GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 469069  Size: MF
Instrument Cluster Components
Instrument Cluster: Analog Schematics
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) receives vehicle speed information from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The IPC receives a 4000 pulse-per mile Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) input over a dedicated input from the PCM. The PCM is responsible for processing the VSS data and sending it to the IPC. The IPC will only display the calculated VSS data that was sent from the PCM. The IPC monitors the VSS output information sent from the PCM for an out of range condition.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The IPC detects vehicle speed information sent from the PCM over 322 km/h (200 mph) on CKT 817.
    • Condition must be present for 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • Stores a DTC B0516 in the IPC memory.
    • The IPC will display vehicle speed at 322 km/h (200 mph).
    • No driver warning message will be displayed for this DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The IPC detects vehicle speed information sent from the PCM less than 322 km/h (200 mph) on CKT 817.
    • A history DTC will clear after 50 consecutive ignition cycles if the condition for the malfunction is no longer present.
    • Use the IPC clear DTC feature.
    • Use a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The following conditions may cause an intermittent malfunction to occur:
       - The PCM is unable to process the correct vehicle speed data sent from the VSS.
       - Intermittent or erratic VSS operation.
    • Test drive the vehicle and check for proper speedometer operation. If the IPC is unable to display the proper vehicle speed information, use a scan tool to display the PCM VSS data. If the PCM is not receiving the proper information from the VSS circuit, then the PCM and VSS circuit must be diagnosed first before diagnosing a DTC B0516.
    • Always check for proper speedometer circuit operation by displaying PCM vehicle speed data and checking for stored VSS DTCs with a scan tool before attempting to diagnose a DTC B0516.
    • If the DTC is a history DTC, the problem may be intermittent. Perform the tests shown while moving related wiring and connectors. This can often cause the malfunction to occur.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This test checks for any VSS DTCs stored in the PCM. Any VSS DTCs stored in the PCM must be diagnosed and corrected first before diagnosing a DTC B0516.

  2. This test checks for proper speedometer operation. A speedometer malfunction will cause a DTC B0516 to set in the IPC memory. Always diagnose and correct any speedometer malfunctions before diagnosing a B0516.

DTC B0516 -- VSS Signal Out of Range

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Were you sent here from the IPC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2

Using a scan tool, check for any PCM Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) DTCs.

Are any VSS DTCs stored in PCM memory?

--

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Go to Step 3

3

Road test vehicle and check for proper speedometer operation.

Does the speedometer function properly?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Gauge System Check

4

Check the speedometer circuit for an intermittent malfunction. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Was a problem found and repaired?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Reconnect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Clear any DTCs.
  5. Test drive the vehicle.

Does DTC B0516 set as current?

--

Go to Step 6

System OK

6

Replace the Instrument panel cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Reconnect or install any connectors or components that were disconnected or removed.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  4. Clear any DTCs.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

--