position, for automatic lamp control (ALC). During ALC the headlamps will be in DRL operation in daylight conditions, or headlamp operation in low light conditions.

Headlamp ON/OFF control is determined by the body control module (BCM) by a signal on the headlamp switch on input circuit when the headlamp switch is in the HEAD position. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, the BCM determines headlamps ON/OFF by the voltage from the ambient light sensor.

If the headlight switch is left in the ON position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn OFF the headlights approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the driver places the headlight switch in the ON position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the headlights will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.

The high beam indicator is illuminated when the instrument cluster receives a serial data message from the BCM that the high beams are illuminated.

High Beams

The high beam headlamps receive voltage from the headlamp high relay located in the underhood fuse block. The BCM controls the relay on the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. High beam control is determined by a signal on the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit from the multifunction switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit is grounded, the BCM grounds the headlamp high beam relay control circuit, illuminating the high beam headlamps. The right and left high beam circuits are independent and are fused independently in the underhood fuse block.

Low Beams - Standard

The low beam headlamps receive voltage from the headlamp low beam relay located in the underhood fuse block. The BCM controls the relay on the headlamp low beam relay control circuit. Low beam control is determined by a signal on the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit from the multifunction switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit is open, the BCM grounds the headlamp low beam relay control circuit, illuminating the low beam headlamps. The right and left low beam circuits are independent are fused independently in the underhood fuse block.

Low Beams - High Intensity Discharge (HID)

Warning

The high intensity discharge system produces high voltage and current. To reduce the risk of severe shocks and burns:

* Never open the high intensity discharge system ballast or the arc tube assembly starter.
* Never probe between the high intensity discharge system ballast output connector and the arc tube assembly.

Normal operation of the HID system starts at the ballast. The headlamp ballast input connector receives battery positive voltage from fuses in the underhood fuse block. When the low beam headlamps are requested the low beam relay supplies voltage to the ballast on the right headlamp low beam supply voltage circuit and the left headlamp low beam supply voltage circuit, which in turn begins the low beam operation as follows. As soon as the input power is applied, the ballast draws 20 amps from the battery for 5-10 seconds, depending on the input voltage level. The ballast is then able to charge the 2 outputs leading to the start to -360 volts and +800 volts. Negative 360 volts and +800 volts are the voltages needed by the starter to strike or start the lamp. HID headlamps do not have filaments like traditional bulbs, instead, the starter uses a high voltage transformer to convert the +800 volts input power into 25,000 volts. The increased voltage is used in order to create an arc between the electrodes in the bulb. The creation of this arc begins the start up process.

Low Voltage Operation of HID Headlamps

The BCM monitors the vehicle system voltage while in the RUN power mode. When the system voltage drops below 8.9 volts, the following will occur:

* STAGE 1: If the low beam headlamps are ON, either manually or automatically, the BCM will turn ON the high beam headlamps by activating the High Beam output.
* STAGE 2: When the system voltage drops below 8.5 volts, the following will occur:

- If the low beam headlamps are currently ON, either manually or automatically, the BCM will turn OFF the low beam headlamps by deactivating the Low Beam output.
- If the headlamps are then turned ON manually, the manual switch redundancy will cause the low beam headlamps to remain ON.

If during the same ignition cycle, the BCM enters either STAGE 1 or STAGE 2 operations noted above, and then determines that the system voltage has risen, the following will occur:

* If the BCM has entered STAGE 2 operation, it will not return to STAGE 1 operation until the system voltage rises above 9.4 volts.
* If the BCM has entered STAGE 1 operation, it will not return to normal operation until the system voltage rises above 9.8 volts.

Electrical System Requirements with HID

Ensure that the battery and the harness are capable of supplying up to 20 amps of current per ballast, with less than 2 volts of system loss or voltage drop. Each ballast requires the 20 amps in order to ensure normal startup and run up of the lamp. Run up is the term used to describe the extra power level given to the bulb from the -360-volt ballast output. The input current during the steady state operation is 3.4 amps at 12.8 volts.

