Lighting Systems: Other Pontiac Sunfire I

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may also be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT AND POOR CONNECTIONS in Wiring Systems.

Headlamp Aiming (Pontiac)

Visual Aiming Preparation Procedure

Headlamp aim should be checked

Scheme 228

1. When a new headlamp capsule is installed
2. If service or repairs to the front end area have, or may have, disturbed the headlamps or their mounting.
3. The area will consist of a level surface large enough to allow for a vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 feet) measured from face of lamps to the front of the aiming screen.
4. The screen will be 1.52 m (5 ft) high x 3.66 m (12 ft) wide with a matte white surface well shaded from extraneous light, and properly adjusted to the floor on which the vehicle stands. Provisions should be made to align the aiming screen parallel with the vehicle.
5. The screen shall be provided with a fixed vertical centerline, two laterally adjustable vertical tapes, and one vertically adjustable horizontal tape.
6. If a regular commercial aiming screen is not available, the screen may consist of a vertical wall having a clear uninterrupted area approximately 1.83 m (6 ft) high and 3.66 m (12 ft) wide. The surface should be finished with a washable non-gloss white paint.
7. After the aiming screen has been set up in a permanent location, paint a reference line on the floor directly under the lens of the lamps to indicate the proper location of the headlamps when they are being aimed: Distance between headlamps (1) Center line of screen (2) Adjustable vertical pointer (3) Adjustable horizontal tape (4) Diagram of light screen (5) Vertical center line ahead of right headlamp pointer position (6) 7.62 m (25 ft) (7) Car axis (8) Adjustable vertical pointer Horizontal center line of lamps Vertical center line ahead of left headlamp

Prior to aiming the headlamps, the following steps must be taken

Scheme 229

1. Remove any snow, ice or mud from the vehicle.
2. The vehicle must have a full tank of gas.
3. Stop all other work on the vehicle.
4. If any service has been performed on the vehicle, make sure that all of the components are back in their original place.
5. The vehicle must be on a level surface.
6. The vehicle left tires must be aligned with the reference line extending from the screen with the headlamps aligned with the reference line.
7. Do not load any cargo in the vehicle.
8. The vehicle must contain approximately 75 kg (165 lb) on the driver's seat.
9. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure.
10. Simulate the vehicle loads if the intended use of the vehicle is for hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer.
11. Rock the vehicle in order to stabilize the suspension.
12. Turn on the headlamps to low beam and observe the left and the top edges of the high intensity zone on the screen. The edges of the high intensity zone should fall within the specifications.

Scheme 230

Scheme 231

Scheme 232

1. Open the hood.
2. Measure from the floor to the center of the headlamp bulb. Some headlamps have an aim dot marked on the headlamp lens.
3. At the screen, measure from the floor and place the horizontal tape at the measured distance.
4. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the left headlamp bulb centerline.
5. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the measured distance.
6. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the right headlamp bulb centerline.
7. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the measured distance. IMPORTANT: DO NOT cover the headlamp, this may cause excessive heat build up.
8. Turn ON the low beam headlamps and block the light from projecting onto the screen from the passenger side headlamp. IMPORTANT: The headlamps can not be adjusted horizontally.
9. Adjust the vertical aim (1) of the headlamps to the specifications required by the state and the local authorities, or as shown in step number 8.
10. Repeat the aiming procedure for the passenger side headlamp while blocking the light from projecting onto the screen from the driver side headlamp.
11. Turn the headlamps OFF.
12. Close the hood.

Headlamp Aiming (Chevrolet)

Headlamp aim should be checked

Scheme 233

1. When a new headlamp capsule is installed
2. If service or repairs to the front end area have, or may have, disturbed the headlamps or their mounting
3. The area will consist of a level surface large enough to allow for a vehicle and an additional 7.62 m (25 ft) measured from face of lamps to the front of the aiming screen.
4. The screen will be 1.52 m (5 ft) high x 3.66 m (12 ft) wide with a matte white surface well shaded from extraneous light, and properly adjusted to the floor on which the vehicle stands. Provisions should be made to align the screen parallel with the vehicle.
5. The screen shall be provided with a fixed vertical centerline, two laterally adjustable vertical tapes, and one vertically adjustable horizontal tape.
6. If a regular commercial aiming screen is not available, the screen may consist of a vertical wall having a clear uninterrupted area approximately 1.83 m (6 ft) high and 3.66 m (12 ft) wide. The surface should be finished with a washable non-gloss white paint.
7. After the aiming screen has been set up in its permanent location, paint a reference line on the floor directly under the lens of the lamps to indicate the proper location of the headlamps when they are being aimed: Distance between headlamps (1) Center line of screen (2) Adjustable vertical pointer (3) Adjustable horizontal tape (4) Diagram of light screen (5) Vertical center line ahead of right headlamp pointer position (6) 7.62 m (25 ft) (7) Car axis (8) Adjustable vertical pointer Horizontal center line of lamps Vertical center line ahead of left headlamp

Prior to aiming the headlamps, the following steps must be taken

Scheme 234

1. Remove any snow, ice or mud from the vehicle.
2. The vehicle must have a full tank of gas.
3. Stop all other work on the vehicle.
4. If any service has been performed on the vehicle, make sure that all of the components are back in their original place.
5. The vehicle must be on a level surface.
6. The vehicle left tires must be aligned with the reference line extending from the screen with the headlamps aligned with the reference line.
7. Do not load any cargo in the vehicle.
8. The vehicle must contain one person or 72.56 kg (160 lb) on the driver's seat.
9. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure.
10. Simulate the vehicle loads if the intended use of the vehicle is for hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer.
11. Rock the vehicle in order to stabilize the suspension.
12. Turn on the headlamps to low beam and observe the left and the top edges of the high intensity zone on the screen. The edges of the high intensity zone should fall within the specifications.

Scheme 235

Scheme 236

Scheme 237

1. Open the hood.
2. Measure from the floor to the center of the headlamp bulb.
3. At the screen, measure from the floor and place the horizontal tape at the measured distance.
4. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the left headlamp bulb centerline.
5. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the measured distance.
6. Measure from the reference line on the floor to the right headlamp bulb centerline.
7. At the screen, measure from the reference line and place the vertical tape at the measured distance. IMPORTANT: DO NOT cover the headlamp. This may cause excessive heat build up.
8. Turn on the low beam headlamps and block the light from projecting onto the screen from the passenger side headlamp. IMPORTANT: The headlamps can not be adjusted horizontally.
9. Adjust the vertical aim screw of the headlamps to the specifications required by the state and the local authorities, or as shown in step number 8.
10. Repeat the aiming procedure for the passenger side headlamp while blocking the light from projecting onto the screen from the driver side headlamp.
11. Turn the headlamps OFF.
12. Close the hood.

Preparation Procedure

Scheme 238

1. Completely assemble all of the components on the vehicle.
2. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
3. Stop all unnecessary operations or work that could affect the ride height of the vehicle.
4. Close the doors and verify that the luggage compartment is empty.
5. Stabilize the suspension by rocking the vehicle sideways.
6. Ensure that the fuel level is full.
7. Ensure that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure.
8. Ensure that the driver or a similar weight, approximately 75 kg (165 lbs), is in the vehicle driver seat.

Scheme 239

Scheme 240

Scheme 241

1. Partially remove the front edge of the front fender liner to access to the fog lamps. Refer to «FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT»(ref-174749-S02052349432005040800000) in Body Front End.
2. Park the vehicle 7.6 m (25 ft) away from the target screen.
3. Measure from the center of the fog lamp to the ground line. Using this measurement, mark the horizontal centerline (2) of the fog lamp on the target screen directly in front of the vehicle.
4. Turn ON the fog lamps. The top of the fog lamp beam image (4) on the target screen should be 102 mm (4 in) below the center of the fog lamp lens height.
5. Adjust the fog lamp as required using the adjusting nut (1) on the rear of the fog lamp.
6. Turn OFF the fog lamps.
7. Install the front edge of the front fender liner. Refer to «FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT»(ref-174749-S02052349432005040800000) in Body Front End.

Scheme 242

1. Remove the screw (3) from the side marker lamp (2).
2. Remove the side marker lamp (2) from the front and/or rear bumper fascia.
3. Remove the bulb/socket from the side marker lamp.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket

Scheme 243

1. Install the bulb to the socket.
2. Install the bulb/socket to the side marker lamp (2).
3. Install the side marker lamp (2) to the front and/or rear bumper fascia. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(ref-175132-S17785009232005041500000) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the screw (3) to the side marker lamp (2). Tighten Tighten the side marker lamp screw to 2 N.m (18 lb.in).

Scheme 244

Scheme 245

Scheme 246

Scheme 247

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the hood close out filler panel. Refer to «HOOD CLOSE OUT FILLER REPLACEMENT»(ref-174749-S26980049772005040800000) in Body Front End.
3. Remove the park/turn signal bulb/socket by depressing the lock tab and rotating the bulb/socket counterclockwise.
4. Remove the bolt that retains the park/turn signal lamp bracket to the upper tie bar.
5. Remove the screw that retains the grille assembly to the fascia. Remove the park/turn lamp housing with the grille assembly from the vehicle.
6. Remove the push retainer that secures the grille to the park/turn lamp assembly.
7. Remove the bolts/screws that retain the grille assembly to the park/turn lamp assembly.
8. Remove the bolts that retain the park/turn signal lamp assembly from the lamp.

Exterior Lamps

The exterior lighting system consist of the following lamps

1. The Headlamps
2. The Daytime Running Lamps
3. The Fog Lamps
4. The Park, Tail and Marker Lamps
5. The Turn Signal Lamps
6. The Stop lamps
7. The Backup Lamps

Headlamps

The headlamps are operated when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position. The LT HDLP and RT HDLP fuse in the IP fuse block, supply battery positive voltage to both the left and right headlamps. The low beam and high beam circuits continue to the headlamp switch. Depending on the position of the dimmer switch, either the low or high beam circuit will now have a path to ground. Ground is provided at G204. The low beam and high beam circuits also provide the body control module (BCM) with both low and high beam inputs. The headlamp switch includes the dimmer and the flash-to-pass switch.

If the headlight switch is left in the HEADLAMP position, the headlights will remain on until turned off or the battery runs dead.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

Any function that turns on the headlights will cancel the daytime running lamps operation. The LT HDLP fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the daytime running lamp (DRL) relay coil circuit. The DRL relay switch contacts are connected to the low beam circuit. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the BCM will turn on the daytime running lamps. The BCM energizes the DRL relay, closing the switch contacts and grounding the low beam circuit at G204. The DRL illuminate the low beam headlights at a reduced intensity. The DRL will operate when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the gear selector is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is released. When these conditions have been met the DRL will illuminate.

DRL operation in Manual Transmission equipped vehicles will occur when the ignition switch is in the RUN position, and the parking brake is released.

Fog Lamps

For Chevrolet, with the park lamps or low beam headlights ON, the fog lights will illuminate when the driver presses the fog lamp switch. The FOG LP fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the fog lamp relay switch circuit. The headlamp switch supplies battery positive voltage to the fog lamp relay coil circuit. When the driver presses the fog lamp switch, the body control module (BCM) fog lamp switch input is grounded. The BCM will then energize the fog lamp relay control circuit by providing ground to the fog lamp relay coil. The current flow is now from the fog lamp relay to both front fog lamps and to ground at G102. The state of the fog lamps, either ON or OFF, will remain the same until the fog lamp switch is pressed again. Fog lamp operation will be cancelled whenever the park lamps, are turned OFF or the high beam headlights have been selected.

For Pontiac, with the park lamps or low beam headlights ON, the fog lights will illuminate when the driver presses the fog lamp switch. The FOG LP fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the fog lamp relay switch circuit and the fog lamp relay coil circuit. When the driver presses the fog lamp switch, the body control module (BCM) fog lamp switch input is grounded. The BCM will then energize the fog lamp relay control circuit by providing ground to the fog lamp relay coil. The current flow is now from the fog lamp relay to both front fog lamps and to ground at G102. The state of the fog lamps, either ON or OFF, will remain the same until the fog lamp switch is pressed again. Fog lamp operation will be cancelled whenever the park lamps, are turned OFF or the high beam headlights have been selected.

Park, Tail and Marker Lamps

The park, tail and marker lamps, including the license lamps, are turned ON when the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEADLAMP position. The EXT LAMP fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEADLAMP position, current flows through the headlamp switch to the park, tail and marker lamps and then to ground at G102, G302, and G304. If the park lamps are turned ON, they will remain ON until turned OFF or the battery runs dead.

Remote Keyless Entry Exterior Lamp Illumination

When the body control module (BCM) receives a door unlock command from the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter, the BCM will then flash the headlamps twice. With all the doors closed, and the RKE transmitter is used to lock the doors, the head lamps will flash once. The headlamps will not flash if the rear compartment is opened using the RKE transmitter.

Turn Signal Lamps

The TURN-B/U fuse and the STOP/HAZ fuse in the IP fuse block, supplies battery positive voltage to the flasher module. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON position. When the turn signal switch is placed in either the left or right position, current flow is from the flasher module's output to the turn signal switch assembly. The flasher module then sends an on-off voltage signal to either the left or right turn signals and their instrument panel cluster (IPC) indicator. When the hazard switch is pressed, all the turn signal lamps will flash including both IPC turn signal indicators.

Stop Lamps

The STOP/HAZ fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the normally open stop lamp switch. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the switch contacts close and battery positive voltage is supplied to both left and right stop lamp assemblies and the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL). The stop lamps are grounded at G302 and G304.

Backup Lamps

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the TRN-B/U fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the park/neutral position switch. Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the TRN-B/U fuse in the IP fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the back up lamps switch. When the driver places the gear selector lever in the REVERSE position, the current flow is from the park/neutral position switch or the back up lamps switch, to the back up lamps. The back up lamps are grounded at G304.

Interior Lamps

The interior Lamps consist of two groups. The first group are those lamps which may not be dimmed. The second group include lamps that may be dimmed.

Courtesy/Illuminated Entry Lamps

These lamps may be manually turned on by placing the interior lamp switch in the ON position, or by opening a door.

1. The Roof Rail/Reading Lamps
2. The Footwell Lamps
3. The Dome Lamp
4. The Rear View Mirror Lamps

The RDO/INT LP fuse in the IP fuse block, supplies battery positive voltage to the body control module (BCM). The inadvertent power control circuit of the BCM then supplies battery positive voltage to the dome lamp, the left and right courtesy lamps, the reading lamps, and the rear compartment lamp. When any door is opened, the door jamb switch contacts close providing a door open input to the BCM. The BCM then provides a ground to the interior lamps. The dome lamp assembly may contain two map lamps, each map lamp may be turned ON or OFF using its own switch. The rear view mirror may contain two reading lamps, each reading lamp may be manually turned ON or OFF using its own switch. The map and reading lamps are grounded at G204.

If the driver inadvertently leaves any interior lamp on the BCM will turn it off after a 20 minute time-out.

The courtesy lamps will normally turn off using the theater dimming feature. The BCM provides a pulse width modulated ground to left and right hand courtesy/reading lamps and the dome lamp for the theater dimming feature. The courtesy lamps will also turn off immediately if a door lock command is received with all the doors closed, or if the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.

Keyless Entry Interior Illumination

When the body control module (BCM) receives a door unlock command from the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter, the BCM will keep the courtesy lamps on approximately 20 seconds and then turn them off through the theater dimming feature. If the door locks are activated to the LOCK position, the courtesy lamps will deactivate immediately. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the courtesy lamps will deactivate in approximately one second.

Rear Compartment Lamp

The courtesy lamps supply voltage circuit also provides battery positive voltage to the rear compartment lamp. When the rear compartment is opened, its switch closes and the rear compartment lamp illuminates. The rear compartment lamp is grounded at G304.

Interior Lamps Dimming

The second group includes lamps which may be dimmed. This group may use a combination of vacuum fluorescent (VF) illumination and incandescent lamps.

1. Power window switches
2. HVAC control head assembly
3. Radio
4. The instrument panel cluster (IPC)

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the vacuum fluorescent (VF) display (radio) turns on at maximum brightness. When the park lamps are ON all incandescent back lighting turn ON at the dimming level indicated by the IP dimmer switch.

At the same time all vacuum fluorescent (VF) displays dim to match the indicated dimming level. When the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK position, the park lamp supply voltage circuit provides an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then supplies voltage to the instrument panel dimmer switch through the instrument panel dimming lamps control circuit. The setting of the instrument panel dimmer switch determines the amount of voltage that the instrument panel dimmer switch supplies to the BCM through the instrument panel dimming lamps low reference circuit. The BCM then sends a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage to all the interior lamps. All the vacuum florescent (VF) and incandescent back lighting lamps are provided a specific voltage and are then grounded. When the headlight switch is turned to the PARK or HEADLAMP position, all incandescent back lighting turn on at the dimming level indicated by the IP dimmer switch. When the IP dimmer switch is moved from MIN to MAX, all vacuum fluorescent (VF) displays, as well as all incandescent back lighting respond from Minimum intensity to maximum brightness in response to the IP dimmer switch.

Inadvertent Power

The body control module used in this vehicle controls the lighting system through circuits that enable the interior lamps. The BCM opens these enabling circuits shortly after the ignition switch is turned OFF with no lamp switch activity. If the ignition switch is turned to any position other than OFF, or if a lamp switch is activated during this period, the timer will reset itself again.