GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The headlamps are controlled by the multifunction lever located on the left side of the steering column. They will come ON with the ignition switch in any position. Turning the headlamp switch to the first position turns ON the parking lamps, the license plate lamps, and the instrument panel illumination. Turning the switch to the second position turns ON all of the previous lamps and the headlamps. Turning the switch to the OFF position turns OFF all the lamps.

The parking lamps can be turned ON by turning the lighting switch to the first position. The parking lamps can be turned OFF by turning the switch to the OFF position.

Headlamp high beam and low beam are also controlled by this lever. When the headlamps are ON, pushing the lever away from the driver until the switch clicks changes the lamp from low beam to high beam. An indicator lamp on the instrument cluster assembly will come ON when the high beam headlamps are ON. To return the headlamps to low beam, pull the lever toward the driver.

The headlamps must be aimed for proper illumination of the road. Headlamp aim should be checked whenever a new headlamp assembly is installed or service repairs to the front end area may have disturbed the headlamp assembly or its mountings.

Front Turn Signal Lamps

When the turn signals are activated, the side turn signal lamps flash to signal a turn. The turn signal works only when the ignition switch is ON.

The turn signals are controlled by the light switch on the left side of the steering column. Moving the lever all the way up or down, past the detent, will turn ON the turn signals. When the turn is completed, the lever will return to horizontal and the turn signals will stop flashing.

For changing lanes or shallow turns where the steering wheel does not turn far enough to cancel the signal, move the signal only to the first detent and hold it there. When the lever is released, it will return to horizontal and the turn signal will cancel.

Rear Fog Lamp

The rear fog lamp is incorporated in the drive side tail lamp assembly and is controlled by the rear fog lamp switch on the instrument panel. The rear fog lamp can be turned ON only when headlamps are ON.

The rear fog lamp will not operate unless the headlamps are ON. If the headlamps are not operating, repair that problem before attempting to diagnose the rear fog lamp.

Tail Lamps

The tail lamps, stop lamps, backup lamps, rear fog lamp, if equipped, and turn signal lamps are one assembly.

Turning ON either the headlamps or the parking lamps will also turn ON the tail lamps. When the brake pedal is pushed, the tail lamps will glow brighter to serve as stop lamps.

The center high-mounted stop lamp is located in the rear window and will come ON when the brake pedal is pressed.

License Plate Lamps

The license plate lamps will come ON when the headlamps or the parking lamps are ON. The license plate lamps are mounted on the rear bumper, above the license plate.

Backup Lamps

The backup lamps are located in the rear combination lamps. They will come ON when the transaxle is shifted into REVERSE. On a vehicle with a manual transaxle, they are activated by a reverse switch which is part of the transaxle.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) - With Europe Only

The daytime running lamps (DRL) work in conjunction with the exterior lamps system. When the ignition switch is turned to the II position with the light switch OFF, parking, tail, license plate and instrument panel lights illuminate. And, when the engine is started, the headlamps, low beam, also come ON.

They remain ON until the ignition switch is turned OFF or the light switch is turned ON. They revert to normal operation when the light switch is ON.

The daytime running lamps (DRL) is optional.