Lighting System: Overview — Chevrolet Tahoe III (2006-2014)

Circuit/System Description

Voltage for the interior backlighting components and stop lamp switch activation signal is supplied from the body control module (BCM). The BCM applies a voltage reference through the instrument panel (I/P) dimming voltage reference circuit to the interior lamp dimming switch, which is part of the headlamp switch. When the dimming switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the interior lamp dimming switch through the I/P dimming control circuit to the BCM. The BCM then applies the dimmed voltage to the I/P lamps supply voltage circuit and they dim to the correct level.

The stop lamp switch is also supplied voltage on the same circuit for a stop lamp OFF signal to the BCM. When the stop lamp switch is activated the voltage signal circuit to the BCM is opened prompting the BCM to illuminate the stop lamps.

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 body control module (BCM) 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.

When the rear fog lamp switch is placed in the ON position, ground is applied to the auxiliary body control module (XBCM) through the rear fog lamp switch circuit. The XBCM then applies voltage to the rear fog lamp control circuit to the rear fog lamp.

When the transmission is placed in the REVERSE position, the transmission control module (TCM) sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM). The message indicates that the gear selector is in the REVERSE position. The BCM applies voltage to the backup lamp relay control circuit energizing the backup lamp relay coil. With the relay coil energized, the switch contacts close allowing battery voltage to flow through the VEH BCK/UP fuse to the left and right backup lamps. The BCM also supplies voltage the to inside rearview mirror via the backup lamp relay control circuit for automatic day/night operation. Once the driver moves the gear selector out of the REVERSE position, a serial data message is sent by the TCM requesting the BCM to remove voltage from the backup lamp control circuit.

When the body control module (BCM) signals for courtesy lamp operation, a message is sent over the serial data circuit to the driver door and passenger door switches. The driver door switch and passenger door switch the applies battery voltage to the left and right courtesy lamp control circuits illuminating the door courtesy lamps. The driver door and passenger door switches also provide ground to the lamps.

When the Headlamp and Panel Dimmer Switch is placed in the headlamp ON position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through the headlamp low beam signal circuit. The BCM then applies ground to the HDLP LO/HID Relay control circuit which energizes the low beam relay. With the low beam relay energized, the switch contacts close allowing B+ to flow through the LOW HDLP fuses to the low beam headlamps.

When the headlamp and panel dimmer switch is placed in the AUTO position, the body control module (BCM) receives a ground signal through the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit. The headlamp and panel dimmer switch headlamps ON signal circuit and the park lamp switch signal circuit are both open and have no ground signal. When the headlamp and panel dimmer switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position, the BCM will receive a ground signal through the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit and the park lamp switch signal circuit. The headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit will be open and have no ground signal.

When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in the headlamps high or flash to pass (FTP) position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through the headlamp high beam signal circuit or the flash to pass signal circuit. The BCM applies ground to the headlamp HIGH BEAM relay control circuit which energizes the HIGH BEAM relay. With the HIGH BEAM relay energized, the switch contacts close allowing B+ to flow through the HI BEAM fuses to the high beam headlamps.

Voltage is applied at all times to the park lamp relay from battery voltage. When the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK position and the body control module (BCM) commands the park lamps ON, the BCM then applies a ground to the park lamp relay control circuit. This engages the relay and applies voltage through the park lamp fuses and to all the park, license, and tail lamps.

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 V depending on outside lighting conditions. The body control module (BCM) provides a 5 V reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine 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 BCM will command the DRLs ON by applying ground to the DRL relay via the DRL relay control circuit. When the BCM applies ground to the DRL relay control circuit, the DRL relay coil energizes causing the relay switch contacts to close. With the DRL relay energized, voltage is applied through the relay switch contacts, the DRL Resistor, and the DRL fuse to the left and right low beam headlamp fuses illuminating the low beam headlamps. Any function or condition that turns the headlamps ON will cancel DRL operation. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

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 V depending on outside lighting conditions. The body control module (BCM) provides a 5 V reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine 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 BCM will command the DRLs ON by applying ground to the DRL resistor via the DRL resistor control circuit. When the BCM applies ground to the DRL resistor control circuit, the DRL signal circuits to the right and left headlamp assemblies are pulled low. The DRL signal circuits are direct inputs to the right and left headlamp control modules. When the DRL signal circuits are provided with ground, the right and left headlamp control modules respond by turning OFF the low beam headlamps and activating the DRLs. Any function or condition that turns the headlamps ON will cancel DRL operation.

