GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) flashes the headlamps during theft alarm mode. The BCM grounds the headlamp relay control circuit actuating the headlamp relay (internal to the DRL control module).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The BCM detects a short to battery or short to ground in the headlamp relay control circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The BCM sets the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) 6.
    • The BCM does not turn on the headlamps during the armed, warning, alarm or trunk open modes.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A short to battery or short to ground in the headlamp relay control circuit is no longer present between the BCM and the DRL control module.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the headlamp relay control circuit is shorted to ground, the headlamps will stay ON at all times.
    • Move the wiring and the connectors while you complete the following tests. This may cause the malfunction to appear.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step checks the integrity of the headlamp relay control circuit.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform A Diagnostic System Check-Theft Deterrent?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent

2

Perform the BCM Output test. Refer to On-Board Diagnostic Features in Body Control System.

Do the headlamps turn on for one second when the BCM performs test 4?

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

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Disconnect the DRL control module.
  2. Probe the headlamp relay control circuit with a test lamp connected to battery positive voltage.
  3. Activate the alarm mode using the keyless entry transmitter.

Does the test lamp flash?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

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

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 DRL control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

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

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the DRL control module. Refer to Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Control Module Replacement in Lighting Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

8

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Clear the DTCs.
  2. Activate the alarm mode using the keyless entry transmitter.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK