Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Exterior Lights All sections

Lighting System: Overview Cadillac STS I facelift

Exterior Lights ~3391 words

Circuit/System Description

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.2 and 4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The HVAC control module determines the ambient light conditions, DAY or NIGHT, based on the voltage from the ambient light sensor. The HVAC control module provides a low reference ground and 5-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor signal circuit is a direct input to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module sends a message via serial data to the instrument panel module (IPM) indicating the outside light conditions based on the signal from the ambient light sensor. The IPM determines if outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lights (DRL) or automatic lamp control (ALC) when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. In daylight conditions the IPM will command the DRLs ON. During low light conditions the IPM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation. With the turn signal/multifunction switch in the OFF position, the DRLs which consists of the front turn signal lamps will either be turned ON or OFF after a 30-second delay, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed by the ambient light sensor.

The instrument panel module (IPM) provides the instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch with a 5-volt reference voltage and ground. The I/P dimmer switch is a potentiometer that varies the input signal voltage to the IPM. This input determines the intensity level of the back lighting illumination. When the IPM receives the input from the I/P dimmer switch, the IPM will send a serial data message to all control modules that have lamps capable of being dimmed, indicating the ON/OFF status and intensity level of the back lighting. The IPM will default to full intensity if the input from the I/P dimmer switch is not within the specified values.

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver's application of the brake pedal. The BPP sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The instrument panel module (IPM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the BPP sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the IPM will apply battery voltage to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and stop lamp relay coil. When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the IPM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage through the stop lamps fuse to illuminate the stop lamps.

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver's application of the brake pedal. The BPP sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The instrument panel module (IPM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the BPP sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the IPM will apply battery voltage to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and stop lamp relay coil. When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the IPM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage through the stop lamps fuse to illuminate the stop lamps.

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver's application of the brake pedal. The BPP sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The instrument panel module (IPM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the BPP sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the IPM will apply battery voltage to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and stop lamp relay coil. When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the IPM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage through the stop lamps fuse to illuminate the stop lamps.

The left rear fuse block supplies battery positive voltage through the REVERSE LAMP fuse to the coil and switch terminals of the reverse lamp relay. The instrument panel module (IPM) sends a power mode message to the rear integration module (RIM) indicating that the ignition is in the RUN position. When the driver places the gear selector in the REVERSE position, the powertrain control module (PCM) sends a message via serial data to the RIM. The RIM provides ground to the reverse lamp relay control circuit which energizes the reverse lamp relay coil. With the reverse lamp relay coil energized, the relay switch contacts close and allow battery voltage to flow from the REVERSE LAMP fuse through the relay switch to illuminate the backup lamps. The backup lamps are permanently grounded at G402.

The rear integration module (RIM) controls battery positive voltage and ground to the interior courtesy lamps in the following manner. Battery voltage is supplied through the INTERIOR LAMP fuse to both the switch side and coil side of the interior lamp relay. The RIM provides a ground to the control circuit of the interior lamp relay during all power modes except when battery run down protection is active. With the interior lamp relay energized, battery positive voltage is supplied to all the interior lamps in this group. The ground side circuits of the door, footwell, and overhead courtesy lamps are controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) ground circuit of the RIM. The RIM pulses the on time of the ground circuit between 0-100 percent at a frequency of approximately 100 hertz. By decreasing the on time percentage of the controlled ground circuit the intensity of the lamps will decrease. This effect is called theater dimming.

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary between 0.2 and 4.9 volts depending on outside lighting conditions. The HVAC control module determines the ambient light conditions, DAY or NIGHT, based on the voltage from the ambient light sensor. The HVAC control module provides a low reference ground and 5-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor signal circuit is a direct input to the HVAC control module. The HVAC control module sends a message via serial data to the instrument panel module (IPM) indicating the outside light conditions based on the signal from the ambient light sensor. The IPM determines if outside lighting conditions are correct for either daytime running lights (DRL) or automatic lamp control (ALC) when the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position. In daylight conditions the IPM will command the DRLs ON. During low light conditions the IPM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation. With the turn signal/multifunction switch in the OFF position, the DRLs which consists of the front turn signal lamps will either be turned ON or OFF after a 30-second delay, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed by the ambient light sensor.

The front fog lamp relay is supplied with battery voltage at all times. The front fog lamp switch signal circuit is grounded momentarily by pressing the front fog lamp switch. The instrument panel module (IPM) energizes the front fog lamp relay by applying ground to the front fog lamp relay control circuit. When the front fog lamp relay is energized, the relay switch contacts close and battery voltage is applied through the FOG LAMP fuse to the front fog lamp supply voltage circuit which illuminates the front fog lamps.

