Headlamp: Description and Operation

HEADLAMPS

The major common components of this system are the body control module (BCM), ambient light sensor, multifunction switch, park brake switch, and the headlamps.

The headlamps may be turned on in 2 different ways. First, when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position, normal operation occurs. Second, with the headlamp switch is placed in the AUTO position, automatic lamp control (ALC) occurs. During ALC control, the headlamps will be in daytime running lamp (DRL) operation in daylight conditions, or low beam operation in low light conditions.

The low beam relay and high beam relay receive battery positive voltage directly from the battery through the HDM and COILS fuses in the underhood fuse block. The BCM supplies a ground signal to the low beam relay coil for automatic headlamp control and normal headlamp operation. The BCM also supplies ground to the high beam relay coil for high beam headlamp operation. When the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position and the dimmer switch is in the low beam position, the low beam relay energizes sending current flow through the left and right low beam headlamp fuses to both low beam headlamps. The dimmer switch sends a ground signal to the BCM in the high beam position and a momentary ground signal in the flash-to-Pass (FTP) position from G102 to deactivate the low beam headlights and activate the high beam headlights. With the headlights in the low beam position, the high beams may be momentarily turned on or flashed by activating the FTP portion of the switch.

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the high beam indicator when the BCM detects that the high beams are requested. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination.

The Headlamps On at Exit and Perimeter Lighting modes can be adjusted using the steering wheel controls to select the desired function as displayed in the driver information center. The Headlamps On at Exit selection will allow the driver to customize the period of time that the headlamps remain illuminated upon exiting the vehicle. This period can be adjusted from 0 seconds to 180 seconds. The Perimeter Lighting feature allows the driver to select if they desire the headlamps and backup lamps to illuminate when the door UNLOCK button on the key fob is activated. This feature can be turned ON or OFF by using the driver information center steering wheel control buttons.