GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: United States Exterior Lamp Positions for Daytime
Table 2: United States Exterior Lamp Positions for Nighttime
Table 3: Canadian Exterior Lamp Positions for Daytime
Table 4: Canadian Exterior Lamp Positions for Nighttime

Object Number: 918770  Size: B2

The lever on the left side of the steering column operates the exterior lamps.

The exterior lamp switch has the following four positions:

& (Headlamps): This position turns on the headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps.

(Parking Lamps): This position turns on the parking lamps and taillamps only.

AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System): This position automatically turns on the Daytime Running Lamps during daytime, and the headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps at night.

(Off/On): This position is the momentary Off/On switch for the Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada, this only works when the vehicle is in PARK (P).

When operating in the AUTO position, a momentary turn of the switch to the Off/On position will turn off the Automatic Headlamp System. Rotating the switch to the Off/On position again will turn the Automatic Headlamp System back on. The Automatic Headlamp System is always turned on at the beginning of an ignition cycle.

The following charts show the condition of the vehicle's exterior lamps when the transmission is not in PARK (P) and the switch is moved to each position:

United States Exterior Lamp Positions for Daytime

Lamps

AUTO

&

Headlamp

OFF

OFF

OFF

ON

Parking Lamp

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

DRL/Turn Signal Lamp

OFF

ON

OFF

OFF

Taillamp

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

United States Exterior Lamp Positions for Nighttime

Lamps

AUTO

&

Headlamp

OFF

ON

OFF

ON

Parking Lamp

OFF

ON

ON

ON

DRL/Turn Signal Lamp

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

Taillamp

OFF

ON

ON

ON

Canadian Exterior Lamp Positions for Daytime

Lamps

AUTO

&

Headlamp

OFF

OFF

OFF

ON

Parking Lamp

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

DRL/Turn Signal Lamp

ON

ON

ON

OFF

Taillamp

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

Canadian Exterior Lamp Positions for Nighttime

Lamps

AUTO

&

Headlamp

ON

ON

ON

ON

Parking Lamp

ON

ON

ON

ON

DRL/Turn Signal Lamp

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

Taillamp

ON

ON

ON

ON

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.

The DRL system will make both front turn signal lamps turn on when the following conditions are met:

    • The ignition is on.
    • The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO. In addition, Canadian vehicles DRL will also turn on if you have turned on your parking lamps.
    • The light sensor detects daytime light.
    • The shift lever is not in PARK (P).

While the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker lamps, and instrument panel lights will not be illuminated.

The DRL system will be off any time your vehicle is in PARK (P). The DRL system on U.S. vehicles can also be turned off by using the Off/On switch for one ignition cycle.

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular headlamp system when you need it.

Automatic Headlamp System

When it is dark enough outside, your automatic system will turn on your headlamps at the normal brightness along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, instrument panel lights, and interior switch backlighting.

Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the top of the instrument panel, so be sure it is not covered which will cause the system to be on whenever the ignition is on.

The system may also be on when driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a tunnel. This is normal.

There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the automatic lamp control system so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system. The automatic lamp control system will only be affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than this delay.

If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic lamp system will come on immediately. Once you leave the garage, it will take about one minute for the automatic lamp system to change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay, your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness control is in the full bright position. See "Instrument Panel Brightness Control" under Interior Lamps .

To idle your vehicle with the system off, turn the ignition on and rotate the exterior light switch to the Off/On position. For Canadian vehicles, the transmission must stay in PARK (P) for this function.

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular headlamps when you need them.

Headlamps Off in Park (P)

This feature works when the ignition is on and it is dark outside. To turn the headlamps off when it is dark outside but keep other exterior lights on, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp position. In this position, the parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps and instrument panel lights will be on, but the headlamps will be off.

To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to the AUTO or headlamp position.

This feature will work for Canadian vehicles if the vehicle is in PARK (P).

Delayed Headlamps

The delayed headlamps feature will continue to illuminate the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is turned to OFF at night. Then the headlamps will automatically turn off.

To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature while it is active, turn the switch at the end of the turn signal/multifunction lever to the Off/On position. This override is not available for Canadian vehicles.

Fog Lamps


Object Number: 988519  Size: A2

If your vehicle has this feature, the button for the fog lamps is located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel.

If your vehicle has fog lamps, the ignition must be on.

Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An indicator light in the button will glow when the fog lamps are on. Push the button again to turn the fog lamps off.

The fog lamps will turn off while the high-beam headlamps are turned on.