GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) monitors the courtesy lamp switch signal circuit in order to determine when the courtesy/dome lamps should be illuminated. When the BCM senses that the courtesy lamp switch signal circuit is grounded when the switch is activated, the BCM will illuminate the courtesy/dome lamps.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B3801 Passenger Compartment Lamp Request Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The BCM instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch reference voltage must be between 4.5-5.5 volts.
    • The battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • When the I/P dimmer switch signal is greater than 1 volt
    • When the BCM receives a courtesy lamp ON request signal from the courtesy lamp switch

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The courtesy/dome lamps will not operate.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • This DTC will clear on current status after the condition for setting the fault is corrected.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.
    • History and current DTCs can be cleared using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Test the courtesy lamp switch for sticking in the ON position.
    • Perform a visual inspection for loose or poor connections at all related components. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Interior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Lighting Systems Connector End Views or Data Communication Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the courtesy lamp switch parameter in the body control module (BCM) data list.
  4. Slowly switch the courtesy lamp switch ON and OFF several times.

Does the scan tool display as expected?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the headlamp lamp switch.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the courtesy lamp switch data parameter.

Does the scan tool display ACTIVE?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

Test the signal circuit of the courtesy lamp switch for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the headlamp switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the headlamp switch. Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK