Lights - Erratic Headlamps or Turn Signal Operation
File In Section: 8 - Chassis/Body ElectricalBulletin No.: 73-82-12
Date: October, 1997
Subject:
Erratic Operation of Headlamp Doors, Headlamps, or Turn Signals
(Replace DRL Module, Change Mounting)
Models:
1997-98 Chevrolet Camaro
1997-98 Pontiac Firebird
Important:
The following information is offered as a diagnostic aid, as this condition is very rare, and may be difficult to correct using normal diagnostic methods.
Condition
Some owners may comment on erratic operation of the headlamp doors (Pontiac Only), headlamps, daytime running lamps, or turn signals. The most common conditions are the headlamp doors opening by themselves, or the lights staying on all the time.
Important:
A separate condition on Pontiac models is that the lights come on, but the headlamp's doors do not open. This can usually be corrected by properly tightening the battery cables.
Cause
In high heat and humidity situations, water can condense on the air conditioning duct and travel into and accumulate in the Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) module.
Correction
Replace the DRL module, P/N 10407669. Mount the new module with the electrical connectors facing down. The module is located on the A/C ductwork behind the radio and HVAC controls (see the 1997 Service Manual, Figure 7, Page 8C-11).
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the center trim plate from the instrument panel.
3. Loosen and reposition the A/C control assembly and radio to gain access to the DRL module (mounts on the ductwork behind the radio and HVAC control).
4. Remove the DRL module by sliding the module upward off the mounting tabs.
5. Remove the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) pins and disconnect the electrical connectors.
6. Apply protective wrapping (such as a piece of plastic electrical conduit, foam rubber, or multiple layers of heavy tape) to the edge of the I/P tie bar (# 25 in Figure 7 referenced above) directly below the module. This wrapping will protect the wires from chaffing when the module is reinstalled with the connectors in the down position.
7. Connect the electrical connectors to the module and reinstall the CPA pins.
8. Install the new module to the A/C ductwork with the connectors facing down. Make sure that the wires are securely mounted so that they cannot be chafed.
9. Reinstall the radio, A/C control assembly and center trim panel.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Parts Information
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
N0363 Daytime Running Use published labor time
Light Module -
Replace operation
Add To apply protective 0.1 hr
wrapping (Step 6)