Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction
Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
Ground is applied at all times to the turn signal/multifunction switch. The turn signal lamps may only be activated with the ignition switch in the ON or START position. When the turn signal/multifunction switch is placed in either the TURN RIGHT or TURN LEFT position, ground is applied to the body control module (BCM) through either the right turn or left turn signal switch signal circuit. The BCM then applies a pulsating voltage to the front and rear turn signal lamps through their respective control circuits. When a turn signal request is received by the BCM, a serial data message is sent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) requesting the respective turn signal indicator be pulsed ON and OFF.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Exterior Lights Schematics (Exterior Lights Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation (Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch and Left Turn Signal Switch parameters while cycling the turn signal switch between the right and left positions. The readings should change between Active and Inactive.
• If the parameters do not change between the selected states, refer to Turn Signal Switch Malfunction.
2. Ignition ON, observe the right and left turn signal lamps while cycling the turn signal switch between the right and left positions. Verify the turn signal lamps turn ON and OFF.
• If the turn signal lamps do not cycle between the selected states, refer to Turn Signal Lamp Malfunction.
3. Command the Display Test ON and OFF with a scan tool. The left and right turn signal indicators should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the left and right turn signal indicators illuminate during the test, replace the BCM.
• If the left and right turn signal indicators do not illuminate during the test or remain illuminated at all times, replace the instrument cluster.
Circuit/System Testing
Turn Signal Switch Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the turn signal/multifunction switch.
2. Ignition OFF, verify that a test lamp illuminates between B+ and the ground circuit terminal B.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Left Turn Signal Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal G for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
4. Verify the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch parameter is Inactive.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal H for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal G and ground. Verify the scan tool Left Turn Signal Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal H and ground. Verify the scan tool Right Turn Signal Switch parameter is Active.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the turn signal/multifunction switch.
Turn Signal Lamps Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate turn signal lamp.
2. Ignition OFF, exterior lamps OFF, test for less than 5 ohm between the ground circuit terminal C and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
4. Command the appropriate Turn Signal Lamp ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. If all circuits test normal, replace the turn signal lamp assembly.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Tail/Turn Signal Lamp Replacement (Chevrolet Coupe) (Service and Repair)
* Tail Lamp Replacement (Chevrolet Coupe) (Tail Lamp Replacement (Coupe))Tail Lamp Replacement (Chevrolet, Pontiac Sedan) (Tail Lamp Replacement (Sedan))Tail Lamp Replacement (Chevrolet European) (Tail Lamp Replacement (European))
* Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement (Chevrolet Coupe) (Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement (Coupe))Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement (Chevrolet / Pontiac Sedan) (Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement (Sedan))
* Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement (Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming