GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp system will turn on after the transmission has been shifted from PARK (P) to DRIVE (D). The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, roof marker lamps, and the instrument panel lights will turn on at normal brightness. The radio lights will become more dim when the headlights are off compared to when the headlights are on.

Your vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of the instrument panel. Be sure it is not covered, or the system will be on whenever the ignition is on.

The system may also turn on the headlamps when driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.

There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp system so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp system will only be affected when the light sensor detects a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay.

If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic headlamp system will come on immediately. Once you leave the garage, it will take about one minute for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness control is in the full bright position. See Instrument Panel Brightness .