Lighting and Horns: Description and Operation

LAMPS/LIGHTING SYSTEM - EXTERIOR
The Prowler utilizes lighting on the interior and exterior of the vehicle for illuminating and indicating purposes. Lighting circuits are protected by fuses. Lighting circuits require an overload protected power source, on/off device, lamps and body ground to operate properly. Plastic lamps require a wire in the harness to supply body ground to the lamp socket. Replace sockets and bulbs that are corroded.

Some of the interior and exterior lighting functions are governed by the body controller. The headlamp and the door ajar switches provide signals to the body controller. The body controller in turn activates relay(s) in order to provide either a ground or feed line to the appropriate lamp(s).

Wire connectors can make intermittent contact or become corroded. Before coupling wire connectors, inspect the terminals inside the connector. Male terminals should not be bent or disengaged from the insulator. Female terminals should not be sprung open or disengaged from the insulator. Bent and sprung terminals can be repaired using needle nose pliers and pick tool. Corroded terminals appear chalky or green. Corroded terminals should be replaced to avoid recurrence of the problem symptoms.

Begin electrical system failure diagnosis by testing related fuses in the fuse block and power distribution center. Verify that bulbs are in good condition and test continuity of the circuit ground.

Fig. 2 Brake Lamp Switch Location:

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
The brake lamp switch is located under the instrument panel at the brake pedal arm. The switch has three internal switches controlling various functions of the vehicle. The switch's main function is to control operation of the vehicle's brake lamps.

When the brake pedal is pressed, the plunger on the outside of the switch extends outward. This action opens or closes the contacts inside the switch depending on the internal switch in question.

For the brake lamp circuit, this action closes the electrical contacts within the switch, completing the circuit to the brake lamps at the rear of the vehicle, thus illuminating the brake lamps and the Center high-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL).

If the vehicle is equipped with speed control, the brake lamp switch will deactivate speed control when the brake pedal is depressed because the internal switch for that circuit is opened.

CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP
The center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) has no serviceable bulb. If the lamp does not function properly, the CHMSL assembly must be replaced.

COMBINATION FLASHER
The combination flasher is a smart relay that functions as both the turn signal system and hazard warning system flasher. The combination flasher is designed to handle the current flow requirements of the factory-installed lighting.

If supplemental lighting is added to the turn signa. lamp circuits, such as when towing a trailer with lights, the combination flasher will automatically) compensate. This allows the flash rate to remain the same, regardless of electrical load increases. However, if a bulb fails in the turn signal lamp circuits. the flash rate of the remaining bulbs in that circuit will increase to 120 flashes-per-minute, or higher.

While the combination flasher shares the terminal orientation (footprint) of a International Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay, the internal circuitry is much different. The combination flasher contains active electronic integrated circuitry elements. Do not substitute any other relay for the combination flasher.

Because of the active electronic elements within the combination flasher it cannot be tested with conventional automotive electrical test equipment. If the combination flasher is believed to be faulty, test the turn signal and hazard warning system circuits. Then replace the combination flasher with a known good unit to confirm system operation.

The combination flasher cannot be repaired and, if faulty, it must be replaced.

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP MODULE (CANADA)
The Prowler vehicles built for use in Canada are equipped with a Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system. The DRL system is controlled by the Daytime Running Lamp Module located on the outboard side of the left hand support bracket.

The DRL system operates the Park & Turn signal lamps with the headlamp switch OFF park brake released and the ignition ON. The Park & Turn signal lamps operate normally when the headlamps are turned ON.

HAZARD WARNING SYSTEM
The Hazard Warning System consists of the Hazard Switch, Combination Flasher, Multi-Function Switch, and Turn Signal Lamps.

The hazard warning system is actuated by a push button located on the top of the steering column between the steering wheel and the instrument panel. The hazard switch is identified with a double triangle on top of the button.

Push the button to turn the hazard warning system ON and push the button again to turn the system OFF.

When the hazard warning system is activated, both turn signal indicator lamps in the message center flash in unison with the turn signal lamps, indicating to the driver that the system is operating.

HAZARD SWITCH
The Hazard Warning Switch is not repairable. If defective, the entire Multi-Function Switch must be replaced (Refer to LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH - REMOVAL).

HEADLAMP TIME DELAY SYSTEM
The optional Headlamp Time Delay system is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM) and a relay located in the junction block. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more information.

The headlamp time delay system can be activated by turning ON the headlamps when the engine is running, turn OFF the ignition switch, then turn OFF the headlamp switch. The BCM will allow the headlamps to remain ON for 90 seconds before they automatically turn OFF.

MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
Turn Signal System
The Turn Signal System consists of the Multi-Function Switch, Combination Flasher, and Turn Signal Lamps.

With the ignition switch in the ON position, and the multi-function switch control lever moved up (right turn) or down (left turn), the turn signal system is activated.

When the turn signal system is activated, the selected (right or left) turn signal indicator lamp, front park/turn signal lamp, front side marker lamp, and rear tail/stop/turn signal lamp bulbs will flash.

The switch has a detent position in each direction that provides turn signals with automatic cancellation, and an intermediate momentary position that provides turn signals only until the multi-function switch lever is released.

When the turn signal switch is in a detent position, it is turned off by one of two cancelling cam lobes molded into the hub of the clock spring mechanism. When turning the steering wheel causes one of the cam lobes to contact a cancel actuator in the multi-function switch, the turn signal switch automatically returns to the OFF position.

Multi-Function Switch:

Multi-function Switch
The multi-function switch assembly is mounted to the left side of the steering column. This switch contains circuitry for the following functions:
- Turn signals
- Hazard warning
- Headlamp beam selection
- Headlamp optical horn
- Windshield wipers
- Windshield washers.

The information addresses only the switch functions for the turn signal and hazard warning circuits. For information relative to the other switch functions, refer to the appropriate group. However, the multi-function switch cannot be repaired. If any function of the switch is faulty, the entire switch assembly must be replaced.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY
The Illuminated Entry System is available on vehicles equipped with the Remote Keyless Entry system. The Illuminated Entry System turns ON the courtesy lamps when the remote keyless entry system is activated. The Remote Keyless Entry Module and the Body Controller are used to control the system.

The Illuminated Entry System also turns ON the courtesy lamps (and ignition switch lamp) when door is opened. The courtesy lamps will remain ON while the door is open, then fade to OFF 30 seconds (±1 second) after the last door is closed.

The courtesy and ignition switch lamps will fade to OFF immediately when the ignition is switched to ON.

The Illuminated Entry System cannot be activated during the 30 second (±1 second) period after the ignition switch is turned OFF. After a door is opened and closed during this 30 second period, the system will function as previously described.

When the battery voltage had been interrupted to the Illuminated Entry System, the system will not function until the remote keyless entry UNLOCK is actuated.

Courtesy lamps will turn ON for 30 seconds (±1 second) and fade to OFF over a five second period.

ILLUMINATED SHIFT BEZEL
The illuminated shift bezel lamp is not serviceable, should the lamp fail, the entire shift bezel must be replaced.

LIGHTED TRANSMISSION RANGE INDICATOR LETTER BEZEL
The lighted transmission range indicator letter bezel has no serviceable bulb. If the lamp does not function properly, the lighted transmission range indicator letter bezel assembly must be replaced.