GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The body control module (BCM) monitors and supplies battery voltage to the headlamp relay on the headlamp relay coil supply voltage circuit. When the ambient light sensor is in the DARK state and the headlamp switch is in the AUTO mode, the BCM supplies battery voltage to the headlamp relay to power up the headlamps.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The battery voltage must be between 9.0 and 16.0 volts.
    • Ignition switch in the RUN position.
    • The headlamp switch must be turned to the ON position or the ambient light sensor must be in the DARK state with the headlamp switch in the AUTO position.
    • The park brake must be released.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The headlamp switch in the AUTO mode.
    • The ambient light sensor state is in the DARK state.
    • The headlamp relay coil supply voltage circuit shorted to ground.
    • The above conditions must be met for 0.5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The headlamps will not operate with the headlamp switch in the AUTO position and the ambient light state is DARK.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The DTC will clear immediately after the short to ground in the headlamp relay coil supply voltage circuit is repaired or the next fault free ignition cycle.
    • A history DTC will clear after 100 consecutive ignition cycles without a fault present.
    • History and current DTC(s) can be cleared using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If the headlamps are manually turned ON when the headlamp relay coil supply voltage circuit is shorted to ground the TBC fuse will open and the headlamp switch can be damaged. When the TBC fuse opens, the scan tool will lose communication with the BCM.
    • Perform a visual check for loose or poor connections at all related components. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

  1. Listen for an audible click when the headlamp relay operates. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

  2. Verifies that the body control module is providing voltage to the headlamp relay.

  3. Tests for an open in the ground circuit to the headlamp relay.

  4. Tests if voltage is constantly being applied to the headlamp relay.

  5. Tests for a short to ground on the control circuit of the headlamp relay.

  6. After replacement of the BCM you must calibrate the new module for proper operation.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Headlights Schematics

1

Did you perform the Lighting System Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, command the headlamp relay ON and OFF.

Does the headlamp relay turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the headlamp relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the control circuit of the headlamp relay with a test lamp connected to a good ground. Refer to Electrical Center Identification Views in Wiring Systems.
  5. With a scan tool, command the headlamp relay ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the headlamp relay and the ground circuit of the headlamp relay. Refer to Electrical Center Identification Views in Wiring Systems.
  2. With a scan tool, command the headlamp relay ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

5

Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each command?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Test the control circuit of the headlamp relay for a short to ground. Refer to Electrical Center Identification Views , Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

7

Test the control circuit of the headlamp relay for a short to voltage. Refer to Electrical Center Identification Views , Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

8

Inspect for poor connections at the headlamp relay. 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 13

Go to Step 11

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the body control module. 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 13

Go to Step 12

10

Repair the ground circuit of the headlamp relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 13

--

11

Replace the headlamp relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

12

  1. Replace the body control module. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.
  2. Program the BCM with the proper calibrations. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in Body Control System.
  3. Perform the learn procedure.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

--

13

  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?

Go to Step 2

System OK