GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) supplies a reference voltage to the instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch through the I/P lamps dimmer control circuit. The dimmer switch varies the voltage and returns the new voltage to the BCM through the low reference circuit. The BCM uses this voltage to determine the illumination level of the I/P lamps.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC B2623 Display Dimming Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Input Circuit High

Conditions for Running the DTC

The park lamp input to the BCM is active, park or headlamps ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Any of the following conditions will set this DTC:

    • The I/P lamps dimmer control is open or shorted to voltage.
    • The low reference is open or shorted to voltage.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The illumination of the I/P lamps is forced to full intensity.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The BCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool.
    • A current DTC will clear when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • A history DTC clears after 100 malfunction free ignition cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • A short to voltage may damage the instrument panel dimmer switch.

Test Description

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

  1. The normal operating voltage of the I/P dimmer switch is 0.4-4.5 volts.

  2. This step determines if there is a problem with the dimmer switch.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Interior Lights Dimming Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Instrument Panel (I/P) Dimmer Input Data parameter in the Interior Lamps data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the I/P Dimmer Input parameter is greater than the specified value?

4.5 V

Go to Step 3

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

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the instrument panel dimmer switch.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the I/P Dimmer Input Data parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the I/P Dimmer Input Data parameter is greater than the specified value?

4.5 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Test the low reference circuit and the I/P lamps dimmer switch signal circuit for an open or short to voltage. 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 I/P dimmer switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

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 body control module (BCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the I/P dimmer switch. Refer to Instrument Panel Lamp Dimmer Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the BCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 9

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9

  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?

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Go to Step 2

System OK