The exterior lighting system consists of the following lamps:

The headlamps may be turned ON in 2 different ways. First, when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position, for normal operation. Second, with the headlamp switch placed in the AUTO position, for automatic lamp control (ALC). During ALC the headlamps will be in DRL operation in daylight conditions, or headlamp operation in low light conditions.

Headlamp ON/OFF control is determined by the body control module (BCM) by a signal on the headlamp switch on input circuit when the headlamp switch is in the HEAD position. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, the BCM determines headlamps ON/OFF by the voltage from the ambient light sensor.

If the headlight switch is left in the ON position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn OFF the headlights approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the driver places the headlight switch in the ON position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the headlights will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.

The high beam indicator is illuminated when the instrument cluster receives a GMLAN serial data message from the BCM that the high beams are illuminated.

The high beam headlamps receive voltage from the headlamp high relay located in the underhood fuse block. The BCM controls the relay on the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. High beam control is determined by a signal on the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit from the multifunction switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit is grounded, the BCM grounds the headlamp high beam relay control circuit, illuminating the high beam headlamps. The right and left high beam circuits are independent and are fused independently in the underhood fuse block.

The low beam headlamps receive voltage from the headlamp low beam relay located in the underhood fuse block. The BCM controls the relay on the headlamp low beam relay control circuit. Low beam control is determined by a signal on the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit from the multifunction switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit is open, the BCM grounds the headlamp low beam relay control circuit, illuminating the low beam headlamps. The right and left low beam circuits are independent are fused independently in the underhood fuse block.

The DRL will only operate while the engine is running and the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. When these conditions have been met and the ambient light sensor indicates daytime conditions, the DRL will illuminate. The ambient light sensor is a light sensitive transistor that varies its voltage signal to the BCM in response to changes to the outside ambient light level. When the BCM receives this signal it will either turn ON the dedicated DRL lamps, or the headlamps, park, and tail lamps for auto headlamp operation in low light conditions. Any function or condition that turns ON the headlights will cancel the DRL operation. The DRL can be manually turned OFF by activating the AHL/DRL switch in the headlamp switch. The AHL/DRL defeat switch sends a ground signal through the DRL switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM then turns OFF the DRL. When the AHL/DRL are manually turned OFF at the headlamp switch, the AHL/DRL will default to ON with the next ignition cycle. With the headlight switch in the AUTO position, the DRL will either be turned ON or OFF after an approximate 8 second delay, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed. When the BCM energizes the DRL relay, the DRL receives voltage on the DRL supply voltage circuit.

The park, tail and marker lamps, including the license lamps, are turned ON when the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position or anytime the headlights are requested. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to both the park lamp relay switch contacts and the park lamp coil circuit. The BCM provides a ground or control circuit to the park lamp relay coil circuit. When the park lamps are turned ON, the BCM energizes the park lamp relay. If the headlight switch is left in the ON position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn OFF the park, tail and marker lamps approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the driver places the headlight switch in the ON position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the park, tail and marker lamps will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.

When the turn signal switch is placed in either the left or right position, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal switch to the BCM. When the hazard flasher switch is activated, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal/hazard switch to the BCM. The BCM then sends an ON-OFF voltage signal through the fuses to the appropriate turn signal and side repeater lamps or to all of the turn signal fuses for hazard operation. The audio chime is also activated when the turn signals are ON. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the signals to activate the turn signal indicators over the GMLAN serial data system. When the hazard switch is pressed, all turn signal lamps will flash including both IPC turn indicators.

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the switch contacts close and battery voltage is supplied to the BCM. The BCM then supplies voltage to both the turn/stop lamp supply voltage circuit and trailer rear turn/stop lamp supply voltage circuits. The BCM also supplies voltage to the CHMSL though a dedicated circuit.

The backup lamp request signal is sent from the PCM to the BCM on the GMLAN serial data system. This signal is based on the park neutral position (PNP) switch signal. The BCM supplies voltage to the backup relay and to the automatic day/night mirror when the vehicle is in reverse. The backup relay supplies a voltage on the backup lamp supply voltage circuit to the backup lamps and trailer backup circuit.

The clearance lamps, are turned ON when the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position or anytime the headlamps are requested. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to both the park lamp relay switch contacts and the park lamp coil circuit. The BCM provides a ground or control circuit to the park lamps relay coil circuit. When the park lamps are turned ON, the BCM energizes the park lamp relay. If the headlamp switch is left in the ON position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn OFF the park, tail and clearance lamps approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. If the driver places the headlamp switch in the ON position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the park, tail and marker lamps will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.