GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Headlamps

See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever for more information on the headlamps.

Daytime Running Lamps

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 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 off or AUTO position, and
    • the transaxle is not in PARK (P) on models with an automatic transaxle only.

When the DRL are on, your low-beam headlamps will be on at a reduced brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won't be on. Your instrument panel won't 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). To override the DRL on manual transaxle vehicles, you must set the parking brake while the ignition is off and then start your vehicle. The DRL will stay off until you release the parking brake.

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

Automatic Headlamp System

If you have the automatic headlamps system, the headlamps will come on automatically when it is dark enough.


Object Number: 1223965  Size: A3

Your vehicle has a light sensor located on top of the instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered, or the headlamps will be on when you don't need them.

The system may also turn on the headlamps when driving through a parking garage or tunnel.

Fog Lamps

If your vehicle has this feature, use your fog lamps for better visibility in foggy or misty conditions.


Object Number: 1223968  Size: A2

The button for your fog lamps is located next to the instrument panel brightness control.

Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. Push the button again to turn the fog lamps off.

When using fog lamps, the parking lamps or low-beam headlamps must be on.

A light on the button will come on when the fog lamps are actually on. Fog lamps will go off whenever the high-beam headlamps come on. When the high-beam headlamps go off, the fog lamps will come on again.

Continuous use of the fog lamps will shorten bulb life. Limit use as necessary.