Automatic Light Control (ALC) Operation - keywords delay DRL exterior inoperative intermittent head headlight lamp night rear sensor

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in the PI.

Customers may comment that the Automatic Light Control system turns off and on too quickly or are slow to come on at night.

The Automatic Light Control (ALC) operation for the Vibe is different from other Pontiac Brands. When it is dark out, the system will turn on the exterior lamps plus the climate control and radio illumination lights after a 15 to 20 second delay once the transmission is place into gear. Also, make sure the customer is aware of the location of the light sensor which is located at the left upper corner of the instrument panel. It is easily covered by items placed on top of the dash and/or put into a shadow by either the A-pillar or decals on the lower left corner of the windshield.

Note: There is also a green light indicator located at the bottom of the left instrument cluster that turns on whenever the headlights are activated.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.