GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Flash to Pass Switch Signal

1

1

1

--

Headlamp Dimmer Switch High Beam Signal

1

1

1

--

Headlamp Switch Headlamps ON Signal

B257A 00, 1

1

1

--

Headlamp Switch Headlamps OFF Signal

B257A 00, 1

1

1

--

Headlamp High Beam Relay Control

3

3

B2580 00, 3

--

Headlamp Low Beam Relay Control

2

3

B2575 00, 2

--

LF High Beam Headlamp Control

3

3

3

--

LF Low Beam Headlamp Control

2

2

2

--

RF High Beam Headlamp Control

3

3

3

--

RF Low Beam Headlamp Control

2

2

2

--

LF Headlamp Ground

--

2, 3

2, 3

--

RF Headlamp Ground

--

2, 3

2, 3

--

Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch Ground

--

1

1

--

1. Headlamp Switch Malfunction

2. Headlamps Malfunction - Low Beam

3. Headlamps Malfunction - High Beam

Circuit/System Description

With the headlamp switch in the ON position, the headlamp switch headlamp ON signal circuit is grounded through the turn signal/multifunction switch at G200. In response to this input, the body control module (BCM) provides ground to either the headlamp low beam relay control circuit or the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. The position of the headlamp dimmer switch determines which relay coil has ground. The BCM supplies ground to the relay coil circuits, if the headlamps are necessary. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the relay coil and switch circuits. When the headlamp high beam relay coil is energized, current flows through the LT HI BEAM and the RT HI BEAM fuses to the high beam headlamps. With the headlamp dimmer switch in the high beam position the BCM sends a message via serial data to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the IPC to illuminate the high beam indicator. The BCM will also request the IPC to turn on the LIGHTS ON INDICATOR located in the driver information center (DIC) anytime the headlamps are ON and the ignition is OFF or the driver door is opened.

Diagnostic Aids

This diagnostic procedure assumes that the headlamps operate as described in Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, with a scan tool perform the Display Test for the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and observe the lights on indicator.

If the lights on indicator illuminates during the test, replace the BCM.
If the lights on indicator does not illuminate during the test or remains illuminated at all times, replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for BCM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming