Intermittently Unable to Read Radio Display During Daylight Hours (Reprogram BCM)

This bulletin is being updated with revised Correction and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-08-44-037 (Section 08 - Body & Accessories).

Some customers may comment that they are intermittently unable to read the display on the radio during the daylight hours.

This may be due to the headlamps coming on when the wipers are turned on or the headlamps are manually turned on during the day. This causes the instrument panel lamps to come on and the radio display to dim (both of these features are on the park lamp circuit).

On affected vehicles, perform body control module (BCM) reprogramming using the Service Programming System (SPS) (also referenced as the Saturn Service Stall system). The new software will allow the interior instrument panel lights to stay off along while keeping the radio display at full intensity when the "ambient light sensor" informs the BCM that it is still light outside - even though the headlights have been turned on manually or been commanded on when the wipers are engaged. It is important to also reconfigure the radio using SPS after the BCM has been reprogrammed.

1. Reprogram the BCM using SPS. To reprogram the BCM, refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in SI or the Vehicle Control Systems section of the 2006 Saturn ION Service Manual.
2. Reconfigure (setup) the radio. Refer to Radio Setup in SI or the Accessories section of the 2006 Saturn ION Service Manual.
3. Verify that the radio display does not dim in daylight conditions when the wipers are activated or when the headlamps are turned on manually. This may take up to 20 seconds.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: