GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

I/P Dimming 12-Volt Reference

B1395 03, B3600 03

B1395 03

1, 2

--

Instrument Panel Lamps Dimmer Switch Signal

B3600 03

B3600 03

1, 2

--

Instrument Panel Lamp Control

B2652 00

1

1

--

LED Dimming Control

B2610 00

2

2

--

Headlamp Switch Ground

--

3

--

--

1. Instrument Panel Lamps Malfunction

2. LED Malfunction

3. Headlamps and Dimmer Switch Malfunction

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

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Interior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References 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.
  2. If the reading does not change, refer to Dimmer Switch Circuit Test.
  3. Command the Incandescent Dimming to change intensity with the scan tool. The appropriate incandescent lighting items should change in intensity.
  4. If any incandescent lighting items do not change in intensity, refer to Interior Backlighting Circuit Test.
  5. Command the LED Dimming to change intensity with the scan tool. The appropriate LED dimming items should change in intensity.
  6. 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+.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 11.8-12.2 volts between the 12-volt reference circuit terminal 15 and ground.
  5. 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.
  6. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is less than 0.1 volts.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal and ground.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the component with the inoperative backlighting.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Headlamp Switch Replacement
    •  Steering Wheel Control Switch Assembly Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM, HVAC, IPC, or Radio replacement, setup, and programming