2006 Chevrolet Equinox- Lighting and Blend door actuator problems.

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ID Status Date Year Make Model Transmission Type A/C Controls Public/Private
#11418 Closed 2006 Chevrolet EQUINOX public

When the DRL are on (daytime with switch in AUTO position) and the brake pedal is pressed, dash lights dim and front marker lights(above the headlights) come on. When the switch is in any other position, or when full lighting(night time with switch in AUTO) is active, pressing the brake pedal turns all rear lights off. Where should I start?
Also, on the same car, the heat blend door actuator is traveling too far and broke the spline end off the door. I have replaced the door and the actuator, but the new actuator travels the same distance. Would this be a problem with the position control potentiometer itself, or something else?
Sparky

The lighting problem will either be damaged rear stoplight sockets/bulbs or poor grounds to the stoplight sockets. I would start with a visual inspection of those bulbs and sockets.

I would start with recalibrating the new actuator. The following is from GM service information. It does not state whether to begin with the key on or off. I would try it first with the key off and see if it responds.

Important:  Any time an actuator or the HVAC control module is replaced, the HVAC control module must be calibrated to ensure proper air distribution.

  1. Calibrate the actuators by simultaneously pushing the A/C and RECIRC buttons on the HVAC control module three times each, within two seconds of initial push.
    • The A/C and RECIRC button LED’s will flash while this calibration is taking place.
    • The calibration will take anywhere between 10 to 30 seconds depending on battery voltage.
    • The LEDs will quit flashing when the calibration is complete.
  2. Cycle the ignition and verify proper operation.

Thanks Sparky!! I’ll let you know how it goes!

The ac control reset worked perfectly!! I had a stoplight bulb with a partially melted contact on the bulb, however cleaning the socket contact and replacing the bulb showed no change in the original problem. The other bulb and socket were clean and proper. What could be another cause for the incorrect lighting?

Could it be the light sensor itself? When I cover it with something, it doesn’t automatically turn the lights on. I can tap it and the full lighting comes on and the brake lights brighten, but only slightly.

Sparky

The ambient light sensor technically reacts to changes in light pretty quick. It however sends the signal to the BCM and it takes it’s dear sweet time to turn the lights on or off. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes to react.

Refresh me on the light situation. Do we still have all rear lights going out at night when the brake pedal is depressed or has it changed any?

Currently, when the DRL is activated in AUTO mode, marker lights and all gauges and knobs illuminate (as they would when the headlights are turned on at night) when the pedal is pressed.(see photos in next reply)
Brake lights and turn signals work properly.
When full lighting (night time) is active, brake lights are barely discernable from running lights.
Sparky

As I understand your problem depressing the brake pedal during the day turns on the marker/parking lights along with the dash lights. At night with the headlights on you barely notice a difference when you depress the brake pedal.

Start your diagnosis by removing one stoplight bulb at a time and recheck the system. One of the bulbs is back feeding the parking/marker and dash lights. If the condition continues even with both bulbs removed locate the trailer light adapter in the left rear storage compartment and disconnect it. Let me know which action if any corrects the feed back problem. I never did receive the reply with photos.

Well, I’ve checked all the tail lights including the 3rd brake light. I looked for the connection in the side storage area, and found that someone hardwired the trailer connection into the harness. Going out now to figure out what they’ve done. It will never pull a trailer again, so I’m removing the 4 prong connector and wires.

Trailer wiring removed, all lighting works correctly! Thank Y’all So Much!!!!

Sparky

Glad to hear it.

Great source of intel!!

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