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 B257A 00: Headlamp Switch Input Signal Mismatch

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Flash to Pass Switch Signal

1

1

1

--

Headlamp Switch High Beam Signal

1

1

1

--

Headlamp Switch Headlamps ON Signal

B257A 00

1

B257A 00

--

Headlamp Switch Headlamps OFF Signal

B257A 00

1

B257A 00

--

Park Lamp Switch Park Lamps ON Signal

B257A 00

B257A 00

B257A 00

--

Headlamp High Beam Relay Control

1

1

B2580 00

--

Headlamp Low Beam Relay Control

1

1

B2575 00

--

LF High Beam Headlamp Control

1

1

1

--

LF Low Beam Headlamp Control

1

1

1

--

RF High Beam Headlamp Control

1

1

1

--

RF Low Beam Headlamp Control

1

1

1

--

LF Headlamp Ground

--

1

--

--

RF Headlamp Ground

--

1

--

--

Headlamp Switch Ground

--

1

--

--

Turn Signal/Multifunction Switch Ground

--

1

--

--

1. Headlamps Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

When the headlamp switch is placed in the AUTO position, the body control module (BCM) receives a ground signal through the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit. The headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit and the park lamp switch signal circuit are both open and have no ground signal. When the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position, the BCM will receive a ground signal through the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit and the park lamp switch signal circuit. The headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit will be open and have no ground signal

Conditions for Running the DTC

Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM receives a mismatched signal between the headlamps OFF signal circuit, the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit, and the park lamp switch ON signal circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM disregards the headlamp switch input and defaults to automatic headlamp function.

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

Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) 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 Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the headlamp switch.
  2. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the signal circuits listed below and ground.
  3. • Headlamps ON signal terminal 1
    • Park lamp ON signal terminal 2
    • Headlamp OFF signal terminal 3
    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.
  4. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 2 and ground. Verify the scan tool Parklamp Switch parameter is Active.
  5. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or 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