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.

DTC Descriptor

DTC B2646: Ambient Light Sensor Circuit Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ambient Light Sensor Signal

B2646

B2646

B2646

--

Driver Sun Load Sensor Signal

B0184

B0184

B0184

--

Passenger Sun Load Sensor Signal

B0189

B0189

B0189

--

Sunload Sensor Assembly Low Reference

--

B0184 or B0189

B0184 or B0189

--

Left Front Turn Signal Lamp Supply Voltage

B3948 02

B3948 05

B3948 05

--

Right Front Turn Signal Lamp Supply Voltage

B3949 02

B3949 05

B3949 05

--

Turn Signal Lamp - LF Ground

--

1

1

--

Turn Signal Lamp - RF Ground

--

1

1

--

1. Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.09 and 4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The HVAC control module provides a low reference ground and a 5-volt reference signals to the ambient light sensor. The HVAC control module 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. The HVAC control module sends a signal to the body control module (BCM) via class 2 serial data commanding the BCM to turn the front turn signal lamps on steady (non-flashing). Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel the DRL operation. With the turn signal/multifunction switch in the OFF position, the turn signal lamps will either be turned ON or OFF after a 30 second delay, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed by the ambient light sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The HVAC control module detects the ambient light sensor signal circuit is less than 5 counts (0.09 volt) or greater than 250 counts (4.75 volts) for 3 consecutive tests.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

The HVAC control module defaults to low light status.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • You issue a scan tool CLEAR DTCs command.
    • A history DTC will clear once 50 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Lighting Systems Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the sunload sensor assembly.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal C and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool ambient light sensor parameter is greater than 250 counts.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal D for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal D and the low reference circuit terminal C. Verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is less than 5 counts.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the HVAC control module.
  8. If all circuits test normal, replace the sun load sensor assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Sun Load Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for HVAC control module replacement, setup, and programming