Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction
Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The ambient light sensor is a light sensitive transistor that varies the voltage signal to the body control module (BCM) based on outside lighting conditions. When the ambient light sensor indicates daytime conditions, the body control module (BCM) grounds the DRL relay control circuit causing voltage to flow from the DRL fuse which energizes the DRL relay. With the DRL relay energized, the switch contacts close and voltage is applied to the left and right low beam headlamps. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics (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 (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, with a scan tool command the Headlamps On and OFF. The low beam headlamps should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the low beam headlamps do not turn ON and OFF when commanded, refer to Headlamps Malfunction (Headlamps Malfunction)
2. Ignition ON, park brake released, verify with a scan tool the Park Brake Switch parameter displays Inactive.
• If not the specified value, refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes (Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes).
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the DRL relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 30 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 86 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit terminal 30 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the DRL relay.
4. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 87 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance.
5. Connect a test lamp between the B+ circuit terminal 86 and the control circuit terminal 85.
6. Command the DRL 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.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the DRL relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM replacement, setup, and programming