GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

When the body control module (BCM) senses a request for headlamp or daytime running lamp (DRL) illumination, the BCM sends a ground signal to the headlamp relay through the low beam headlamp relay control circuit. The headlamp relay will illuminate the headlamps.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The battery voltage must be between 9.0-16.0 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • When the BCM receives a command to illuminate the headlamps and the headlamp low beam relay control circuit is open or shorted to voltage.
    • When the BCM does not receive a command to illuminate the headlamps and the headlamp low beam relay control circuit is shorted to ground.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The headlamps will not operate or will remain always on.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • This DTC will clear on current status after the condition for setting the fault is corrected.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.
    • History and current DTC(s) can be cleared using a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for voltage at the voltage supply side of the headlamp relay.

  2. Verifies that the BCM is providing ground to the headlamp relay.

  3. Tests if ground is constantly being applied to the headlamp relay.

  4. Tests if there is opposing voltage present or an open low beam headlamp relay control circuit.

  5. After replacement of the BCM you must calibrate the new module for proper operation.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Lighting Systems Connector End Views or Body Control System Connector End Views in Body Control System

1

Did you perform the Lighting Systems Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, command the headlamps ON and OFF.

Does the headlamp relay turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the headlamp relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the battery positive voltage circuit of the headlamp relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 10

4

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the headlamp relay and the battery positive voltage circuit of the headlamp relay.
  2. With a scan tool, command the headlamps ON and OFF .

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each command?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Test the control circuit of the headlamp relay for a short to voltage or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

7

Test the control circuit of the headlamp relay for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the headlamp relay. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

10

Repair the battery positive voltage circuit of the headlamp relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 13

--

11

Replace the headlamp relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

12

Important: Perform the setup procedure for the body control module (BCM).

Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs .
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK