96 Sunfire Light Problems
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=24413
Printed Date: June 16, 2024 at 3:58 AM
Topic: 96 Sunfire Light Problems
Posted By: sunfire1996
Subject: 96 Sunfire Light Problems
Date Posted: January 12, 2004 at 7:10 AM
I just bought a '96 Sunfire convertible. It has a couple of (minor, I hope!) electrical issues that I need help with. First, the DRL's don't work and the warning light on the dashboard flashes all the time. The headlights only work on high beam. The interior lights (behind the seat and on the rearview mirror) stay on all the time the ignition is on, and turn off only after about 20 minutes after the ignition is turned off. I can't seem to locate the Body Control Module, the Multi-function Alarm Module, or a DRL relay. Can anyone help me with these issues?
Replies:
Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: January 12, 2004 at 7:53 PM
Wow! Try and check the simple stuff first. Check for blown fuses both in the dashboard's fuse box (driver's end of dash) and the underhood fuse box. If the vehicle had keyless entry the door lock relay is under the carpet under the driver's seat I think. There isn't a BCM in this car. The multi-function alarm module is usually a colored box in the driver's side dash above the driver's kick panel. Check to see if someone has previously installed an alarm or remote starter. They may have just ripped it out and not repaired any wiring. If the vehicle didn't have keyless entry from the factory then the doorlocks are 5 wire polarity reversal rest at ground. Ideally if you can't find the problems simply try to get your hands on a shop manual for the car to guide you. Finally, where I come from you can't legally sell a car unless the headlights work, unless you buy it uncertified. Can you take it back to whom you bought it from to get them to repair it?
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sparky
Posted By: sunfire1996
Date Posted: January 13, 2004 at 6:26 AM
I have a shop manual, but the electrical section is pretty sparse. The prints DO show a BCM. If it doesn't have one, what is supposed to control the DRL's? Above the driver's kick panel is a module that says "ALB"...think it's for the brakes. All the wiring looks to be intact. All the fuses are good. Thanks for your suggestions. I bought it (REAL cheap!) from an individual "as is, where is".
Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: January 13, 2004 at 6:49 PM
If the vehicle has keyless entry (Option code AU0 on list on bottom of spare tire cover) the keyless entry module is in the trunk, driver's side above wheel well. The door locks are handles by this unit. If the vehicle doesn't have factory keyless then the power lock switches control the door locks and are a five wire polarity reversal rest at ground system. If you are going to keep teh car and want to repair it yourself, I would suggest going to a GM dealer parts department and inquire about buying the factory service manual for the car. It may seem expensive, but it could save alot of time and money getting someone else to try and fix it. Try repalcing the headlight bulbs. Maybe they are both just burnt out. As for the flashing warning light, what does it say?
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sparky
Posted By: sunfire1996
Date Posted: January 14, 2004 at 7:09 PM
I fixed the problem with the interior lights. It was a stuck switch on the passenger's side. The door always showed "open". The flashing light on the instrument panel is just a light. It doesn't say anything. The manual says that this light means that the DRL's aren't working. As for the headlights, sometimes they work on low beam, sometimes they don't. They ALWAYS work on highbeam and "flash to pass". Still haven't found the DRL relay or the BCM...
Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: January 15, 2004 at 7:39 PM
There isn't a BCM. The door lock relay may also be in the passenger kick panel area. The headlight problem could be a number of things such as a bad turn signal switch or corrosion in connections to a problem in the daytime running light circuit if the car is so equipped.
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sparky
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