Daytime Running Lamps

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) are controlled by the BCM based on input from the high beam headlamp circuit 1200, the low beam headlamp circuit 1201, the parking brake circuit 1134 and ignition switch state.

When DRL operation is desired, the BCM switches circuit 592 to ground. This action energizes the DRL relay. When energized, the DRL relay operates the left high beam headlamp and right high beam headlamp as a series circuit, 1/2 of battery voltage across each high beam headlamp.

When DRL operation is not desired, the BCM does not provide ground for the DRL relay. When not energized, as when high beam headlamps are desired, the DRL relay operates the right and left high beam headlamps as a parallel circuit, full battery voltage across each high beam headlamp.

For DRL operation, the parking brake must be fully released, the ignition switch must be in the RUN position and headlamp switch must be in the OFF position. Under normal operating conditions, the feedback voltage to the BCM measured at circuit 1200 is (see chart below):

Body Control System Description and Operation

Headlamp	Circuit 1200 Voltage
DRL ON	6 to 8 Volts
Highbeam ON	Less than 1 Volt
Highbeam OFF	Battery Voltage