GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The sunload sensor is a light sensor combined with two solar sensors which are photodiodes used for calculating ambient light condition. The instrument panel integration module (IPM) determines the ambient light based on the voltage from the sunload sensor. The IPM monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit every 150 milliseconds.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition switch is in the ON position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The sunload sensor output is less than 12 Counts or greater than 244 Counts on 3 consecutive tests.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Ambient light status set to "DARK"

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The IPM detects that the sunload sensor output is between 12 and 244 Counts.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

  2. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you perform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics

1

Did you perform the Lighting Systems Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Ambient Light Sensor data parameter in the Instrument Panel Module Open/Short Data list.

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

12-244 counts

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

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

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

244 counts

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 sunload sensor and the sensors return circuit of the sunload sensor.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Ambient Light Sensor data parameter.

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

12 counts

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

5

Test the signal circuit of the sunload sensor for a short to ground. 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

6

Test the signal circuit of the sunload sensor for a short to 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 sensors return circuit of the sunload sensor for 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 sunload 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 instrument panel integration module (IPM). 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 sunload sensor. Refer to Sun Load Sensor Replacement in HVAC Systems - Automatic.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

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11

Important:: Perform the setup procedure for the Instrument Panel Integration Module (IPM). Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .

Replace the IPM. Refer to Instrument Panel Module Replacement in Body Control.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

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?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK