Chapter 62

Lighting Systems
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Modern vehicle lighting
systems improve safety
– Improve driving visibility
– Signal driver’s intentions
to others

FIGURE 62-1 Lighting systems not only increase the driver’s

visibility but also signal the driver’s intent to others.
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Modern lighting systems inside each vehicle
– Interior lights give info to driver
– Give illumination for any passengers
• Lighting systems most important job at night
– Helps driver see road ahead
• Headlights provide visibility
• Headlight switch controls
– Headlights
– Taillights
– Park lights
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• When brake pedal pushed down, brake lights come on
– Night or day
– Some vehicles use brake control module (BCM)
– BCM can automatically apply brakes
– Light up whether
• Driver applies brakes
• BCM automatically applies brakes
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Turn signal lights
– Let others know vehicle will change direction
– Let other drivers react, slowing down or stopping
– Always red or amber
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Many kinds/sizes lamps
in vehicle lighting
systems
• Lamps also called
– Lightbulbs
– Light globes

FIGURE 62-2 Incandescent bulb with single filament.

LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Lamp types include
– Standard incandescent lamps
– Halogen lamps
– Vacuum tube fluorescent
(VTF) lighting
– High-intensity discharge (HID)
xenon gas systems
– LEDs
– Laser systems
FIGURE 62-3 Halogen bulb.
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.

FIGURE 62-4 LED lights. FIGURE 62-5 Typical vacuum fluorescent display.
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Lamps/lightbulbs vary
– Single-filament bulbs
– Dual-filament bulbs
– Bayonet-style bulbs
– Wedge-style bulbs
– Festoon lights
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Lamps/lightbulbs
– Single-filament
• Courtesy lights
• Dash lights
• Warning lights
– Dual-filament
• Two filaments with different voltage
• One filament emits small amount light
• Other emits more light

FIGURE 62-6 Bulbs have identifying numbers on them.

LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Dual-filament bulbs used for
– Combination taillights/brake
lights
• Less light for taillights
• More light for brake lights
– Headlights
• Low-beam less light
• High-beam more light

FIGURE 62-7 Dual-filament bulb.

LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Bayonet-style bulbs
– Used many years
– Design resists vibration
– Difference its base/socket
– Two retaining pins on base’s side
• Pins fit into slots
• Slots turn sideways/create pocket
• Spring-loaded base in socket bottom
holds pins in pocket
• Bulb pushed upward/locked into place FIGURE 62-8 Bayonet-style bulb.
LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Wedge-style bulbs
– Style for many new
bulbs
– Glass bulb
– Plastic base

FIGURE 62-9 Wedge-style bulb.

LO 62-1: Describe the operation and types of
lights.
• Festoon lights
– Cylindrical-shaped base
– Used for some interior dome lights
– Each filament end connects to one
base end
– Base fits into steel spring
contacts/holds bulb in place
FIGURE 62-10 Festoon-style bulb.
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Today’s vehicles many kinds
circuits/different lighting systems
– Each system a specific role
– Different systems for
• Turn signals
• Stop lights
• Taillights
• Headlights
• Courtesy lamps
FIGURE 62-11 Courtesy lights provide ambient light where needed.
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Regulations
– Give rules for exterior lights
• Locations
• Colors
• Brightness
– Give consistency for lighting/safety
– Can lag behind vehicle technology
• Can slow new lighting system approval
• Laser headlight systems delayed about 10 years
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Park lights, taillights, and marker lights
– Low intensity/low wattage
– Mark vehicle width/outline
• Illuminate vehicle shape
• Improve overall safety, especially at night
• Park lights used at night
– When vehicle parks roadside
– Operate when switch moved to park light position
– Operate even when switch moved to headlights position (parallel with one
another)
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Taillights located at vehicle
rear/one at each side
– Always red
– Not bright as stop lights
– Often installed into cluster
assembly with stop lights
– Government regulations
control
• Height
• Brightness FIGURE 62-12 LED lights used as accent lighting inside the cabin.
© alecsps/Shutterstock.
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Two taillights
– Connect, in parallel with each
other
– Use separate fuses from park
lights
• One continues to work if
other circuit fails

FIGURE 62-13 Taillights are red in color, like brake lights, but
not nearly as bright.
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Marker lights
– Usually along sides vehicle/trailer
– Can be on front/rear fenders
– Newer vehicles include on side-
view mirrors
– SUVs/pick-up trucks might add
between front/rear vehicle doors

FIGURE 62-14 Marker lights on an SUV.

LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• License plate lights
– White light
– Light up license plate
letters/numbers at night
– Positioned so light itself not seen
– Connect in parallel to each other,
plus taillights
– Operate whenever taillights
FIGURE 62-15 License lights are designed to illuminate the license plate
turned on without seeing the bulb.
 LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Driving lights
– High-intensity light
– Longer distance vision than headlights
– Many variety options
– Some vehicles use 55-watt to 120-watt
voltage quartz halogen bulbs
– Others use LED driving lights
– Only operate when high-beam on
FIGURE 62-16 Vehicle with factory driving lights.
– Keeps bright light from affecting
oncoming drivers
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Fog lights for bad weather
(fog/rain/snow)
– Help driver see farther ahead
– Used with park lights and low-beam
headlights (not with high-beams)
– Older fog lights used yellow
reflectors
– Newer fog lights use white lenses
FIGURE 62-17 Vehicle with factory fog lights.
(can improve visibility 30% more)
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Fog lights
– Often use different shapes/sizes quartz halogen lights
– BCM controls fog lights (if factory-installed)
– Wired with relay and circuit breaker (depending on regulations)
– Can be wired to only turn on with park lights and turn off with
headlights on
– Can also be wired to work when low-beams on
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.
• Cornering lights
– White lights
– Often installed into vehicle bumper/fender
– Give side lighting when vehicle turns corner
– Helps driver see anything not illuminated by headlights
– Never blink like turn signal lights
– Turn off when turn signals turns off
– Only turn on when headlights/turn signals both on
LO 62-2: Describe park, tail, marker, license,
driving, fog, and cornering light circuits.

FIGURE 62-18 Cornering lights.

LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.
• Brake lights
– Turn on whenever driver presses
brake pedal to slow/stop
– Can be called stop lights
– BCM computer-controlled
• Input from brake pedal switch
• Input from turn signal switch, if
arranged together
– Center high-mount stop light FIGURE 62-19 Center high mount stop light (CHMSL).

(CHMS) third brake light mounted

on trunk lid/near rear window
LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.
• Brake lights
– Some vehicles use same lights for brakes/turn signals
– Others use separate lights
• Turn signal indicators
– Located at vehicle corners
– Front lights often amber
– Rear lights red or amber
– Turn signal switch column-mounted
– Driver-operated
– Use pulsing current/warns others vehicle changing direction
LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.
• Hazard lights
– Can be called hazard warning lights
– All modern vehicles equipped
– Circuit connects with turn signal
indicator lights
– Pulse all exterior turn indicator lights
and interior instrument panel/turn
indicator lights/hazard lights FIGURE 62-20 Typical flasher can.

– Warn about hazardous situations

– Provide extra alert if parked roadside
LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.

FIGURE 62-21 Turn signals: imported style. Flashes an individual yellow light. FIGURE 62-22 Turn signal: domestic style. Flashes the brake light.
LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.

FIGURE 62-23 Typical wiring diagram showing domestic-type turn signals.

LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.

FIGURE 62-24 Import-style turn signal circuit with integrated hazard warning lights.
LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.
• Backup lights
– Also called reverse lights
– White lights
– Located at vehicle rear
– Gives driver better vision
backing up at night
– Alerts others vehicle
moving in reverse

FIGURE 62-25 Typical backup lights.

LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.

FIGURE 62-26 Typical wiring diagram for a network/bus system backup light circuit.
LO 62-3: Describe brake, turn signal, hazard,
and backup light circuits.
• Modern vehicles use
– Network/bus systems
– BCM
• These command backup lights to turn on/off
 LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Vehicle headlights built into
front
– Lights up road ahead
• At night
• With poor visibility conditions
– Both high-beam and low-beam
lights required
– Beam selector switch chooses
FIGURE 62-27 High and low beam filament position in relation to the reflector.
which
– Switch usually located on steering
column
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.

FIGURE 62-28 Low beam position in relation to the reflector.

LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.

FIGURE 62-29 A. High beam switch as part of the turn signal switch.
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.

FIGURE 62-29 B. Foot-operated beam selector switch.

LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Vehicles equipped with various headlights
• Reflector-type lighting systems
• Projection-type headlight systems
• High-intensity discharge (HID) lights
• LED headlights
• Laser headlight systems
• Night vision systems
• Daytime running lights (DRLs)
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Headlights come in two main types
• Sealed-beam
• Semi-sealed beam
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Sealed-beam headlight
– Completely sealed unit
– Used on many older vehicles
– Polished aluminum glass
reflector, fused to lens
– If filament fails, whole unit
needs replaced

FIGURE 62-30 Replaceable halogen bulb.

LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Semi-sealed beam
headlight
– Includes replaceable bulb
– Bulb comes with prefocus
collar
• Locates bulb in headlight
• Controls correct position for
reflector/lens filaments
FIGURE 62-31 Projector bulb assembly.
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Semi-sealed beam headlight
– Some bulbs use partial shield
• Located below low-beam filament
• Prevents filament light hitting
reflector’s lower part
• Keeps it from reflecting higher
than lamp’s midpoint (for
safety/vision)
• Gives low beam’s primary shape
FIGURE 62-32 HID headlight assembly.
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.
• Semi-sealed bulb
– Beam’s shape created by small
cylindrical prisms in lens
– Gives asymmetrical low-beam
– Moves light upward on curb
side
– Light 15-degree angle higher
– Helps driver see any nearby
objects/people/animals FIGURE 62-33 HID headlight with lens-cleaning system.
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.

FIGURE 62-34 Night vision enhances visibility under dark or poor weather conditions.
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.

FIGURE 62-35 Auto-leveling headlights. FIGURE 62-36 Headlights that shine around a corner.
LO 62-4: Describe headlights and headlight
circuit.

FIGURE 62-37 Automatic headlight system. FIGURE 62-38 A typical light-out warning system.
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• Manufacturers design circuits to operate certain way
– Schematic/wiring diagrams show entire layout
– Takes time/practice to read wiring diagrams
• If a lighting system circuit fails
– Diagnose fault using wiring diagram info
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• Follow safety precautions working on HID lighting system
– Wear
• Safety glasses
• High-voltage safety gloves
• Safety boots
– Never do this work if person has any active electronic implant (like a
heart pacemaker)
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• HID headlights include number heavy metals
– Requires environmentally responsible disposal
– Poisoning danger if bulb breaks
• If anyone inhales heavy metal vapors
• If skin comes into contact with toxic salts inside
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• Avoid missing a faulty bulb/component
• Work in systematic manner inspecting/repairing lighting
systems/peripheral light services
• Common for lights to burn out
– Limited life span
– Periodically inspect (at routine oil changes a good practice)
• If no lights working in particular circuit, can point to bigger
electrical issues needing diagnosed
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• Vehicle exterior lights include
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– Signal lights
• When replacing these bulbs
– Look at each carefully
– Never force in
– Replace with same number of single/double filament(s)
– Replace colored bulbs with same color glass globe
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• For vehicles with LED light panels
– Only a portion LEDs sometimes stop working
– Entire LED light assembly usually needs replaced
– Individual LEDs not replaceable most of time
• Modern vehicle instrument systems controlled by electronic
circuits/sensors
– Electronic control modules (ECMs) receive info from sensor
– Sends digital signals to other display instruments
– Data sent to/received by vehicle network
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• To check fault codes
– Check vehicle parameter IDs (PIDs)
– Connect diagnostic scan tool to vehicle
• DMM
• Oscilloscope
– Check for correct sensor/instrument operations
– Research manufacturer diagnostic procedures/sensor outputs
– Always disconnect sensors before resistance check
– If digital circuit, never use automotive test lights
– Prevent accidental grounding/powering and shorting wires/terminals
LO 62-5: Perform lighting system testing and
peripheral light service.
• Inspect for corrosion/damage
– Sensors
– Connectors
– Wires
• Check tightness connector plugs/pins
– Straight pins should show
• Good connectivity
• Correct tension
– If back-probing wires/connectors required, check pins for damage
 LO 62-6: Perform headlight service.
• Headlights come in so many types
• Important: replace headlight with exact same type
• If replacing halogen bulb
– Never touch bulb with fingers
– Fingers leave residue on bulb’s outer surface
– Any residue can cause bulb to crack, shatter, or burn out
– If you accidentally touch bulb
• Clean off with lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol
• Never use gasoline or paraffin for cleaning halogen bulbs
 LO 62-6: Perform headlight service.
• Safe driving needs headlights displaying proper level
brightness
– If too dim, driver cannot see road ahead well enough
– If too bright
• Headlights might burn out early
• Could cause issues for oncoming drivers
• Can indicate charging system voltage too high
• Can be sign of aftermarket headlight replacement
• Headlights more commonly too dim than too bright
 LO 62-6: Perform headlight service.
• Dim headlights
– Could be high resistance in
light circuit
– Check with light intensity
meter
• Measures amount light
energy lamp producing
• Compare with
manufacturer
FIGURE 62-39 A light meter being used to measure light intensity.
specifications
 LO 62-6: Perform headlight service.
• Rules for how to aim headlights
– Vary region to region
– Check area laws for proper requirements
– Ask supervisor
Skill Drills
Skill Drill 62-1: Checking Lighting
Systems
 Skill Drill 62-1: Checking Lighting Systems
1. In a darkened area, turn on or
activate the ignition. The dash
warning lights should be displayed.
Start the engine. If any warning light
stays on after the engine is started, it
could indicate a problem in one of
the vehicle’s safety or mechanical
systems. If you are unsure about
what any of the warning lights mean,
consult the owner’s manual.
 Skill Drill 62-1: Checking Lighting Systems
2. Have someone stand behind the vehicle
to report any problems. Turn the ignition
to Run. Switch on the taillights, marker
lights, and license plate lights. Do the
same for left- and right-turn indicator
lights. Depress the brake pedal to make
sure the brake lights and CHMSL work
and have the appropriate intensity. Also,
place the transmission in reverse and
check the backup lights.
 Skill Drill 62-1: Checking Lighting Systems