The rear fog lamp relay is supplied with battery voltage at all times. The rear fog lamp switch signal circuit is grounded momentarily by pressing the rear fog lamp switch. The instrument panel module (IPM) sends a serial data message to the rear integration module (RIM) which energizes the rear fog lamp relay by applying ground to the rear fog lamp relay control circuit. When the rear fog lamp relay is energized, the relay switch contacts close and battery voltage is applied through the REAR FOG LAMP fuse to the rear fog lamp supply voltage circuit which illuminates the rear fog lamps.

The hazard flashers may be activated in any power mode. The instrument panel module (IPM) monitors the signal circuit of the hazard switch. When the hazard switch is placed in the ON position, the switch contacts close and battery positive voltage from the IPM flows through the hazard switch to G201. The rear integration module (RIM) turn lamp supply voltage circuit is also provided with ground through the hazard switch when the contacts close at G201 which in turn illuminates the hazard switch LED. The IPM relays the hazard switch status to the rear integration module (RIM) via the serial data circuit. The RIM uses the status of the hazard switch to command the turn signals ON and OFF. The RIM controls both front and rear turn signals. The IPM sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to enable both turn signal indicators in an ON and OFF duty cycle when the hazard switch is placed in the ON position. Voltage is supplied to the front and rear turn signals by the RIM. Ground is provided to the front turn signals at G104. The rear turn signals are grounded at G401 and G402.

With the headlamp switch in the ON position, the headlamp switch headlamp ON signal circuit is grounded through the turn signal/multifunction switch at G200. In response to this input, the instrument panel module (IPM) provides ground to either the headlamp low beam relay control circuit or the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. The position of the headlamp dimmer switch determines which relay coil has ground. The IPM supplies ground to the relay coil circuits, if the headlamps are necessary. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to both relay switch circuits. When the low beam relay coil is energized, current flows through the LT LOW BEAM and the RT LOW BEAM fuses to the low beam headlamps. The low beam headlamps are grounded at G104. When the headlamp high beam relay coil is energized, current flows through the LT HI BEAM and the RT HI BEAM fuses to the high beam headlamps. The high beam headlamps are also grounded at G104. With the headlamp dimmer switch in the high beam position the IPM sends a message via serial data to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the IPC to illuminate the high beam indicator.

The headlamp leveling module receives inputs from the front and rear suspension position sensors to determine vehicle pitch. The suspension position sensors send an output to the headlamp leveling module as the vehicle suspension compresses and rebounds. The headlamp leveling module calculates the difference in vehicle pitch and sends a command to the headlamp leveling actuators. The headlamp leveling actuators drive the headlamps to the position commanded by the headlamp leveling module. The headlamp leveling module monitors the headlamp leveling actuator motor control circuits for proper circuit continuity and for shorts to ground or voltage. If a malfunction is detected, a DTC will be stored in memory.

When the park lamp switch is in the ON position, the instrument panel module (IPM) energizes the park lamp relay. With the park lamp relay energized, battery positive voltage is supplied through the DIMMING fuse to the instrument panel lamp fuse supply voltage circuit of the IPM. Upon receiving this voltage supply the IPM requests the status of the ambient light sensor from the climate control panel (CCP). The CCP sends a serial data message indicating a Light or Dark status of the ambient light sensor. The IPM will default to dark if the message is not received. If the status of the ambient light sensor is light, then the interior back lighting will not be activated. The IPM also receives an input from the instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch. The IPM provides the I/P dimmer switch with a 5-volt reference voltage and ground. The I/P dimmer switch is a potentiometer that varies the input signal voltage to the IPM between 0.36-4.23 volts. This input determines the intensity level of the back lighting illumination. The driver may change intensity of the back lighting by positioning the I/P dimmer switch between the minimum and maximum settings. The IPM will default to full intensity if the input from the I/P dimmer switch is not within the specified values. Upon receipt of all the fore mentioned information, the IPM sends a serial data message to the CCP, IPC, radio, and all the door modules indicating the ON/OFF status and intensity level of the back lighting. The CCP, IPC, and radio incorporate vacuum fluorescent (VF) lamps that are illuminated at full intensity with the ignition in the ON position. The CCP, IPC, and radio will adjust the VF lamp intensity as requested by the IPM by varying the pulse width modulation of the power feed circuit to the VF lamps. When the door control modules receive the serial data message, each door module will supply pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage to the door switch LEDs at the requested intensity. The IPM also supplies voltage to all the remaining lamps at the proper PWM voltage to achieve the requested intensity. The PRNDL incorporates LED lamps that are illuminated at full intensity with the ignition in the ON position. When the park lamps are active, the IPC will adjust the PRNDL LED intensity as requested by the IPM by varying the pulse width modulation of the LED dimming signal circuit to the lamps. All interior back lighting lamps are permanently grounded.

