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Sean Cherry Posted on Jan 12, 2020
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On my 2002 buick regal gs- When the ambient light sensor does not sense daylight, the headlamps & instrument cluster dimmer engage the car dies..Any suggestions??

2 Answers

Arnie Burke

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  • Buick Master 7,339 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 16, 2020
Arnie Burke
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Unplug computer n clean pins..half the time it cures an older car. Or git car scand ata partsplace. May need anew sensor

  • Arnie Burke
    Arnie Burke Jan 16, 2020

    Unplug computer n clean pins..half the time it cures an older car. Or git car scand ata partsplace. May need anew sensor

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Jakes Auto Care

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  • Expert 133 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 14, 2020
Jakes Auto Care
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Check your battery cables Buicks were noted to have two positive cables. One primarily for the starter and the other for systems.

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5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 2 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 08, 2008

SOURCE: Instrument Cluster

No. 2001 to 2003 are interchangeable. I am currently looking to replace mine on a 2002 and have consistently been told those years are the same. These babys are pricey, perhaps you can trade your 2004 for one that will work.

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Anonymous

  • 71 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 27, 2009

SOURCE: Belt routing diagram for 98 Buick Regal GS

if serpentine, then it should be on the fan shroud or the radiator cover...

Anonymous

  • 362 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 01, 2009

SOURCE: trac light, ABS and service engine soon light won't go off

Your ABS systems use a combination of electronic and hydraulic systems to modulate the brakes individually to prevent them from locking up. Antilock systems consist of wheel speed sensors, a hydraulic control unit (HCU), and an electronic control unit (ECU). Because of how complex the system is your computer does a self-test. If the check is successful, the ANTILOCK and BRAKE lights will go out within a few seconds. If one or more of the component of the ABS system fails to pass one or both lights will remain lit, the system will shut down and set a code. The code itself doesn't tell exactly what component is defective - it only indicates where to look, or what parameter is out of normal range. You or a technician will have to perform further testing to pinpoint cause and the proper repair. Even if you reset the light, if the underlying problem is not addressed it will come back on.

Please let me know if this information is helpful. Positive feedback is appreciated. Thank You!

c17hydro

Greg Bernett

  • 2993 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 23, 2009

SOURCE: Need to remove the dashboard bezel and instrument

Regal 1988–94 MODELS

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the instrument panel pad:
  3. Carefully pry the speaker grilles and disconnect the Daytime Running Lamp sensor if equipped.
  4. Remove the screw under each speaker grille.
  5. Remove the screws at the lower edge of the instrument panel pad.
  6. Remove the pad by lifting the front and pulling toward you to release it.
  7. Remove the speakers
  8. Remove the instrument cluster.
  9. Remove the glovebox.
  10. Remove the right side sound insulator.
  11. Remove the climate control system switch panel and sound system controls.
  12. Remove the English/Metric switch.
  13. Remove the lights switches.
  14. Remove the cassette deck or compartment that replaces it if not equipped. Remove the ashtray and bracket.
  15. Remove the ALDL connector and allow it to dangle below the instrument panel.
  16. Remove the parking brake release handle and allow it to dangle below.
  17. Remove the remote radio receiver.
  18. Remove the steering column trim plate and lower the steering column.
  19. Remove 7 bolts holding the carrier (5 at the top and 2 at the bottom). Remove the 2 bolts above the steering column.
  20. Remove the 5 screws holding the main air duct.
  21. Remove the 3 nuts holding the conduit. Two are above the glovebox and the other is through the cassette/compartment opening.
  22. Disengage 9 clips holding the wiring harness.
  23. Have a helper assist you, and remove the instrument panel assembly from the vehicle. To install:
  24. Carefully install the instrument panel to the vehicle. Be sure to clear all wiring, etc.
  25. Engage the clips holding the wiring harness.
  26. Install the 3 nuts holding the conduit.
  27. Install the screws holding the main air duct.
  28. Install the bolts holding the carrier.
  29. Secure the steering column and install the trim plate.
  30. Install the remaining components in the reverse of the removal procedure.
  31. Connect the negative battery cable and check all items in the instrument panel for proper operation.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Aug 24, 2009

SOURCE: car will not crank and all instrument cluster lights flash

My 2003 Regal is doing the same EXACT thing but has nothing to do with the headlights. No one can seem to figure out what is wrong!