When the instrument panel lamps dimmer switch is activated, a variable voltage signal is applied through the LED dimmer switch signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then applies a message on the low speed serial data communication circuit to the door switches to illuminate the switch backlighting. The BCM, driver door switch, and passenger door switch then applies a variable voltage signal through the LED dimming supply circuit to the components on that circuit.

Voltage for the courtesy lamps is supplied from body control module (BCM), driver door switch, and passenger door switch. When a door is opened, a signal is applied to the door module. The door module then applies a message on the low speed serial data communication circuit to the BCM to activate the courtesy lamps. The BCM then applies voltage to the courtesy lamps voltage supply circuit and the components on that circuit.

When the interior lamps dimming switch is activated, a variable voltage signal is applied through the instrument panel lamps dimmer switch signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then applies a variable voltage signal through the LED indicator dimming supply circuit to the components on the circuit.

The ambient light sensor is used to monitor outside lighting conditions. The ambient light sensor provides a voltage signal that will vary depending on outside lighting conditions. The body control module (BCM) provides a 5 V reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The BCM monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine 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 BCM will command the DRLs ON. In low light conditions, when the headlamps switch is in AUTO position, the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON.

The body control module (BCM) applies a 12 V reference voltage through the headlamp and panel dimmer switch 12 V reference circuit to the headlamp and panel dimmer switch. When the dimming switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the headlamp and panel dimmer switch through the instrument panel (I/P) lamp dimming switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM then applies the dimmed voltage to the I/P lamp dimming control circuit and the components on the circuit.

The stop lamp switch is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a B+ reference voltage to the stop lamp switch. When the stop lamp switch contacts close indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery voltage to stop lamp relay control circuit and the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). When the stop lamp relay receives battery voltage from the BCM, the relay coil is energized and the stop lamp relay switch contacts close applying battery voltage to the STOP LAMPS fuse to illuminate the left and right stop lamps.

The auxiliary body control module (XBCM) receives a momentary ground signal from the rear fog lamp switch when the switch is activated. The rear fog lamps will remain illuminated until the switch is activated again or when the ignition key is cycled.

Voltage for the interior backlighting components is supplied from the body control module (BCM). The BCM applies a voltage reference through the 12 V reference circuit to the headlamp and panel dimmer switch. When the dimming switch is placed in the desired position, the dimmed voltage setting is applied from the headlamp and panel dimmer switch through the instrument panel (I/P) lamp dimmer switch signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM then applies the dimmed voltage to the lamp supply voltage circuits and they are dimmed to the correct level.

When the rear fog lamp switch is placed in the ON position, ground is applied to the auxiliary body control module (XBCM) through the rear fog lamp switch circuit. The XBCM then applies voltage on the trailer fog lamp circuit to the trailer rear fog lamp.

Voltage for the courtesy lamps is supplied from body control module (BCM), driver door switch, and passenger door switch. When a door is opened, a signal is applied to the door module. The door module then applies a message on the low speed GMLAN serial data communication circuit to the BCM to activate the courtesy lamps. The BCM then applies voltage to the courtesy lamps voltage supply circuit and the components on that circuit.

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 body control module (BCM) provides a 5 V reference signal to the ambient light sensor. The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit to determine 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 BCM will command the DRLs ON by applying ground to the DRL resistor via the DRL resistor control circuit. When the BCM applies ground to the DRL resistor control circuit, the DRL signal circuits to the right and left headlamp assemblies are pulled low. The DRL signal circuits are direct inputs to the right and left headlamp control modules. When the DRL signal circuits are provided with ground, the right and left headlamp control modules respond by turning OFF the low beam headlamps and activating the DRLs. Any function or condition that turns the headlamps ON will cancel DRL operation.

