2002 Saturn SL2 02 Saturn sll2 daytime running lights indic

Tiny
TCOCHUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SATURN SL2
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
I noticed the daytime running light dashboard indicator flashing at me when I placed the car into gear. It comes on normal, then shortly afterwards flashes 7 or 8 times, pauses, then does it again a couple times, then shuts off. I found the right side hi beam not functioning in the daytime running lights function as well as during the normal hi beam operation. I've tested the bulbs and all is ok there. I did find an almost broken blue wire on the right side hi beam lead right near the plug to interface with the bulb, I striped that back a little and soldered and shrink wraped it up proper but still no 12 volts continuing back from bulb. I checked the fuses for that side and all is ok with them. As a last ditch effort as I could not get any information to otherwise confirm or deny my assumption I replaced the daytime running lights module/relay. Still no right side hi beam nor running lights. Could there still be a broken wire in that circuit. I guess i'd have to tear the harness and fuse/relay center apart enough to get to the other end of those leads to check I suppose. Any help will be most graciously appreciated.
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 AT 7:34 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi tcochuck,

Thank you for the donation.

The right side high beam gets its power from the DRL relay in underhood fuse block. It is an "A" relay, meaning power gets through when the relay is not activated and cuts off when the relay is energised.

If you do not have 12 volts at the RH high beam ( Dark/Blue wire) check the DRL relay.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 8:31 AM
Tiny
TCOCHUCK
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As noted in my first post with diagnostics i've done so far! You'll notice that I replaced the daytime running light relay already. Still no power back from there.
I had already checked and printed a copy of the headlight wiring diagram so as to be better prepared to diagnose this mess and already noted the type, etc of the relay.
I've been doing commercial and residential major appliance repairs for 28 years so i'm quite familiar with and know my way around schematic drawings rather well.
Getting ready to rip the underhood fuse block apart and look for bad grounds etc.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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With the DRL relay unplugged, if voltage is not available at one of the terminals, then you have a possible open circuit in the fusebox.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
TCOCHUCK
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I take it the flashing drl dash light pattern I mentioned in my first post has no correlation to this issue? Doesn't point to any issue so to speak?
I also noticed today that the headlights do not flash at me when I lock the doors with my keyfob any longer either.
I shall have to get some nice weather and daylight and not be working to again get a chance to attack my car and check a few more things out. Tomorrow afternoon I hope.
Power as I know it is available at relay! And fuse of course.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Sorry for missing out the part of the flashing DRL indicator. Possibly the control unit has detected a fault and trouble codes are stored. Get a scan done to retrieve the trouble code and let me know what it says.

The trouble code might not be related to the code and if there is power at the relay terminals, try bridging the terminals without the relay and test if voltage is available at bulb. If not, the output line from relay to headlight bulb is open.
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Saturday, April 10th, 2010 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
TCOCHUCK
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Found the problem, the pink wire from the right side high beam was broken and buried further back on the headlight harness than the previous repair in the blue wire that was behind the right high beam. the insulation had gotten cut there and allowed water/moisture to get in there and corrode the wire in two. i also found a couple more chafed spots that i cut, striped, soldered, and heat shrinked/sealed.
i had removed the wires from the loom a few days ago looking for other breaks but did not do a wire by wire examination..
oh well, that's why i get paid the big bucks for in the first place in what i do.. i repair $500 or $50,000 restaurant equipment and household appliances so I'm verrrryyyy familiar with electronics. that's why i was very clear in my explanation in my first post about flashes of dashboard indicator, etc.. i just do not work on cars any longer, don't usually have much time for it.
i take it you didn't get to look at a copy of the wiring schematic for the lighting harness for my saturn before offering assistance?? you'd notice that the circuit is hot with +12 volts at all times, they switch the neutral quite often in these situations. key does not need to be on, nor headlights switched on..
kinda figured that flashing light thing in the first post would have meant something.. hmm, alas that's why i don't work on cars much.. not enough money in it.. lol..


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/514323_saturnwires_001_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/514323_saturnwires_002_1.jpg

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Saturday, April 10th, 2010 AT 11:40 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Glad to know you have fixed the problem.

I did have a look at the schematics and that is the reason I was able to tell you of possible broken wires.

You are correct about the big bucks not being in auto repairs. I am more into it because of interest rather than money and I don't work. It is a hobby and I m getting paid for it.

Thank you for the input.

Have a nice day.
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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 1:41 AM

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