Pontiac 1997 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 99

Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset.
The DRL system will make your high-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when:
The engine is running,
0
The headlamp switch is in the OFF position,
The light sensor detects daytime light,
0
The parking brake is released and
The shift lever is not in PARK (P) on an
automatic transaxle.
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker,
park lamps and instrument panel lights will not be
illuminated.
The DRL and the ALC systems will remain off any time
your automatic transaxle vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is engaged.
The DRL and the ALC systems will remain off any time
your manual transaxle vehicle is in NEUTRAL (N) and
the parking brake is engaged.
Automatic Light Control (ALC)
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic light sensor
on top of the instrument panel under the defroster grill,
so be sure it is not covered which will cause the
nighttime lights to be on continuously.
When it is dark enough outside, your ALC will turn on
your low-beam headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, park lamps and instrument panel lights.
There is a 20-second delay in the transition between
daytime and nighttime operation of the DRL and the
ALC systems. If the light sensor senses a reduction in
lighting that lasts longer than 20 seconds, it will activate
the nighttime lamps. If you are driving through a
parking garage, heavy overcast weather, a tunnel or
fueling your vehicle in a low light area, the ALC will
turn on your low-beam headlamps at a normal
brightness along with the taillamps, sidemarker, park
lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will be dimmer.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.