GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC B3600 03 : Dimmed Illumination Switch Circuit Low Voltage

DTC B3600 07 : Dimmed Illumination Switch Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

I/P Dimmer Switch Signal

B3600 03

B3600 03

B3600 07

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Headlamp Switch Low Reference

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1

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1. Headlamps Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel (I/P) lamp dimmer switch is incorporated into the headlamp switch assembly. The I/P dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the interior backlighting components. The I/P dimmer switch provides a voltage signal that will increase as the brightness of the lights are increased and decrease as the brightness of the lights are decreased. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) provides a low reference signal and a 12-volt reference to the I/P dimmer switch. When the I/P dimmer switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the I/P dimmer switch through the I/P dimmer switch signal circuit to the IPC. The IPC interprets the signal and applies the dimmed voltage to the I/P lamps supply voltage circuit and the interior backlighting components dim to the requested level. Ground for the I/P dimmer switch is provided at the headlamp switch low reference circuit through the IPC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Battery voltage must be between 9-16 volts.
    • Park lamps ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

B3600 03

The DTC will set when the IPC detects a short to ground or an open/high resistance in the I/P dimmer switch signal circuit.

B3600 07

The DTC will set when the IPC detects a short to voltage in the I/P dimmer switch signal circuit.

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The I/P dimmer switch will not operate.
    • The I/P dimming lamps will not illuminate.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition responsible for setting the DTC no longer exists.
    • A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Interior Lights Dimming Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Interior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. With a scan tool clear the DTC.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the headlamp switch.
  3. Ignition OFF, verify a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the low reference circuit terminal 11.
  4. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.
  5. Verify the scan tool Switch Illumination Dimming parameter displays DISABLED or INVALID.
  6. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 4 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.
  7. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 4 and the low reference circuit terminal 11. Verify the scan tool Switch Illumination Dimming parameter displays BRIGHT or DARK.
  8. If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.
  9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the I/P dimmer switch.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Headlamp Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for IPC replacement, setup, and programming