GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Low and High Beams Headlamps Inoperative All

Step

Action

Yes

No

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

Connector End View Reference: Lighting Systems Connector End Views or Data Communication Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Place the headlamp switch in the ON position.
  2. Change the dimmer switch position from the high to low beam positions several times.

Does the headlamp system operate normally?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Are both high and low beam headlamps inoperative?

Go to Step 4

Refer to Headlamps Inoperative - Low Beams or Headlamps Inoperative - High Beams

4

With a scan tool, observe the Headlamp Switch parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate ACTIVE?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Connect a test lamp, between the ground circuit of the headlamp switch connector and battery positive voltage.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6

Test headlamps switch headlamps on signal circuit of the headlamp switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Inspect for poor connections to the body control module (BCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

8

Inspect for poor connections to the headlamp switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

9

Repair the ground circuit of the headlamp switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 12

--

10

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the headlamp switch. Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

--

12

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3

Low and High Beams Headlamps Inoperative with Front Wipers On

Step

Action

Yes

No

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

Connector End View Reference: Lighting Systems Connector End Views or Data Communication Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Place the headlamp switch in the AUTO position.
  3. Place the front windshield wipers in the low position.

Do the headlamps operate as expected?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the Front Wiper Switch parameter in the Body Control Module (BCM) Data List.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Front Wiper Switch parameter states Active?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the windshield wiper switch signal 2 circuit for high resistance, an open or a short to ground or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the windshield wiper module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

8

Replace the windshield wiper module. Refer to Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3