Interior Backlighting Malfunction
Interior Backlighting 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 body control module (BCM) supplies a voltage reference through the instrument panel (I/P) dimming 12-volt reference circuit to the interior lamp dimmer switch, which is part of the headlamp switch. When the dimmer switch is placed in a desired brightness position, reference voltage is applied through the dimmer switch rheostat and the I/P lamps dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets this voltage signal, then applies a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage through the instrument panel lamp control circuit, the backlight lamp control circuit, and the LED dimming control circuit illuminating the LED and I/P panel lamps.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Interior Lights Dimming Schematics (Interior Lights Dimming Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Interior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Interior 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, observe the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter while operating the dimmer switch from high to low. The reading should change from a high percent to a low percent as the switch is rotated.
• If the reading does not change, refer to Dimmer Switch Circuit Test.
2. Command the Incandescent Dimming to change intensity with the scan tool. The appropriate incandescent lighting items should change in intensity.
• If any incandescent lighting items do not change in intensity, refer to Interior Backlighting Circuit Test.
3. Command the LED Dimming to change intensity with the scan tool. The appropriate LED dimming items should change in intensity.
• If any LED lighting items do not change in intensity, refer to Interior Backlighting Circuit Test.
Circuit/System Testing
Dimmer Switch Circuit Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the headlamp switch.
2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ground circuit terminal 8 and B+.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, test for 11.8-12.2 volts between the 12-volt reference circuit terminal 15 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the 12-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If less than the specified range, test the 12-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is less than 0.1 volts.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 13 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 13 and the voltage reference circuit terminal 15. Verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is greater than 11.7 volts.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the headlamp switch.
Interior Backlighting Circuit Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate inoperative backlighting component.
2. Test for less than 5.0 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 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 and ground.
4. Ignition ON, command the appropriate Incandescent Dimming or LED Dimming 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 OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the component with the inoperative backlighting.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Headlamp Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM, HVAC, IPC, or Radio replacement, setup, and programming