GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 538806  Size: MF
Power and Grounding Components
Body Control System Schematics

Circuit Description

The ambient light sensor circuit provides an input to the BCM for DRL and automatic headlight functions. This input allows the BCM to activate or deactivate DRL and automatic headlamps with different ambient light levels. The BCM supplies a 5 volt reference circuit and a signal circuit to the ambient light sensor. The BCM will detect high voltage on the ambient light sensor signal circuit when ambient light is high, and low voltage when ambient light is low. The BCM monitors the ambient light sensor voltage at the signal circuit and determines if the voltage is within range. If the voltage is not within range, a malfunction is present and a DTC will set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • An open in the ambient light sensor circuit.
    • A short to ground in the ambient light sensor circuit.
    • Condition must be present for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC B2647 in the BCM memory.
    • The automatic headlamps and parklamps will remain ON.
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The BCM no longer detects an open or short to ground in the ambient light sensor circuit.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the IPC clearing DTCs feature.
    • Use a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction:
       - An intermittent short to ground in the ambient light sensor reference circuit.
       - An intermittent open in the ambient light sensor signal circuit.
       - The ambient light sensor is shorted or open internally.
    • If the ambient light sensor circuit is open or shorted (to ground or voltage), the BCM will command the automatic headlamps and parklamps ON. If the ignition is cycled the BCM will retest for any malfunctions in the ambient light sensor circuit and if a malfunction is current the BCM will activate the automatic .
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections .

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests ambient light sensor data using a scan tool.

  2. Tests the ambient light sensor data with the sensor disconnected. The scan tool will display ambient light sensor voltage as 0 volts with the sensor disconnected.

  3. Tests the ambient light sensor data with a jumper wire between the reference and signal circuit. The scan tool will display ambient light sensor voltage between 3.5-4.5 volts with the sensor jumpered.

  4. Tests for a short to voltage in the 5 volt reference circuit.

  5. When the BCM is replaced, use a scan tool to perform the BCM RPO Reprogram procedure. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the BCM Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the DRL Ambient Light Sensor parameter in the BCM data list .

Does the scan tool indicate that the DRL Ambient Light Sensor parameter is within the specified range?

0.1-2.5 V

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ambient light sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the DRL Ambient Light Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the DRL Ambient Light Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

0.1 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper wire between the 5 volt reference circuit of the ambient light sensor and the signal circuit of the ambient light sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the DRL Ambient Light Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the DRL Ambient Light Sensor parameter is greater than the specified value?

3.5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Disconnect the fused jumper wire.
  2. Measure the voltage between the 5 volt reference circuit of the ambient light sensor and the signal circuit of the ambient light sensor.

Does the voltage measure less than the specified value?

5.0 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Test the 5 volt reference circuit of the ambient light sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

7

Test the 5 volt reference circuit of the ambient light sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

8

Test the signal circuit of the ambient light sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

Test the signal circuit of the ambient light sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ambient light sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

11

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the ambient light sensor. Refer to Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) Ambient Light Sensor Replacement in Lighting Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Important: Perform the BCM RPO Reprogram procedure. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .

Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  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