With the headlamp switch in the ON position, the headlamp switch headlamp ON signal circuit is grounded through the turn signal/multifunction switch at G200. In response to this input, the instrument panel module (IPM) provides ground to either the headlamp low beam relay control circuit or the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. The position of the headlamp dimmer switch determines which relay coil has ground. The IPM supplies ground to the relay coil circuits, if the headlamps are necessary. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to both relay switch circuits. When the low beam relay coil is energized, current flows through the LT LOW BEAM and the RT LOW BEAM fuses to the low beam headlamps. The low beam headlamps are grounded at G104. When the headlamp high beam relay coil is energized, current flows through the LT HI BEAM and the RT HI BEAM fuses to the high beam headlamps. The high beam headlamps are also grounded at G104. With the headlamp dimmer switch in the high beam position the IPM sends a message via serial data to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the IPC to illuminate the high beam indicator. The IPM will also request the IPC to turn on the LIGHTS ON INDICATOR located in the driver information center (DIC) anytime the headlamps are ON and the ignition is OFF or the driver door is opened.

The park, tail, license, and marker lamps are turned ON when the headlamp switch is placed in the park lamp or headlamp position or anytime the headlights are requested. The park lamps are also turned ON with the front fog lamps. When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the instrument panel module (IPM) provides ground to the controlled voltage circuit of the park lamp relay coil. The underhood fuse block supplies battery voltage to the switch contacts of the park lamp relay. When the headlamp switch is placed in the park lamp or headlamp positions, the park lamp switch ON signal circuit is provided ground at G200. In response to this signal, the IPM provides ground to the control circuit of the park lamp relay coil, which energizes the relay coil. When the park lamp relay coil is energized, the relay switch contacts close causing current to flow from the park lamp relay to the LIC/Dimming fuse, LT PARK fuse, and to the RT PARK fuse. From these fuses, current flows to the park lamps, license lamps, side marker lamps, and tail lamps. The front park lamps and side marker lamps are grounded at G104. The tail lamps and rear sidemarker lamps are grounded at G401 and G402. The LIC/dimming fuse supplies battery positive voltage to the license lamps and IPM instrument panel lamp fuse supply voltage circuit for interior lamps dimming. The license lamps are grounded at G402.

The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The BPP sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The instrument panel module (IPM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the BPP sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the IPM will apply battery voltage to the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), engine control module (ECM), and stop lamp relay. When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the IPM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage through the stop lamps fuse to illuminate the stop lamps. Ground for the left stop lamp and CHMSL is provided at G402 and the right stop lamp is grounded at G401.

With the ignition switch in the RUN position, the turn signal lamps will illuminate when the driver places the turn signal switch in the right or left positions. The instrument panel module (IPM) monitors the signal circuit of the turn signal/multifunction switch. The IPM relays the turn signal switch status to the rear integration module (RIM) via serial data. The RIM uses the status of the turn signal switch to command the turn signals ON and OFF. The RIM controls both front and rear turn signals. The IPM also sends a serial data message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to enable the turn signal indicators located in the IPC ON and OFF depending on the position of the turn signal switch. Voltage is supplied to the front and rear turn signals by the RIM. Ground is provided to the front turn signals at G104. The rear turn signals are grounded at G401 and G402. The turn signal/multifunction switch is grounded at G200.

HID Headlamps Low Voltage Operation

The instrument panel module (IPM) monitors the vehicle system voltage while in the RUN power mode. When the system voltage drops below 8.9 volts, the following will occur

STAGE 1: If the low beam headlamps are ON, whether manually or automatically, the IPM will turn ON the high beam headlamps by activating the flash to pass output control and turn OFF the low beam headlamps.

When the system voltage drops below 8.5 volts, the following will occur

  1. STAGE 2: If the low beam headlamps are ON, whether manually or automatically the IPM will turn OFF the low beam headlamps by deactivating the low beam relay output.
  2. If the headlamps are turned ON manually, the manual switch redundancy will cause the low beam headlamps to remain ON.
  3. If the headlamp dimmer switch is in the HIGH BEAM position, the low beam headlamps will remain ON. The IPM will activate the flash to pass output control.

If during the same ignition cycle the IPM enters either STAGE 1 or STAGE 2 operations noted above, the IPM determines that the system voltage has risen and the following will occur

  1. If the IPM has entered STAGE 2 operation, it will not return to STAGE 1 operation until the system voltage rises above 9.4 volts.
  2. If the IPM has entered STAGE 1 operation, it will not return to normal operation until the system voltage rises above 9.8 volts.