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 B2645 03: Ambient Light Sensor Circuit Below Threshold

DTC B2645 07: Ambient Light Sensor Circuit Above Threshold

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

DRL Ambient Light Sensor Signal

B2645 03

B2645 07

B2645 07

--

DRL Ambient Light Sensor Ground

--

B2645 07

--

--

  1. Interior Backlighting Does Not Dim
  2. Interior Backlighting Inoperative

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 change. 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

B2645 03

The DTC will set when the BCM detects the ambient light sensor signal voltage is below 0.196 volt.

B2645 07

The DTC will set when the BCM detects the ambient light sensor signal voltage is above 4.9 volts.

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

    • 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

Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Lighting Systems Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, headlamp switch in the AUTO position, observe the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 1.96-4.8 volts and change between day and night time conditions.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ambient light sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal B and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is greater than 4.65 volts.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal B. Verify the scan tool Ambient Light Sensor parameter is less than 1.96 volts.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the ambient light sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) Ambient Light Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM replacement, setup, and programming