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.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B3600 03: Passenger Compartment Dimming Request Signal Circuit Voltage Below Threshold

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

I/P Dimmer Switch B+ Voltage Reference

--

1

--

--

I/P Dimmer Switch Signal

B1395 03, B3600 03

B2652 00, B3600 03

B1395 07

--

I/P Dimmer Switch Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Interior Backlighting Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel (I/P) lamp dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. The I/P dimmer switch provides a voltage signal that will increase as the brightness of the lights are increased and decrease as the brightness of the lights are decreased. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a B+ voltage reference to the I/P dimmer switch. When the I/P dimmer switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the I/P dimmer switch through the I/P dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets the signal and applies the dimmed voltage to the I/P lamps supply voltage circuit and the interior backlighting components dim to the requested level. Ground for the I/P dimmer switch is provided at G201.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC B3600 03 will set when the BCM detects a short to ground or an open/high resistance in the I/P dimmer switch signal circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The I/P dimmer switch will not operate.
    • The I/P dimming lamps will not illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

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 Testing

  1. With a scan tool clear the DTC.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the I/P Dimmer switch.
  3. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit terminal C.
  4. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  5. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the voltage reference circuit terminal D and ground.
  6. If less than the specified value, test the voltage reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
  7. Verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is less than 0.2 volts.
  8. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal B for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  9. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal B and the voltage reference circuit terminal D. Verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is greater than 2.5 volts.
  10. 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.
  11. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the I/P dimmer switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Instrument Panel Lamp Dimmer Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming