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

Ambient Light Sensor Signal

B2646

B2646

B2646

--

Driver Sun Load Sensor Signal

B0184

B0184

B0184

--

Passenger Sun Load Sensor Signal

B0189

B0189

B0189

--

Left Front Turn Signal Lamp Control

B3948 02

B3948 05

B3948 05

--

Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Control

B3949 02

B3949 05

B3949 05

--

Sunload Sensor Assembly Low Reference

--

B0184, B0189, 2

B0184, B0189, 2

--

Turn Signal Lamp - LF Ground

--

1

1

--

Turn Signal Lamp - RF Ground

--

1

1

--

1. Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction

2. Daytime Running Lamps Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.2-4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The HVAC control module provides a low reference ground and a 5-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The HVAC control module monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine if outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lights (DRL) or automatic lamp control (ALC) when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. The HVAC control module sends a signal to the body control module (BCM) via serial data commanding the BCM to turn the front turn signal lamps on steady (non-flashing). Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel the DRL operation. With the turn signal/multifunction switch in the OFF position, the turn signal lamps will either be turned ON or OFF after a 30-second delay, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed by the ambient light sensor.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: This diagnostic procedure assumes that the turn signal lamps are operating within specifications. If the turns signal lamps are inoperative, diagnose the turn signal malfunction before proceeding with the following diagnostic. Refer to Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Exterior 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

Ignition ON, verify with a scan tool the Park Brake Switch parameter displays Released.

If not the specified value, refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the sunload sensor assembly.
  2. Ignition OFF, scan tool OFF, doors CLOSED, test for less than 20 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal C and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal D and the low reference circuit terminal C. Verify the scan tool Day/Night Status parameter is Day.
  5. 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 BCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, replace the sunload sensor assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Sun Load Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM or HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming