GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) uses the ambient light sensor signal to control the automatic headlamp control system and the daytime running lamps (DRL). The ambient light sensor is connected directly to the BCM through the DRL ambient light sensor signal circuit and the DRL ambient light sensor low reference circuit.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B2648 Ambient Light Sensor Circuit High

Conditions for Running the DTC

The DRL feature of the automatic headlamp control feature must be enabled.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The BCM detects that the DRL ambient light sensor signal circuit is greater than 4 volts or is open when it is trying to enable the automatic headlamp control feature.
    • The DRL ambient light sensor signal circuit is open or shorted to battery positive voltage.
    • The DRL ambient light sensor low reference circuit is open or shorted to battery positive voltage.
    • The ambient light sensor is open internally.
    • The condition above must be present for more than 0.3 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The BCM stores DTC B2648 in memory.
    • Headlamps, park lamps, tail lamps and side marker lamps illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The BCM no longer detects the fault in the ambient light sensor circuit.
    • A history DTC B2648 will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • The BCM receives a clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the DTC B2648 is a history DTC, the fault may be intermittent. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:
       - An intermittent open or short to battery positive voltage in the DRL ambient light sensor signal circuit.
       - The ambient light sensor is intermittently open.
       - The BCM is intermittently open or shorted to battery positive voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Exterior Lights Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List in Wiring Systems

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Expose the ambient light sensor to a bright incandescent light.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the ambient light sensor parameter in the body control module (BCM) data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the ambient light sensor input parameter is within the specified range?

0.25-2.5 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 ambient light sensor parameter in the Body Control Module (BCM) data display - data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the ambient light sensor input parameter is greater than the specified value?

2.5 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the ambient light sensor and the ground circuit of the ambient light sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the ambient light sensor input parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the ambient light sensor input parameter is less than the specified value?

0.25 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

6

Test the DRL ambient light sensor signal circuit of the ambient light sensor for a short to battery positive voltage, 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 12

Go to Step 7

7

Test the DRL ambient light sensor low reference circuit of the ambient light sensor for a short to battery positive voltage, 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 12

Go to Step 9

8

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 12

Go to Step 10

9

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 12

Go to Step 11

10

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

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 12

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11

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 12

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12

  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?

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Go to Step 2

System OK