Lighting Systems: Other Saturn ION I

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may also be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Automatic Lamp Control Inoperative

Automatic Lamp Control Inoperative

Backup Lamps Always On

Backup Lamps Always On

Backup Lamps Inoperative

Backup Lamps Inoperative

Courtesy Lamps Always On

Courtesy Lamps Always On

Courtesy Lamps Inoperative

Courtesy Lamps Inoperative

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Inoperative

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Inoperative

Dome Lamps Inoperative

Dome Lamps Inoperative

Fog Lamps Always On

Fog Lamps Always On

Fog Lamps Inoperative

Fog Lamps Inoperative

Hazard Lamps Always On

Hazard Lamps Always On

Hazard Lamps Inoperative

Hazard Lamps Inoperative

Headlamps Inoperative - High Beams

Headlamps Inoperative - High Beams

Headlamps Inoperative - Low Beams

Headlamps Inoperative - Low Beams

Headlamps Inoperative - Low and High Beams

Headlamps Inoperative - Low and High Beams

Headlamps Inoperative - Flash to Pass

Headlamps Inoperative - Flash to Pass

High Beam Indicator Inoperative

High Beam Indicator Inoperative

Park Lamps Inoperative

Park Lamps Inoperative

Rear Compartment Lamp(s) Inoperative

Rear Compartment Lamp(s) Inoperative

Stop Lamps Inoperative

Stop Lamps Inoperative

Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative

Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative

Visual Aiming Preparation Procedure

Headlamp aim should be checked

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.

The aiming screen should meet the following criteria

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The screen shall be provided with a fixed vertical centerline, two laterally adjustable vertical tapes, and one vertically adjustable horizontal tape.
4. 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.
5. 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

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 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.

Headlamp Aiming Procedure

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.
8. Turn ON the low beam headlamps. Block the light from projecting onto the screen from the passenger side headlamp.
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

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 lb), is in the vehicle driver seat.

Aiming Procedure

1. Park the vehicle 7.6 m (25 ft) away from the target screen.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Adjust the fog lamp as required using the adjusting nut (1) on the rear of the fog lamp.
5. Turn OFF the fog lamps.

Exterior Lamps

The exterior lighting system consists of the following lamps

1. The headlamps
2. The daytime running lamps
3. The automatic headlamps and park lamps
4. The fog lamps
5. The park, tail and marker lamps
6. The turn signal lamps
7. The hazard lamps
8. The stop lamps
9. The backup lamps

Headlamps

The headlamps may be turned ON 2 different ways. First, when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEAD position, for normal operation. Second, with the headlamp switch placed in the AUTO position, during operation in low light conditions.

On vehicles with manual headlamps, the LH HDLP and RH HDLP fuse in the fuse block - underhood, supply battery positive voltage to both low beam lamps and high beam lamps at all times. The low beam and high beam circuits continue through the fuse block - underhood, through the body control module (BCM), and to the headlamp switch. The low beam or high beam circuit then, depending on the position of the dimmer switch, continues through the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the ON position, it provides a ground path for the low beam or high beam lamps through G203. The low beam and high beam circuits are monitored by the BCM.

On vehicles with automatic headlamps, the LH HDLP and RH HDLP fuse in the fuse block - underhood, supply battery positive voltage to both low beam lamps and high beam lamps at all times. The low beam and high beam circuits continue through the fuse block - underhood, through the BCM, and to the headlamp switch. The low beam or high beam circuit then, depending on the position of the dimmer switch, continues through the headlamp switch. The low beam and high beam circuits are monitored by the BCM. During automatic headlamp operation in low light conditions, the BCM will apply voltage to the coil side of the headlamp relay, energizing it. When the headlamp relay energizes, it provides a ground path for the low beam or high beam lamps through G203, depending on the dimmer switch position.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

The front turn signal lamps are used as both daytime running lamps (DRL) and turn signals lamps. The body control module (BCM) illuminates the front turn signals lamps in a non flashing mode for DRL operation. If the turn signal switch is activated during DRL operation, the appropriate turn signal will flash.

On vehicles with automatic headlamps, the DRL are designed to be automatically illuminated when the ignition is ON and the outside (ambient) light level is high as in daytime conditions (day mode). The DRL will not operate if the ambient light levels are too low (night mode). Light levels are detected by the ambient light sensor, a light sensitive transistor that varies its voltage signal to the BCM in response to changes to the ambient light level. When the BCM receives a day mode signal from the ambient light sensor it will then illuminate the DRL lamps. The automatic headlamps and park lamps will not operate when the DRL lamps are ON.

In the day mode, the ambient light sensor detects daylight and the BCM applies voltage to the LH and RH front turn signal lamps illuminating the lamps under the following conditions

1. The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
2. The headlamps are OFF.
3. The park brake is OFF (released).
4. The transaxle is not in park.
5. The RH or LH turn signal is OFF.

On vehicles with manual headlamps, the DRL are designed to be illuminated when the ignition is ON and the headlamps are OFF.

When the headlamps are OFF, the BCM applies voltage to the LH and RH front turn signal lamps illuminating the lamps under the following conditions

1. The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
2. The headlamps are OFF.
3. The park brake is OFF (released).
4. The transaxle is not in park.
5. The RH or LH turn signal is OFF.

Automatic Headlamps and Park Lamps

The automatic headlamps and park lamps are designed to automatically illuminate when the ignition is ON and the outside (ambient) light level is low as in night time conditions (night mode). Light levels are detected by the ambient light sensor, a light sensitive transistor that varies its voltage signal to the body control module (BCM) in response to changes to the ambient light level. When the BCM receives a low light mode signal from the ambient light sensor it will then energize the park lamp and automatic headlamp relays illuminating the headlamps and park lamps. The daytime running lamps (DRL) lamps will not operate when the automatic headlamps and park lamps are ON.

In the low light mode, the ambient light sensor detects low light level, the BCM turns OFF the front turn signal lamps, and grounds the park lamp relay and automatic headlamp relay control circuits, turning ON the headlamps and park lamps under the following conditions

1. The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
2. The headlamps are OFF.
3. The park brake is OFF (released).

If the engine stalls with the DRL in the low light mode, the BCM turns OFF the headlamps while the engine is being cranked. The park lamps will remain ON while the engine is being cranked.

Fog Lamps

The FOG fuse in the fuse block - underhood supplies battery positive voltage to the switch side of the fog lamp relay at all times. The coil side of the fog lamp relay is grounded at G101. When the fog lamp switch is pressed, it pulls the front fog lamp switch signal circuit low to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then supplies voltage to the coil side of the fog lamp relay, energizing the relay. The switch side of the fog lamp relay then supplies voltage to both front fog lamps. The front fog lamps are connected to ground at G101. The park lamps or headlamps must be ON for the fog lamps to operate.

Park, Tail and Marker Lamps

The park, tail, and marker lamps, including the license lamps, are illuminated when the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position. The PARK fuse in the body control module (BCM) supplies battery positive voltage to the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK or HEAD position, the headlamp switch supplies voltage to the park lamp supply voltage circuit. The park lamp supply voltage circuit goes from the headlamp switch, to the BCM, and then to the park, tail, and marker lamps. The park, tail, and marker lamps receive a ground at G101, G401, or G403.

Turn Signal Lamps

When the turn signal switch is place in either the right or left turn position, the turn/hazard request circuit is pulled low, through a resistor. The body control module (BCM) uses the resistors to determine if the left or right turn signals have been requested. The BCM then supplies an ON-OFF voltage to the turn signal lamps and turn signal indicator on the selected side of the vehicle. The turn signals receive a ground at G101, G401, or G403.

Hazard Lamps

When the hazard switch is activated, it pulls the turn/hazard request circuit low. The body control module (BCM) then provides an ON-OFF voltage to all of the turn signal lamps and both turn signal indicators. The turn signals receive a ground at G101, G401, or G403.

Stop Lamps

The 15-amp STOP fuse located in the body control module (BCM) 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), through the BCM. The stop lamps are grounded at G401 and G403.

Backup Lamps

The 15-amp BACK UP fuse in the fuse block - underhood supplies ignition positive voltage to the park/neutral position (PNP) switch of an automatic transmission or the backup lamp switch of a manual transmission. When the transmission is placed in reverse, the appropriate switch supplies voltage to the backup lamps. The backup lamps receive ground at G401 and G403.

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 Dome Lamp
2. The Rear Compartment Courtesy Lamp
3. The Rear View Mirror Map Lights

The inadvertent power control circuit of the BCM supplies battery positive voltage to the dome lamp and the map lamps. 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 interior lamps receive a ground at G401 or G403.

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 the interior lamps 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 inadvertent power control circuit also provides battery positive voltage to the rear compartment courtesy lamp. When the rear compartment is opened, its switch closes and the rear compartment lamp illuminates. The rear compartment lamp is grounded at G403.

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

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.