GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.

The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps come on at a reduced brightness in daylight when the following conditions are met:

    • The ignition is on.
    • The exterior lamp band is in the automatic position.
    • The transaxle is not in PARK (P).
    • The light sensor determines it is daytime.
    • The parking brake is released.

When the DRL are on, the low-beam headlamps will be on at a reduced brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps will not be on. The instrument panel will not be lit up either.

When you turn the exterior lamp band to the headlamp position, your low-beam headlamps will come on. The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will also come on.

When you turn off the headlamps, the regular lamps will go off, and your low-beam headlamps will come on to the reduced brightness.

To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, move the shift lever to PARK (P). The DRL will stay off until you move the shift lever out of PARK (P).

As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular headlamp system when you need it.