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1helpful
1answer

2005 Chevy Silverado 3500. Automatic headlights turn on, the engine dies. Turn it off, it still keeps running, even when the key is pulled out.cannot find the wiring issue..... ANY HELP??

What code's ? # code's P0 what ? Any BCM - body control module code's ? Did you do diagnostic test's for said code's ? Do you know what a factroy diagnostic flow chart is ? Is the vehicle a 4X4 or 2X4 ? What engine ? Do you know what class 2 serial data bus is ? Do you have wiring diagrams ?
Headlamp ON/OFF control is determined by the body control module (BCM) by a signal on the headlamp switch headlamp on signal circuit when the headlamp switch is in the HEAD position. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, the BCM determines headlamps ON/OFF by the voltage from the ambient light sensor.

High Beams
The high beam headlamps receive voltage from the headlamp HI relay located in the underhood fuse block. The body control module (BCM) controls the relay on the headlamp high beam relay control circuit. High beam control is determined by a signal on the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit from the multifunction switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit is grounded, the BCM grounds the headlamp high beam relay control circuit, illuminating the high beam headlamps. The right and left high beam circuits are independent and are fused independently in the underhood fuse block. The right and left headlamps are grounded at G100 and G104.
The high beam indicator is illuminated when the instrument cluster receives a class 2 serial data message from the BCM that the high beams are illuminated.
Low Beams
The low beam headlamps receive voltage from the headlamp LOW relay located in the underhood fuse block. The body control module (BCM) controls the relay on the headlamp low beam relay control circuit. Low beam control is determined by a signal on the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit from the multifunction switch. When the headlamp dimmer switch signal circuit is open, the BCM grounds the headlamp low beam relay control circuit, illuminating the low beam headlamps. The right and left low beam circuits are independent and are fused independently in the underhood fuse block. The right and left headlamps are grounded at G100 and G104.

DTC B2645
The body control module (BCM) monitors the ambient light sensor signal circuit in order to determine if the daytime running lights (DRL) or the auto headlights (ALC) should be turned ON in the AUTO mode. When the BCM senses the ambient light sensor signal voltage is between 1.75-4.9 volts, either the DRL will be commanded ON or the ALC will be commanded ON depending upon the amount of light received by the sensor.

DTC B2645 Ambient Light Sensor Circuit
0helpful
1answer

2002 buick lesabre instrument panel lights dim. Dimmer switch has no effect. Dimmer was replaced.

This is more than likely an internal fault in the instrument cluster since the other lights stay bright and you can control them. I suspect that you may need to remove the cluster and have it rebuilt to cure this problem
0helpful
1answer

Why don't lights work?

Both the headlight switch and the BCM provide a ground, or control circuit, to the headlight relay coil circuit for manual or automatic headlamp operation. When you place the headlamp switch in the OFF position, and the ambient light sensor indicates low light conditions, the BCM energizes the headlamp relay for low beam operation. You may switch the headlights to high beam by pulling the dimmer switch handle toward you until the dimmer switch is activated. When the dimmer switch is placed in the HIGH position, the indicator lamp input to the BCM is pulled low. The BCM then sends a class 2 message to the instrument cluster in order to illuminate the high beam indicator lamp.
Low and High Beams Headlamps Inoperative ?
Replace the headlamp switch. Refer to Headlamp Switch Replacement .
Did you check the headlamp relay ? Location ,left instrument panel
Did
1helpful
2answers

My low beam headlights will not come on! My daylight running lights work during the day and I have high beams but at night I have nothing but high beams ???

Battery positive voltage (B+) is supplied through the LH underhood fuse block LCM/HDLP circuit breaker via CKT 242 (RED) at all times to the following components:
?€¢
Headlamp switch


?€¢
Lamp control module (LCM)


?€¢
Switch of the RH IP fuse block headlamp relay position J

When the headlamp switch is placed in the ON position, battery positive voltage (B+) is supplied via CKT 10 (YEL) to the coil of the headlamp relay position J. The coil is permanently grounded to G201 via CKT 1450 (BLK). The coil is energized and the contacts close providing battery positive voltage (B+) to the headlamp dimmer switch via CKT 1346 (LT BLU). When the headlamp dimmer switch is in the LOW position, battery positive voltage (B+) is supplied via CKT 12 (TAN) to the following components:
?€¢
Left low beam headlamp


?€¢
Right low beam headlamp The LCM provides battery positive voltage (B+) via CKT 1346 (LT BLU) through the headlamp dimmer switch to the headlamps under the following conditions:
?€¢
The ignition switch is in the RUN position.


