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 B2647: Ambient Light Sensor Circuit Low

Circuit/System Description

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The body control module (BCM) provides a 5-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The sensor is a variable resistor, it's resistance changes as outside lighting conditions changes. With the headlamp switch in the AUTO position, the BCM monitors the sensor signal circuit to determine if the outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lamps (DRL) or headlamp low beam operation. In daylight conditions, the BCM will command the DRLs ON. In low light conditions, the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The headlamp switch in the AUTO position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ambient light sensor signal reference circuit is open for 5 seconds.
    • The ambient light sensor signal reference circuit is shorted to ground for 5 seconds.
    • The ambient light sensor signal return circuit is open for 5 seconds.
    • The ambient light sensor signal return circuit is shorted to ground for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The BCM defaults to low light status and commands the low beam headlamps ON.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

A history DTC will clear once 100 consecutive malfunction-free ignition cycles have occurred.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Lighting Systems Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

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

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient light sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the signal circuit for an short to ground open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ambient light sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Ambient Light Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming