Lighting
System
Student Manual
Lighting System
Activity 16
Troubleshooting Exterior/Interior Lighting Systems
(advanced, cont)
Performance Objectives:
z Troubleshoot real world problems using factory service information
z Master using service information and wiring diagrams
z Develop and follow a diagnostic plan in the absence of ready-made trouble shooting tables and
symptom charts
Tools and Materials:
z ATech Model 821FJ Lighting System Trainer
z 12 Volt Battery or Power Supply (20 Amp Minimum)
z Digital Multimeter
z 12 Volt Test Light
z Jumper Lead (Fused 15A)
z Scan Tool (Tech 2 or equivalent)
References:
z Service Manual Information
Program Materials:
• Locate the Lighting Trainer, Digital Multimeter, Jumper, Test Light and Service Manual
Information as well as the scan tool you will be using. During this program, you will be asked
to work with one or more of these “pieces of equipment”
Lighting System - Activity 16
16-1
Interior and exterior Lighting System Circuit diagnosis.
(Background: The customer is complaining that the instrument panel illumination stays on and
cannot be dimmed. The service manager tells you that several technicians have tried to diagnose
and repair this problem. Because you have gotten a reputation as someone who can diagnose
and repair these difficult electrical problems, the vehicle is given to you. You are admonished
not to disassemble anything and simply give a diagnosis.)
z Insert (or have your instructor insert,) fault # 15
z Use a suitable scan tool and verify that both ALC and DRL are disabled
z Turn the ignition switch to the “start” then back to the run position
z Operate the lighting system and observe all aspects of it
z Check for trouble codes
1. Are there any trouble codes stored?
a. Yes, there is a DTC B5784
b. No, there are no DTC's
c Yes, there is a DTC U4321
d. None of these
2. What problem or problems do you observe with the lighting system?
a. No particular problem is observed
b. The customer’s complaint in regard to the instrument panel illumination is verified
c. The stop lamps are staying on
d. The turn signals do not work
3. Do you observe any additional problems?
a. The park lamps stay on as well. They can be dimmed with the dimmer control, however
b. The turn signals cause the instrument illumination to blink or flash as well
c. Both a and b is correct
d. Neither a nor b are correct
4. When reading through the description and operation as well as the symptom list in the
service information, is this problem described?
a. No, a diagnostics approach will have to be developed, based on symptoms, wiring
diagrams, as well as description and operation information
b. No, must start by replacing the Instrument panel, then retest
c. Yes. The service information says to disconnect the battery for 5 minutes to allow all
circuits to reset
d. No, but the system obviously has a bad computer
Lighting System - Activity 16
16-2
5. What is a good starting point when diagnosing a problem like this one?
a. Observing circuit operation and studying the wiring diagram will help in formulating the
diagnostic strategy
b. The scan tool data should give some direction
c. The trouble code that is stored will give the answer
d. None of these
• Observe the circuit behavior closely
• Pay close attention to during which conditions the problem seems to occur
6. Under which conditions does the problem occur?
a. At all times
b. Only when the turn signals are “on”
c. Anytime the ignition switch is “on”
d. Only when the park lamps are “on”
• Study the wiring diagram closely.
• Try to determine if the problem can be narrowed down further, possibly by opening circuits or
disconnecting components. For example, what does the ignition switch feed?
7. Can something be easily disconnected, to aid in narrowing down the problem?
a. Yes, the ignition switch outputs feed various fuses. By disconnecting fuses, one at a time,
and observing circuit behavior, it may be possible to narrow the problem down further.
b. Yes, the ignition switch outputs feed various components. By disassembling these
components, it should be possible to narrow the problem down further.
c. Both a and b is correct
d. Neither a nor b are correct
8. Where is the problem?
a. In the turn signal circuit, between the fuse panel and the turn signal switch
b. In the park lamp circuit, between the fuse for the front park lamps and the head lamp
switch
c. In the BCM itself
d. The turn signal switch has an internal short
Lighting System - Activity 16
16-3
9. Which of the following wording would you use when filling out the work order after having
diagnosed this problem?
a. Diagnosed the problem as a short in the turn signal circuit
b. Diagnosed the problem as a cross short between the turn signal circuit, and the instrument
panel illumination circuit. The cross short is located between the fuse panel and the turn
signal switch.
c. Verified customer’s complaint. Checked for applicable TSB’s (Technical Service
Bulletins). Performed a diagnostic systems check and verified the correct software
version. Performed a thorough visual inspection of visible components, wiring, and
connectors. Diagnosed the problem as a cross short between the turn signal circuit and
the instrument panel illumination circuit. Determined that the cross short is located
between the fuse panel and the turn signal switch. Additional diagnostic time will be
needed to disassemble the vehicle to further narrow down the exact cause.
d. None of these are correct
10. Could a problem in the turn signal switch itself cause the fault?
a. Yes, because the illumination circuit also goes through the turn signal circuit
b. No
c. Yes, because the instrument illumination circuit could be back fed from the turn signal
circuit
d. None of these
• Study the wiring diagrams, especially the instrument panel dimmer circuit.
• Pay close attention to how the circuit would behave differently, with the cross short in
different places
11. Why can the park lamp circuit be dimmed using the instrument panel dimmer? (The
instrument panel illumination, which should be dimmable, cannot be dimmed)
a. Because the short to voltage is on circuit #8 (pin J on the head lamp switch.) Circuit #8
feeds circuit #301, which is the park lamp circuit, through the variable resistor (rheostat).
b. Because the short to voltage is on circuit #301 (pin S on the head lamp switch), Circuit
301 feeds circuit #8 through the variable resistor (rheostat) in the head lamp switch.
c. Circuit #8 is shorted to circuit 105 (1050). Circuit #8 then feeds circuit #301. Circuit
301 feeds circuit 32
d. None of these
Lighting System - Activity 16
16-4
• Remove (or have your Instructor remove,) fault #15
z Turn the ignition switch to the key out position, if not already done
z Turn off and disconnect the scan tool
• Turn any switch still “on” to the “off” position
• Clap yourself on the shoulder
Conclusion:
This activity deepened your understanding of circuit behavior. You also gained more practice in
diagnosing circuit problems, based on observed symptoms. This activity is considered
challenging. If you solved the problems, you are well underway to becoming an automotive
technician.
Lighting System - Activity 16
16-5
Lighting System - Activity 16
16-6