?€¢
The ambient light sensor indicates darkness.

The lamp control module (LCM) monitors the ambient light conditions through the ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor is a variable resistor whose resistance changes as the surrounding ambient light level changes. As the ambient light decreases, the resistance of the ambient light sensor increases. The LCM measures the resistance across the ambient light sensor and determines whether it is day or night.
Headlamps Inoperative - Low Beams (Oldsmobile)
This is a lengthy diagnostic flow chart .

1

Did you perform the headlights system check?
--
Go to Step 2
Go to Headlight System Check

2

  1. Disconnect the lamp control module (LCM) connector C1.
  2. Connect a DMM from the LCM connector C1 cavity E (RED) to ground.
Is the voltage within the specified range?
10-15V
Go to Step 3 yes
Go to Step 9 no

3

Use a test lamp in order to backprobe the headlamp switch connector from cavity D (RED) to ground.
Does the test lamp light?
--
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 10

4

  1. Remove the headlamp relay position J from the RH IP fuse block.
  2. Connect a DMM from the headlamp relay position J cavity 30 (RED) to ground.
Is the voltage within the specified range?
10-15V
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 11

5

  1. Place the headlamp switch in the HEAD position.
  2. Connect a DMM from the headlamp relay position J cavity 85 (YEL) to ground.
Is the voltage within the specified range?
10-15V
Go to Step 6 yes
Go to Step 12 no

6

Connect a DMM from the headlamp relay position J cavity 30 (RED) to cavity 86 (BLK).
Is the voltage within the specified range?
10-15V
Go to Step 7 yes
Go to Step 14 no

7

Connect a fused jumper from the headlamp relay position J cavity 30 (RED) to cavity 87 (LT BLU).
Do the low beam headlamps light?
--
Go to Step 15 yes
Go to Step 8 no

8

  1. Leave the fused jumper in place.
  2. Use a test lamp in order to backprobe the headlamp dimmer switch connector C202 from cavity C5 (LT BLU) to ground.
Does the test lamp light?
--
Go to Step 17 yes
Go to Step 16 no
Repair the open in CKT 242 (RED) between S201 and the LCM. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

10

Repair the open in CKT 242 (RED) between S201 and the headlamp switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

11

Repair the open in CKT 242 (RED) between S201 and the RH IP fuse block. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

12

Inspect for an open in CKT 10 (YEL) between the headlamp switch and the RH IP fuse block. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.
Is CKT 10 OK?
--
Go to Step 13
Go to Step 19

13

Replace the headlamp switch. Refer to Instrument Cluster Trim Panel Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

14

Repair the open in CKT 1450 (BLK) between the RH IP fuse block and S308. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

15

Replace the headlamp relay position J in the RH IP fuse block.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

16

Repair the open in CKT 1346 (LT BLU) between the RH IP fuse block and the headlamp dimmer switch connector C202. Refer to

17

Inspect for an open in the CKT 12 (TAN) wiring between the headlamp dimmer switch connector C202 and S257. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.
Is CKT 12 OK?
--
Go to Step 18
Go to Step 19

18

Replace the headlamp dimmer switch. Refer to Dimmer Switch Assembly - Disassemble - Off Vehicle and Dimmer Switch Assembly - Assemble - Off Vehicle in Steering and Column-Tilt.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check
--

19

Repair the suspect wiring. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Headlight System Check



0helpful
1answer

Locate the ambient light sensor

Automatic Headlamps- Vehicles with the automatic headlamps option are equipped with a unique headlamp switch that includes an A (Automatic) position and have a sun load sensor located on the top of the instrument panel to sense ambient light levels. When the A position of the headlamp switch is selected while the engine is running, the headlamps are turned ON and OFF automatically as ambient light levels dictate.
0helpful
1answer

On my 1999 Olds Intrigue I have never had to turn on my lights at night. All night time driving lights come on automatically until recently. Now only the headlights come on.To get the dash lights,tail...

