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 B3600 03: Passenger Compartment Dimming Request Signal Circuit Voltage Below Threshold

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

B+, BCM X3 Terminal 3

B1395 03, B3600 03

B1395 03, B3600 03

--

--

I/P Dimming Voltage Reference

B1395 03, B3600 03

B3600 03

--

B1395 07

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

B1395 03, B3600 03

2

2

--

Instrument Panel Lamps Dimmer Switch Signal

B3600 03

B3600 03

1

--

1. Interior Backlighting Malfunction

2. Stop Lamps Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. The body control module (BCM) supplies a voltage reference through the instrument panel (I/P) dimming voltage reference circuit to the interior lamp dimmer switch, which is part of the headlamp switch. When the dimmer switch is placed in a desired brightness position, reference voltage is applied through the dimmer switch rheostat and the I/P lamps dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM interprets this voltage signal, then applies a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage through the I/P lamps supply voltage circuit and the LED dimming supply circuit to all related interior lamps, illuminating them to the desired level of brightness.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Ignition ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The BCM detects a short to ground or open in the I/P dimming voltage reference circuit.
    • The BCM detects a short to ground or open in the instrument panel lamps dimming signal circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The I/P lamps are not illuminated.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Interior Lights Dimming Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Interior 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, cover the ambient light sensor, vary the interior lamp dimming switch from dim to full bright. The I/P lamps should dim and then become full bright.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X3 harness connector at the BCM.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 3 and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open high/resistance.
  4. Ignition OFF, connect the X3 harness connector at the BCM and disconnect the harness connector at the headlamp switch.
  5. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 15 and ground.
  6. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the BCM.
  7. Verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is less than 0.2 volts.
  8. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal 13 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM
  9. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 13 and the B+ circuit terminal 15. Verify the scan tool Dimming Control Signal parameter is greater than 2.75 volts.
  10. If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  11. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the stop lamp switch.
  12. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal C and ground.
  13. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance.
  14. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal D and the B+ circuit terminal C. Verify the scan tool Stop Lamp Switch Status parameter is 1023 Counts.
  15. If less than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  16. If all circuits test normal, replace the headlamp switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Headlamp Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming