Circuit/System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 GMC Acadia, 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 switch contacts closed, battery voltage flows through the DRL fuse to the left and right DRL lamps. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.