Without testing i would say you have DRL control module problem , But that would just be a guess .
In the night mode, the DRL ambient light sensor senses darkness. Then, the DRL module turns off the front turn lamps and turns on the headlamps through circuit 10. The DRL module also turns on the park, side marker, license, and tail lamps. If the engine should stall with the DRL control module in the night mode, the DRL control module will turn off the headlamps and leave the side marker, park, license and tail lamps on while the engine is being cranked. The headlamp switch operates as usual.
The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) control module is designed to automatically operate exterior lights depending on outside light conditions. The DRL control module operates in two modes, the day mode and the night mode. In the day mode, the DRL ambient light sensor senses daylight. Then, the DRL control module turns on the front turn lamps (non-flashing) if under the following conditions:
• The ignition switch is on.
• The headlamps switch is in the OFF position.
• The park brake is released.

The brightness of the Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) displays is controlled by two signals: the park lamps on signal (circuit 230) and the VF dimming signal (circuit 308). With the park lamps on, the VF display of the radio, heater, A/C control (with RPO CJ2) and the instrument cluster will dim for nighttime viewing. When the park lamps on signal is not present (park lamps off), the VF displays are at high brightness for daytime viewing. When the park lamps are on, the I/P lamp dimmer switch provides a signal (VF Dimming Signal circuit 308) which controls the brightness of the VF displays when the I/P lamp dimmer switch is adjusted.

Do the Daytime running light's work ?
0helpful
1answer

Replace dimmer switch

The headlamps ( high an low ) are controlled by the LCM lamp control module .
Headlamp Dimmer Switch
Under the left side of the IP, on the base of the steering column

Headlights Circuit Description (Buick)
Battery positive voltage (B+) is supplied at all times to the lamp control module (LCM) through the LH underhood fuse block LCM/HDLP circuit breaker via CKT 242 (RED). When the headlamp switch is placed in the ON position, the headlamp switch input to the LCM is grounded via CKT 103 (WHT). The LCM then supplies battery positive voltage (B+) via CKT 12 (TAN) to the following components:
• Left low beam headlamp
• Right low beam headlamp
When the headlamp dimmer switch is placed in the HIGH position, the LCM removes battery positive voltage (B+) from the low beam headlamps. The LCM supplies battery positive voltage (B+) via CKT 11 (LT GRN) to the following components:
• Left high beam headlamp
• Right high beam headlamp
The LCM provides battery positive voltage (B+) to the appropriate headlamps under the following conditions:
• The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
• The ambient light sensor indicates darkness.
The lamp control module (LCM) monitors the ambient light conditions through the ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor is a variable resistor whose resistance changes as the surrounding ambient light level changes. As the ambient light decreases, the resistance of the ambient light sensor increases. The LCM measures the resistance across the ambient light sensor and determines whether it is day or night.

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Do you know how to test automotive electrical circuits ? Check power in an power out . Videos on youtube on basic automotive electrical testing .
0helpful
1answer

I own a 1999 Buick Regal GSE with 94K miles. I recently noticed that my dashboard lights sometimes come on, and sometimes don't. Sometimes, during the day, if my dashboard lights are on, and I pull out...

In the 99 Regal, the headlamp switch is also the dimmer switch for the instrument cluster.
With the headlights on, try rotating the switch to bring up the "nighttime" intensity.
If the headlight switch has a pre-set dimming function for the instrument cluster lighting (in other words, not adjustible by rotating the knob), then
replacement of the headlight switch would be the only way to fix the instrument cluster lighting problem.
See Wiring Schematic below.
Fig.1 - 99 Regal Headlamp switc & Instrument Cluster Lighting
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3helpful
1answer

2001 Buick Regal GS How to turn off " Low

check sensor on reservoir. Unplug connector to sensor to see if light goes out. If yes, replace sensor. If no, wire may be shorted.
0helpful
2answers

Car will not crank and all instrument cluster lights flash

If it has a remove starter I would have that looked at or disconnect to see if that makes a differance.
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