3. With someone in front of the
vehicle, make sure the high-
and low-headlight beams,
park lights, side markers,
turn signals, driving lights,
fog lights, and cornering
lights are all working
correctly.
 Skill Drill 62-1: Checking Lighting Systems
4. With the interior light switch
in the correct position, open
the driver side door to make
sure the interior lights work.
If any of these lights do not
operate, you may need to
replace a bulb or diagnose
the fault.
Skill Drill 62-2: Checking and Changing
an Exterior Lightbulb
 Skill Drill 62-2: Checking and Changing an
Exterior Lightbulb
1. Remove the cover to
expose the bulb. If the bulb
is pin mounted, gently grip
the bulb and push it
inward. Turn the bulb
slightly counterclockwise
and remove it from the
bulb holder. Some bulbs
pull straight out.
 Skill Drill 62-2: Checking and Changing an
Exterior Lightbulb
2. Inspect the bulb holder to
make sure there is no
corrosion. If there is, clean
it with a bulb socket wire
brush or emery cloth.
 Skill Drill 62-2: Checking and Changing an
Exterior Lightbulb
3. Insert the new bulb into
the bulb holder, depress it
fully, turn it slightly
clockwise, and release it.
Test it by switching it on
and off. Then replace the
cover and test it again.
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing
an LED Light Assembly
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing an LED
Light Assembly
1. Remove any covers to
expose the connector
and retaining nuts or
clips.
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing an LED
Light Assembly
2. Disconnect the
connector to the LED
light assembly.
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing an LED
Light Assembly
3. Unclip or remove the
retaining nuts.
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing an LED
Light Assembly
4. Remove the LED light
assembly.
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing an LED
Light Assembly
5. Replace it with a new
unit.
Skill Drill 62-3: Checking and Changing an LED
Light Assembly
6. Test the system to make
sure it is working correctly.
Skill Drill 62-4: Checking Digital
Instrument Circuits
 Skill Drill 62-4: Checking Digital Instrument
Circuits
1. Identify the digital circuit to be tested. Research the correct
test procedure from the manufacturer’s information.
 Skill Drill 62-4: Checking Digital Instrument
Circuits
2. Check fault codes and circuit PIDs using a scan tool.
 Skill Drill 62-4: Checking Digital Instrument
Circuits
3. Inspect the sensor, wires, and connectors.
 Skill Drill 62-4: Checking Digital Instrument
Circuits
4. Test the sensor with a DMM or oscilloscope to determine
correct output.
 Skill Drill 62-4: Checking Digital Instrument
Circuits
5. If the sensor tests within specifications, check the wiring
harness for continuity back to the module and instrument
panel, and determine any necessary action.
Skill Drill 62-5: Checking and Changing
a Headlight Bulb
 Skill Drill 62-5: Checking and Changing a
Headlight Bulb
1. Switch the headlights on at
low beam, then to high
beam. Check that the high-
beam indicator is operating.
If one of the lights does not
operate or is dim, that
headlight will have to be
diagnosed and potentially
replaced.
 Skill Drill 62-5: Checking and Changing a
Headlight Bulb
2. Test the vehicle
headlights. Obtain the
replacement lamp for the
vehicle. Unplug the
electrical connector at the
back of the lamp unit.
 Skill Drill 62-5: Checking and Changing a
Headlight Bulb
3. Remove the old bulb,
and replace it with the
new one. Handle the
new bulb only by its
base or, if supplied, by
the card cover.
 Skill Drill 62-5: Checking and Changing a
Headlight Bulb
4. Replace the unit and the
retaining ring or bulb
assembly, and then plug
in the connector. Switch
on the lights again to
confirm that they are
both operating correctly.
Skill Drill 62-6: Aiming Headlights
 Skill Drill 62-6: Aiming Headlights
1. Make sure the tires are sufficiently
inflated, the wheels point straight
ahead, and there is no extra weight
in the vehicle. Position the vehicle
correctly in relation to the headlight
aligner unit, following the
equipment manufacturer’s
instructions. Calibrate the aligner
for any floor slope and for the
vehicle being tested.
 Skill Drill 62-6: Aiming Headlights
2. On the types of aligners that
require the headlights to be on
during alignment, turn the
headlights to a low-beam
setting. The center of the
illuminating beams should be in
the lower-right quadrants of the
chart or wall markings, or as
specified by the manufacturer.
 Skill Drill 62-6: Aiming Headlights
3. The high beam should be centered,
falling on the intersections of the
horizontal and vertical marks, or as
specified by the manufacturer. If
necessary, turn the adjustment
screws on the headlight so that the
lights point to the correct places or
the bubbles on the levels are
centered, depending on the type of
aligner equipment you are using.
 Credits
• Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs and illustrations
are under copyright of Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.