Run Up of the HID Lamp

After the lamp receives the strike from the starter and the arc is established, the ballast uses its -360-volt output in order to provide the run up power needed in order to keep the lamp ON. The lamp rapidly increases in intensity from a dim glow to a very high-intensity, bright light called a steady state. Within 2 seconds of the arc being established in the bulb, 70 percent of steady state is complete. 100 percent of the steady state is completed within 30 seconds. A 75-watt power level is necessary in order to bring the lamp to a steady state in the required period of time.

When to Change the HID Bulb

Bulb failure occurs when the bulb gets older and becomes unstable. The bulb may begin shutting itself OFF sporadically and unpredictably at first, perhaps only once during a 24 hour period. When the bulb begins shutting itself OFF occasionally, the ballast will automatically turn the bulb back ON again within 0.5 second. The ballast will re-strike the bulb so quickly that the bulb may not appear to have shut OFF. As the bulb ages, the bulb may begin to shut OFF more frequently, eventually over 30 times per minute. When the bulb begins to shut OFF more frequently, the ballast receives excessive, repetitive current input (20 amps). Repetitive and excessive restarts or re-strikes, without time for the ballast to cool down, will permanently damage the ballast. As a safeguard, when repetitive re-strikes are detected, the ballast will not attempt to re-strike the lamp. The ballast then shuts down and the bulb goes out.

The following symptoms are the 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.

Input power to the ballast must be terminated in order to reset the ballasts fault circuitry. In order to terminate the input power to the ballast, turn the lights OFF and back ON again. Turning the lights OFF and back ON again resets all of the fault circuitry within the ballast until the next occurrence of excessive, repetitive bulb re-strikes. When excessive, repetitive bulb re-strikes occur, replace the starter/arc tube assembly. The ballast will begin the start-up process when the starter/arc tube assembly is replaced. Repeatedly resetting the input power can overheat the internal components and cause permanent damage to the ballast. Allow a few minutes of cool-down time in between reset attempts.

Bulb failures are often sporadic at first, and difficult to repeat. Technicians can identify bulb failure by observing if the problem gets progressively worse over the next 100 hours of operation.

Light Color (w/HID)

HID headlamps have a different color rating than regular headlamps. The range of white light that is acceptable is broad when compared to halogens. Therefore, some variation in headlight coloring between the right and left headlamp will be normal. One HID at the end of the normal range may appear considerably different in color from one at the other end of the range. A difference in color is normal. Replace the arc tube only if the arc tube is determined to be at the bulb failure stage.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

The DRL will only operate while the engine is running, is in gear, and the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. When these conditions have been met and the ambient light sensor indicates daytime conditions, the DRL will illuminate. The ambient light sensor is a light sensitive transistor that varies its voltage signal to the BCM in response to changes to the outside ambient light level. When the BCM receives this signal it will either turn ON the dedicated DRL on the X88/Z75, the low beam headlamps only as DRL on the Z88, or the headlamps, park, and tail lamps for auto headlamp operation in low light conditions. Any function or condition that turns ON the headlights will cancel the DRL operation. The DRL can be manually turned OFF by activating the AHL/DRL switch in the headlamp switch. The AHL/DRL defeat switch sends a ground signal through the DRL switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM then turns OFF the DRL. When the AHL/DRL are manually turned OFF at the headlamp switch, the AHL/DRL will default to ON with the next ignition cycle. With the headlight switch in the AUTO position, the DRL will either be turned ON or OFF after an approximate 8 second delay, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed. When the BCM energizes the DRL relay, the DRL receives voltage on the DRL supply voltage circuit.

Headlamps - Intellibeam

The intellibeam system operates the high beam headlamps ON and OFF automatically when certain conditions are met and the system is activated. The system consists of a digital light sensor that is located in a separate module that is mounted to the back of the inside rearview mirror. The digital sensor detects light, not vehicle movement. The sensor analyzes light color, intensity, and movement. The intellibeam system will turn OFF the high beam headlamps when other vehicles headlamps or taillights are detected by the digital sensor. Intellibeam can be deactivated when the headlamp dimmer switch is moved from the neutral position to the high beam or flash to pass (FTP) positions. When the headlamp dimmer switch is returned to the neutral position, intellibeam will be enabled.