When the BCM receives a signal to command the courtesy lamps ON, it applies battery voltage through the dome/courtesy lamps control circuit to the courtesy lamps. The door sill illumination receives voltage through the courtesy lamps circuit. The door sill illumination harness connector includes a power inverter which converts the battery voltage to 150 V AC (550 Hz). This AC voltage is supplied to the door sill lamps and causes them to illuminate.

The auxiliary body control module (XBCM) controls and supplies battery positive voltage to both the rear fog lamp and trailer rear fog lamp circuits.

The hazard switch signal circuit is referenced from battery voltage by the BCM. When the hazard switch is activated, the signal circuit is grounded through the switch and the signal circuit voltage goes low. The BCM then sends an ON-OFF voltage signal through the fuses to the appropriate turn signal and side repeater (export only) lamps or to all of the turn signal fuses for hazard operation.

With the headlamp switch in the ON position, the headlamp switch headlamp ON signal circuit is grounded through the turn signal/multifunction switch. In response to this input, the body control module (BCM) 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 is supplied with ground. The BCM supplies ground to the relay coil circuits, if the headlamps are necessary. The underhood fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the relay coil and switch circuits. The low beam headlamps operate when the BCM grounds the relay coil control circuit to the relay coil of the low beam headlamp relay. This energizes the low beam relay causing the switch contacts to close. With the switch contacts closed, battery voltage is applied to the LT LO and RT LO beam fuses through to the left and right low beam headlamps.

When the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position, the radio vacuum fluorescent display turns ON at maximum brightness. When the park lamps are ON, all incandescent and LED back lighting turn ON at the dimming level indicated by the instrument panel (I/P) dimmer switch. At the same time all vacuum fluorescent displays dim to match the indicated dimming level. The panel dimmer switch potentiometer is an input to the body control module (BCM). When the driver selects a dimming setting by moving the I/P dimming switch potentiometer, all incandescent back lighting lamps are provided with a specific voltage. When the I/P dimmer switch is moved from MIN to MAX, all vacuum fluorescent displays, as well as all incandescent back lighting respond from minimum intensity to maximum brightness in response to the I/P dimmer switch

Battery positive voltage is applied at all times to both the coil and switch sides of the PARK LAMP Relay located in the underhood fuse block. The Headlamp and Panel Dimmer switch is supplied with ground at all times. When the headlamp switch is placed in either the HEAD or PARK position, ground is applied to the park lamp signal circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM responds by applying ground to the park lamp relay control circuit. This energizes the park lamp relay coil causing the relay switch contacts to close allowing battery voltage to flow through the LT PRK fuses and RT PRK fuses to all of the park, tail, license, and marker lamps.

When the turn signal switch is placed in either the left or right position, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal switch to the BCM. When the hazard flasher switch is activated, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal/hazard switch to the BCM. The BCM then sends a pulsating voltage signal through the fuses to the appropriate turn signal and side repeater (European only) lamps or to all of the turn signal fuses for hazard operation. The driver door switch and passenger door switch also receive voltage from the BCM turn signal supply voltage circuits for the mirror turn signals. The door switches have no function or control of the mirror turn signals other than a pass through connection for the circuits. The audio chime is also activated when the turn signals are ON. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the signals to activate the turn signal indicators over the GMLAN serial data system.

Low Voltage Operation of HID Headlamps

The BCM 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, either manually or automatically, the BCM will turn ON the high beam headlamps by activating the High Beam output.
STAGE 2: When the system voltage drops below 8.5 volts, the following will occur: If the low beam headlamps are currently ON, either manually or automatically, the BCM will turn OFF the low beam headlamps by deactivating the Low Beam output. If the headlamps are then turned ON manually, the manual switch redundancy will cause the low beam headlamps to remain ON.

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

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

Lighting System: Overview Chevrolet Tahoe III

Circuit/System Description

Low Voltage Operation of HID Headlamps

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