Circuit/System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Buick Verano. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With Manual HVAC

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-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor which is permanently grounded at G203. 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. During low light conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.

With Automatic HVAC

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-volt reference signal to the ambient light sensor and the HVAC control module provides a low reference ground. 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. During low light conditions the BCM will command the low beam headlamps ON. Any function or condition that turns on the headlamps will cancel DRL operation.