Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation
Headlamps
The headlamps are controlled by the multifunction lever located on the left side of the steering column. The headlamps will only
come on with the Ignition switch in the RUN position. Turning the headlamp switch to the first position turns ON the parking lamps,
the license plate lamps and the instrument panel illumination. Turning the switch to the second position turns ON all of the previous
lamps and the headlamps. Turning the switch to the OFF position turns OFF all the lamps.
Headlamp high beams and low beams are also controlled by this lever. When the headlamps are ON, pushing the lever away from
the driver until the switch clicks changes the lamp from low beam to high beam. An indicator lamp on the instrument cluster
assembly will come on when the high beam headlamps are ON. To return the headlamps to low beam, pull the lever toward the
driver.
The headlamps must be aimed for proper illumination of the road. Headlamp aim should be checked whenever a new headlamp
assembly is installed, or whenever service repairs to the front end area may have disturbed the headlamp assembly or its
mountings.
Daytime Running Lamps
The daytime running lamps (DRL) will come ON when:
• The ignition is ON.
• The light is OFF.
• The parking brake is released.
When the exterior lights are ON, the DRL will turn OFF. To turn the DRL OFF when idling, apply the parking brake.
Parking and Turn Signal Lamps
The parking lamps can be turned on by turning the lighting switch to the first position. The parking lamps can be turned off by
turning the switch to the OFF position.
When the turn signals are activated, the front and rear turn signal lamps flash to signal a turn. The turn signals work only when the
ignition is ON.
The turn signals are controlled by the light switch on the left side of the steering column. Moving the lever all the way up or down,
past the detent, will turn ON the front and rear turn signals. When the turn is completed, the lever will return to horizontal and the
turn signals will stop flashing.
For changing lanes, or for shallow turns in which the steering wheel does not turn far enough to cancel the signal, move the signal
lever only to the first detent and hold it there. When the lever is released, it will return to horizontal and the turn signals will cancel.
Side Marker Lamps
For the North American application, the side marker lamps are located in the front and rear bumper fascias and work in conjunction
with the exterior lighting system. When the parking lamps or headlamps are turned on, the side marker lamps will illuminate to
mark the front and the rear end of the vehicle.
Fog Lamps
The fog lamp switch is on the instrument panel to the right of the steering column. To use the fog lamps, first turn on the
headlamps or the parking lamps, then push the fog lamp switch. The indicator light in the switch will illuminate to indicate that the
fog lamps are on. Push the switch again to turn OFF the fog lamps. The indicator light will then go OFF.
The fog lamps should not be used as a substitute for the headlamps.
The fog lamps must be aimed for proper illumination of the road. Fog lamp aim should be checked when a new bulb is installed or if
service or repairs in the front end area may have disturbed the fog lamp mountings.
Rear Combination Lamps
The tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps and backup lamp are one assembly.
Turning on either the headlamps or the parking lamps will also turn ON the tail lamps. When the brake pedal is pushed, the tail
lamps will glow brighter to serve as stop lamps.
The center high-mounted stop lamp is located in the rear window and will come on when the brake pedal is pressed.
Backup Lamps
The backup lamps are located in the rear combination lamps. They will come on when the transaxle is shifted into reverse. On a
vehicle with an automatic transaxle, the backup lamps are activated by the neutral safety backup (NSBU) switch. On a vehicle with a
manual transaxle, they are activated by a reverse switch which is part of the transaxle.
License Plate Lamp
The license plate lamps will come ON when the headlamps or the parking lamps are ON. The license plate lamps are mounted above
the license plate.
Lamp Control Module
The automatic lighting Off feature turns off the headlamps, park lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps and instrument panel
illumination within seconds of closing the driver's door. The feature activates if you leave the headlamp switch in the first or second
position, remove the key, and get out of the car.
© 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved.
Lighting
BODY SYSTEMS
0-4
BACK TO CHAPTER INDEX
TO MODEL INDEX
CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 BODY REPAIR MANUAL
