The exterior lighting system consist of the following lamps:

The headlamps consist of 2 interchangeable single filament bulbs or 2 high intensity discharge (HID) arc tubes and ballast on each side of the vehicle which provide high and low beams. The lower bulb in the headlamp is the high beam and the upper bulb is the low beam.

The headlamps may be turned ON in 3 different ways:

Battery voltage is applied at all times to the coil and switched side of the low beam relay. Ground is applied at all times from G200 to the turn signal/multifunction switch. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in the HEAD position, ground is applied from the turn signal/multifunction switch through the headlamps ON signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM applies ground to the headlamp low beam relay control circuit. This energizes the low beam relay, closing the switched side and applies battery voltage to the LEFT and RIGHT LOW BEAM fuses. Battery voltage is then applied from the fuses, through the low beam voltage supply circuits to the left and right low beam headlamp assemblies illuminating the low beam headlamps. Ground for the left headlamp is provided at G101 and the right headlamp at G102.

Battery voltage is applied at all times to the coil and switched side of the low beam relay. Ground is applied at all times from G200 to the turn signal/multifunction switch. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in the HEAD position, ground is applied from the turn signal/multifunction switch through the headlamps ON signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM applies ground to the headlamp low beam relay control circuit. This energizes the low beam relay coil, closing the switch side contacts, and applies battery voltage to the LEFT and RIGHT LOW BEAM fuses. Battery voltage is then applied from the fuses, through the low beam voltage supply circuits to the left and right headlamp ballast located in each headlamp assembly. When battery voltage is applied to the headlamp ballast through the low beam voltage supply circuits, the ballast charge the starter to start the lamp. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps do not have filaments like traditional bulbs, instead the starter uses a high voltage transformer to convert the input voltage into a higher voltage. This increased voltage is used in order to create an arc between the electrodes in the bulb. Ground for the left headlamp is provided at G101 and the right headlamp at G102.

Run Up Of The Lamp

Each ballast requires higher amperage in order to ensure normal startup and run up of the lamp. Run up is the term used to describe the extra power level given to the bulb. The input current during the steady state operation is lower that the start up amperage. After the lamp receives the strike from the starter and the arc is established, the ballast uses its operating voltage in order to provide the run up power needed in order to keep the lamp on. The lamp rapidly increases in intensity from a dim glow to a very high-intensity, bright light called a steady state. Within a few seconds of the arc being established in the bulb, the majority of steady state is complete. 100 percent of the steady state is completed shortly there after. A high watt power level is necessary in order to bring the lamp to a steady state in such a short period of time. The high watt power level allows the lamp to meet the SAE light vs. time specification.

When To Change The HID Bulb

Bulb failure, end of life occurs when the bulb gets old and becomes unstable. The bulb may begin shutting itself off sporadically and unpredictably at first, perhaps only once during a 24-hour period. When the bulb begins shutting itself off occasionally, the ballast will automatically turn the bulb back on again within 0.5 seconds. The ballast will re-strike the bulb so quickly that the bulb may not appear to have shut off. As the bulb ages, the bulb may begin to shut off more frequently, eventually over 30 times per minute. When the bulb begins to shut off more frequently, the ballast receives excessive, repetitive current input. Repetitive and excessive restarts or re-strikes, without time for the ballast to cool down, will permanently damage the ballast. As a safeguard, when repetitive re-strikes are detected, the ballast will not attempt to re-strike the lamp. The ballast then shuts down and the bulb goes out.

The following symptoms are noticeable signs of bulb failure:

Input power to the ballast must be terminated in order to reset the ballast's fault circuitry. In order to terminate the input power to the ballast, turn the lights off and back on again. Turning the lights off and back on again resets all of the fault circuitry within the ballast until the next occurrence of excessive, repetitive bulb re-strikes. When excessive, repetitive bulb re-strikes occur, replace the starter/arc tube assembly. The ballast will begin the start-up process when the starter/arc tube assembly is replaced. Repeatedly resetting the input power can overheat the internal components and cause permanent damage to the ballast. Allow a few minutes of cool-down time in between reset attempts.

Bulb failures are often sporadic at first, and difficult to repeat. Technicians can identify bulb failure by observing if the problem gets progressively worse over the next 100 hours of operation.

Light Color

White light has a different color rating than regular headlamps. The range of white light that is acceptable is broad when compared to halogens. Therefore, some variation in headlight coloring between the right and left headlamp will be normal. One high intensity discharge (HID) at the end of the normal range may appear considerably different in color from one at the other end of the range. Difference in color is normal. Replace the arc tube only if the arc tube is determined to be at the bulb failure stage.

The AFL consist of the following components:

Battery positive voltage is applied to the headlamp control module at all times and when the ignition switch is in the RUN and CRANK positions. The headlamp control module has an operational voltage range of about 10.5-16 volts and is only fully functional when the ignition switch is in the RUN position. The voltage input from the ignition switch wakes the headlamp control module microprocessor. The headlamp control module receives serial data messages from the engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), electronic brake control module (EBCM), and body control module (BCM) with regards to power mode, speed, steering angle, transmission gear selection, and headlamp switch status. The headlamp control module calculates the headlamp angle and sends commands to the left and right headlamp actuators. The headlamp actuators drive the headlamps to the position commanded by the headlamp control module. The headlamp control module monitors the headlamp actuator motor control circuits for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. If a malfunction is detected, a DTC will be stored in memory and the driver will be notified with a message displayed over the driver information center (DIC) located on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

The headlamp control module controls the left headlamp movement by 15 degrees to the left and 5 degrees to the right, and the right headlamp movement by 5 degrees to the left and 15 degrees to the right. The direction the headlamps move is controlled by the steering wheel angle and is limited by steering angles of approximately +/- 90 degrees. The AFL will not operate with the transmission in reverse or at vehicle speeds less than 2 mph. Movement of the headlamps is restricted at low vehicle speeds and full movement of the lamps is not allowed until vehicle speed is greater than approximately 30 mph. The following conditions must be met before the AFL will operate:

Place the turn signal/multifunction switch in the AUTO position for automatic lamp control. During automatic lamp control the headlamps will be off during daylight conditions but will turn on when the ambient light sensor detects low outside light level. The ambient light sensor is a light sensitive transistor that varies the voltage signal to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module sends a signal to the body control module (BCM) via serial data commanding the BCM to apply ground to the headlamp low beam relay control circuit. This energizes the low beam relay, closing the switched side and applies battery voltage to the LEFT and RIGHT LOW BEAM fuses. Battery voltage is applied from the low beam fuses, through the low beam voltage supply circuits to low headlamp assemblies.

When the low beam headlamps are on and the turn signal/multifunction switch is momentarily placed in the flash to pass (FTP) position, ground is applied from G200 to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal/multifunction switch applies ground to the body control module (BCM) through the FTP switch signal circuit. The BCM then applies ground to the high beam relay control circuit. This energizes the high beam relay, closing the switch side contacts of the high beam relay, applying battery voltage to the LEFT and RIGHT HIGH BEAM fuses. Battery voltage is applied from the High Beam fuses through the high beam voltage supply circuit to the high beam headlamp assemblies. This causes the high beam headlamps to illuminate at full brightness momentarily or until the flash to pass switch is released.

The Automatic Headlamp Leveling Systems consist of the following components:

Base

The automatic headlamp leveling system automatically maintains the vertical alignment of the headlamps when the vehicle load and driving conditions change. Each headlamp assembly contains a headlamp leveling motor that is controlled by the headlamp control module. The front and rear suspension position sensors provide the headlamp control module with suspension position information. Each sensor receives a 5-volt reference, signal, and low reference circuits from the headlamp control module. The sensors are connected to the control arms of the front and rear suspension. As the vehicle travels, the suspension compresses and rebounds moving the suspension position sensor arms. This causes the signal output of the sensor to change. The headlamp control module compares the information from both suspension position sensors and adjusts the headlamp leveling as needed. The headlamp control module is wired to each headlamp leveling motor with 4 directional motor control circuits.