Intellibeam modulates the high beam headlamps by gradually fading the high beam headlamps ON or OFF. Intellibeam is designed to ignore non-vehicular light sources. However, the system may dim the high beams if it detects lighting or lighting reflections similar in color and intensity to vehicle lighting. When this occurs, intellibeam will dim the high beams until the light or reflection source is no longer detected.

Note: Intellibeam may not operate properly if any of the following conditions exist:

* The other vehicles lamps are undetectable due to dirt, snow, road spray, smoke, fog, or any other airborne conditions.
* The vehicle windshield is covered with ice, dirt, snow, haze, or the intellibeam digital light sensor is obstructed.
* The vehicle ride height is such that the front of the vehicle is pointed upward causing the intellibeam light sensor to be aimed high.
* The vehicle is being driven on winding or hilly road conditions which would make any on coming vehicle headlamps undetectable by the intellibeam.

Cleaning the intellibeam digital light sensor should be done periodically to ensure system performance. To clean the sensor, use glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Apply the glass cleaner to a soft cloth and gently wipe the light sensor lens. Do not apply the glass cleaner directly to the light sensor lens.

Note: The intellibeam system operates when the following conditions are met:

* The headlamp switch is in the AUTO position.
* The headlamp dimmer switch must be in the neutral position.
* Intellibeam has been turned ON by pushing the AUTO button located on the face of the inside rearview mirror.
* Outside conditions must be dark.
* Intellibeam will only function when the vehicle is in DRIVE and moving.

Speed Thresholds:
- Accelerating: As the vehicle is accelerating, intellibeam will gradually apply the high beams when vehicle speed reaches 20 mph (32 km/hr) or greater. Full high beam intensity will not occur until the vehicle has achieved a speed of 25 mph (40 km/hr) or greater.
- Decelerating: As the vehicle is decelerating, intellibeam will fade the high beams down until they are completely OFF at or below 15 mph (24 km/hr).

Note: The high beam indicator located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) will turn ON as soon as the high beams are energized even thought full intensity has not been achieved. The high beam indicator will not turn OFF until the high beams have faded completely OFF.

Enabling and disabling the intellibeam system can be achieved by performing the following:

* Intellibeam is automatically disabled each time the vehicle is started. To disable intellibeam after the system has been enabled, press the intellibeam AUTO button on the rearview mirror for 3 seconds and releasing it after the green LED intellibeam status indicator on the left side of the rearview mirror flashes 2 times. When this is done, the intellibeam system will not be active until the system is manually turned ON.
* Intellibeam is enabled by pressing and releasing the intellibeam AUTO button located on the rearview mirror after the vehicle has been started. The green LED intellibeam status indicator located on the left side of the rearview mirror will flash 1 time to indicate the system has been turned ON.

Intellibeam Demonstration Mode

The intellibeam demonstration mode allows the technician to verify that the intellibeam system components are operating correctly. Perform the intellibeam demonstration mode under daylight conditions only. The following steps detail how to enter the intellibeam demonstration mode.

1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. While turning the ignition to the ON position, push and hold the intellibeam AUTO button located on the inside rearview mirror (ISRVM) for approximately 8 seconds after the ignition is turned ON. The high beam indicator located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC) will illuminate indicating the demonstration mode is enabled. The demonstration mode will run for approximately 45 seconds. The following actions will take place during the demonstration mode:

* High Beam Fading - During this mode the high beams will fade from high to low 3 times. The high beam indicator located on the IPC will turn ON as soon as the high beams are energized even thought full intensity has not been achieved. The high beam indicator will not turn OFF until the high beams have faded completely OFF.
* Intellibeam Light Sensor Status - During this mode, the intellibeam light sensor can be checked by covering the light sensor with a dark cloth. Once the light sensor if fully covered, the green LED intellibeam status indicator located on the left side of the ISRVM will turn OFF. When the light sensor is uncovered, the intellibeam status indicator will turn ON. This check will confirm that the intellibeam light sensor is operating correctly.
* Intellibeam Enable/Disable Status - Intellibeam can indicate if the system is enabled or disabled. During the intellibeam light sensor check in step 2 above, if intellibeam is disabled, the green LED intellibeam status indicator will flash repeatedly once the light sensor is covered. Once the light sensor is uncovered, the green LED intellibeam status indicator will turn ON.

Fog Lamps

With both the ignition switch in the RUN position, and the park lamps ON, the fog lights will illuminate when the driver depresses the fog lamp switch. The BCM receives the park lamp ON signal from the interior park lamps supply voltage signal circuit. With the headlamp switch in either the park or headlamp position, and the fog lamp switch is in the ON position, the BCM will ground the fog lamp relay control circuit causing the relay to energize. The current flows from the fog lamp relay to both front fog lamps. The state of the fog lamps will remain the same until the fog lamp switch position is changed, or the ignition switch is cycled OFF and ON. Fog lamp operation will be cancelled whenever the park lamps are turned OFF or the high beam headlights have been selected.

The rear fog lamp will illuminate when the driver presses the rear fog lamp switch. The auxiliary body control module (XBCM) controls and supplies battery positive voltage to both the rear fog lamp and trailer rear fog lamp circuits.

Park, Tail and Marker Lamps

The park, tail and marker lamps, including the license lamps, are turned ON when the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position or anytime the headlights are requested. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to both the park lamp relay switch contacts and the park lamp coil circuit. The BCM provides a ground or control circuit to the park lamp relay coil circuit. When the park lamps are turned ON, the BCM energizes the park lamp relay. If the headlight switch is left in the ON position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn OFF the park, tail and marker lamps approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the driver places the headlight switch in the ON position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the park, tail and marker lamps will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.

Exterior Courtesy Lamps

The BCM, driver door switch, and the passenger door switch communicate via GMLAN serial data. The driver door switch and passenger door switch supply power and ground to the left and right exterior lamps respectively. When the BCM commands illuminated entry, a command is also sent to the door switches for illumination of the exterior courtesy lamps. If the door locks are activated to the LOCK position, or if the ignition switch is turned to either the ON or RUN position the exterior courtesy lamps will deactivate immediately. For additional information concerning illuminated entry, refer to the vehicles owners manual.

Turn Signal/Hazard Lamps

When the turn signal switch is placed in either the left or right position, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal switch to the BCM. When the hazard flasher switch is activated, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal/hazard switch to the BCM. The BCM then sends an ON-OFF voltage signal through the fuses to the appropriate turn signal and side repeater (export only) lamps or to all of the turn signal fuses for hazard operation. The driver door switch and passenger door switch also receive voltage from the BCM turn signal supply voltage circuits for the mirror turn signals. The door switches have no function or control of the mirror turn signals other than a pass through connection for the circuits. The audio chime is also activated when the turn signals are ON. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the signals to activate the turn signal indicators over the GMLAN serial data system. When the hazard switch is pressed, all turn signal lamps will flash including both IPC turn indicators.

On certain export vehicles, the auxiliary body control module (XBCM) controls and supplies voltage for all of the trailer lighting functions.

Stop Lamps

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to the right and left stop lamp control circuits, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) control circuit. The stop lamps on this vehicle will not illuminate unless the ignition is in the accessory, run, or crank positions. When the ignition is in the OFF position the stop lamps will not illuminate when the brake pedal is applied.

Backup Lamps

The backup lamp request signal is sent from the PCM to the BCM on the GMLAN serial data system. This signal is based on the park neutral position (PNP) switch signal. The BCM supplies voltage to the backup relay and to the automatic day/night mirror when the vehicle is in reverse. The backup relay supplies a voltage on the backup lamp supply voltage circuit to the backup lamps and trailer backup circuit.

Cargo Lamps

The cargo lamp is controlled by the dome lamp control circuit. There is not a separate switch to turn the cargo lamps ON and OFF.

Clearance Lamps

The clearance lamps, are turned ON when the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position or anytime the headlamps are requested. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to both the park lamp relay switch contacts and the park lamp coil circuit. The BCM provides a ground or control circuit to the park lamps relay coil circuit. When the park lamps are turned ON, the BCM energizes the park lamp relay. If the headlamp switch is left in the ON position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn OFF the park, tail and clearance lamps approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the driver places the headlamp switch in the ON position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the park, tail and marker lamps will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.