V-Series

The automatic headlamp leveling system automatically maintains the vertical alignment of the headlamps when the vehicle load and driving conditions change. Each headlamp assembly contains a headlamp leveling motor that is controlled by the headlamp control module. The front and rear suspension position sensors provide the electronic suspension control (ESC) module with suspension position information. Each sensor receives a 5-volt reference, signal, and low reference circuits from the ESC. The sensors are connected to the control arms of the front and rear suspension. As the vehicle travels, the suspension compresses and rebounds moving the suspension position sensor arms. This causes the signal output of the sensor to change. The ESC sends the suspension position sensor values to the headlamp control module via serial data. The headlamp control module compares the information from both suspension position sensors and adjusts the headlamp leveling as needed. The headlamp control module is wired to each headlamp leveling motor with 4 directional motor control circuits. For more detailed information regarding ESC, refer to Electronic Suspension Control Description and Operation.

The daytime running lamps (DRL) will illuminate the right and left low beam headlamps continuously. The DRLs will operate when the following conditions are met:

1. The ignition is in the RUN or CRANK position
2. The shift lever is out of the PARK position for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions or the parking brake is released for vehicles with manual transmissions.
3. The high and low beam headlamps are OFF.

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.2 and 4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The HVAC control module provides a low reference ground and 5-volt reference to the ambient light sensor. The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine if outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lights (DRL) or automatic lamp control (ALC) when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. In daylight conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

The daytime running lamps (DRL) will illuminate continuously when the following conditions are met:

1. The ignition is in the RUN or CRANK position
2. The shift lever is out of the PARK position for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions or the parking brake is released for vehicles with manual transmissions.
3. The high and low beam headlamps are OFF.

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.2 and 4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The HVAC control module provides a low reference ground and 5-volt reference signals to the ambient light sensor. The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine if outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lights (DRL) or automatic lamp control (ALC) when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. In daylight conditions, the BCM will command the DRLs ON by applying ground to the left and right DRL relays via separate left and right DRL relay control circuits. When the BCM applies ground to the relay control circuits, the left and right DRL relay coils energize causing both relay switch contacts to close. With the left and right DRL relay switch contacts closed, battery voltage flows through the left and right DRL fuses to the left and right DRL lamps. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

The front fog lamp relay coil and switch terminals are supplied with battery voltage at all times. Ground is applied at all times at G200 to the front fog lamp switch inside of the turn signal/multifunction switch. When the front fog lamp switch is placed in the ON position, ground is applied through the front fog lamp switch signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The body control module (BCM) energizes the front fog lamp relay coil by applying ground to the front fog lamp relay control circuit. When the front fog lamp relay is energized, the relay switch contacts close and battery voltage is applied through the FRONT FOG LAMP fuse to the front fog lamp supply voltage circuit which illuminates the front fog lamps. Ground for the front fog lamps is applied at all times at G101 for the left fog lamp and G102 for the right fog lamp.

The BCM will send a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to enable the front fog lamp indicator. The front fog lamps will deactivate when either the flash-to-pass or the high beam headlamps are turned ON.

The rear fog lamp relay coil and switch terminals are supplied with battery voltage at all times. Ground is applied at all times at G200 to the rear fog lamp switch inside of the turn signal/multifunction switch. When the rear fog lamp switch is placed in the ON position, ground is applied through the rear fog lamp switch signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). Battery voltage is applied at all times from the REAR FOG LAMP fuse to the REAR FOG LAMP relay. The BCM applies ground through the rear fog lamp relay control circuit to the coil side of the REAR FOG LAMP relay causing the relay coil to energize. When the relay is energized, the switch contacts close and battery voltage is applied from the REAR FOG LAMP fuse through the relay, to the rear fog lamps. Ground for the rear fog lamps is applied at all times at G402.

The BCM will send a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to enable the rear fog lamp indicator.

North America

The rear tail, stop, and turn signal functions are performed by light emitting diodes (LED) in the tail lamp assemblies. The tail lamp assemblies wrap around the corner of the vehicle and serve as the rear side marker. The lower portion of each lamp contains reflectors to alert approaching vehicles for nighttime driving safety. Battery positive voltage is applied at all times to both the coil and switch sides of the LT/POS/LP relay located in the rear fuse block. The turn signal/multifunction switch is suppled with ground at G200 at all times. When the headlamp switch is placed in either the HEAD or PARK position, ground is applied to the park lamp signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM responds by applying ground to the park lamp relay control circuit. This energizes the park lamp relay coil causing the relay switch contacts to close allowing battery voltage to flow through the LT/POS/LP and RT/POS/LP fuses to all of the park, tail, license, and marker lamps. Ground for the front park and marker lamps is supplied at G101 for the left and G102 for the right. Ground for the license, tail, and rear side marker lamps is supplied at G402 for the left and G401 for the right.

European

The rear tail, stop, and turn signal functions are performed by light emitting diodes (LED) in the tail lamp assemblies. The tail lamp assemblies wrap around the corner of the vehicle and serve as the rear side marker. The lower portion of each lamp contains reflectors to alert approaching vehicles for nighttime driving safety. Battery positive voltage is applied at all times to both the coil and switch sides of the LT/POS/LP and RT/POS/LP relays located in the rear fuse block. The turn signal/multifunction switch is suppled with ground at G200 at all times. When the headlamp switch is placed in either the HEAD or PARK position, ground is applied to the park lamp signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM responds by applying ground to the left and right park lamp relay control circuits. This energizes the left and right park lamp relay coils causing the relay switch contacts to close allowing battery voltage to flow through the LT/POS/LP and RT/POS/LP fuses to all of the park, tail, license, and marker lamps. Ground for the front park and marker lamps is supplied at G101 for the left and G102 for the right. Ground for the license, tail, and rear side marker lamps is supplied at G402 for the left and G401 for the right.

Ground is applied at all times at G200 to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START position. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through either the right turn or left turn signal switch circuit. Battery voltage is applied at all times to the BCM. The BCM then applies a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps. Ground for the left front turn signal lamp is supplied at G101. Ground for the right front turn signal lamp is supplied at G102. The left rear turn signal lamps are supplied ground at G402 and the right rear turn signal is grounded at G401.

The repeater lamps are on export vehicles only. Each lamp is located in the front fender. The repeater lamps are used as additional turn signal lamps, and operate as described in the Turn Signal/Hazard Flasher Lamps description. The repeater lamps have ground at G104.

The hazard flashers may be activated in any power mode. The hazard switch is located on the radio/HVAC control panel and is permanently grounded through G402. When the hazard switch is placed in the ON position, ground is applied through the hazard switch signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM supplies battery voltage to all four turn signal lamps in an ON and OFF duty cycle. When the hazard switch is activated, the BCM sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting both turn signal indicators to be cycled ON and OFF.

North America

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to the right and left stop lamp control circuits, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) control circuit. Ground for the right stop lamp and CHMSL is applied at G401 and the left stop lamp receives ground at G402. The stop lamps on this vehicle will not illuminate unless the ignition is in the accessory, run, or crank positions. When the ignition is in the OFF position the stop lamps will not illuminate when the brake pedal is applied.

European

The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to stop lamp relay coil side control circuit, transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the BCM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage from the STOP LAMPS fuse to illuminate the left and right stop lamps and trailer stop lamps. Ground for the stop lamp relay coil, right stop lamp, and CHMSL is applied at G401. Ground for the left stop lamp is supplied at ground G402. The stop lamps on this vehicle will not illuminate unless the ignition is in the accessory, run, or crank positions. When the ignition is in the OFF position the stop lamps will not illuminate when the brake pedal is applied.

When the transmission is placed in the REVERSE position, the transmission control module (TCM) sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM). The message indicates that the gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The BCM applies battery voltage to the backup lamps and inside rearview mirror. The backup lamps are permanently grounded at G402 for the left and G401 for the right. Once the driver moves the gear selector out of the REVERSE position, a message is sent by the TCM via serial data requesting the BCM to remove battery voltage from the backup lamp control circuit.

To provide battery run down protection, the exterior lamps will be deactivated automatically under certain conditions. The body control module (BCM) monitors the state of the headlamp switch. If the park or headlamp switch is ON when the ignition switch is placed in either the CRANK or RUN position and then placed in the OFF position, the BCM initiates a 10 minute timer. At the end of the 10 minutes, the BCM will turn off the control power output to the park and headlamp relay coils, deactivating the exterior lamps. This feature will be cancelled if any power mode other than OFF becomes active. The BCM will disable battery run down protection if any of the following conditions exist. The park or headlamp switch is placed in the ON to OFF position, and back to the ON position during battery run down protection. The BCM determined that the park or headlamp switch was not active when the ignition was turned OFF.