GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2003 🢒 Century 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console 🢒 Audible Warnings Description and Operation

Audible Warnings Description and Operation Audible Warnings

The audible warnings alert the driver of a system concern or a critical vehicle condition. The body control module (BCM) generates the audible warnings based on a request via the class 2 serial data line or determined by the BCM itself in some instances such as the Key-In-Ignition warning or the Headlamps On Reminder. If the BCM receives multiple audible warning requests, the warning with the highest priority sounds first. The following lists the audible warning priority and the pulse rate:

  1. Fast rate chime (200 pulses per minute)
  2. Medium rate chime (150 pulses per minute)
  3. Slow rate chime (50 pulses per minute)
  4. Single chime

Check Gages Alarm

The BCM will activate an audible warning to alert the driver to check the cluster for any indicators illuminated. The IPC will send a class 2 message to the BCM requesting an audible warning for the associated IPC indicator. For information on indicator operation refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation .

The following warnings have an associated IPC indicator:

    • ABS
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • BRAKE
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • Charging System
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • Door/Trunk
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (single rate) and duration (four times).
    • Fasten Safety Belt Reminder
        The BCM sounds the Fasten Safety Belt audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (slow rate) and duration (eight seconds).
    • Hot Coolant Temperature
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (every three seconds).
    • Low Coolant Level
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • LOW OIL PRESSURE
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (every three seconds).
    • Low Fuel
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • Low Oil Level
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • LOW TIRE
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • Service Traction System (TRAC OFF)
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).
    • SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
        The BCM activates the audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (fast rate) and duration (four times).

Headlamps On Reminder

The BCM sounds the headlamps on reminder when the following conditions are met:

    • The driver's door is open.
    • The headlamps or park lamps are in the ON position.
    • The key is out of the ignition.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

The BCM activates the key in ignition audible warning at a medium rate chime frequency (150 pulses per minute) and continuous duration when the following conditions are met:

    • The ignition switch is in the OFF or ACC position.
    • The BCM determines that the key-in-ignition switch is open (signal circuit is high).
    • The body control module (BCM) determines that the driver's door is open (signal circuit is low).

Overspeed Warning (Gulf States Export Only)

The BCM activates the overspeed warning when the vehicle exceeds a certain threshold speed, 120 +/- 5km/h (75 +/- 3 MPH), as indicated to the BCM via the vehicle speed signal received on the class 2 serial data bus. The BCM activates a medium rate chime frequency ( 15 chimes per minute). The Overspeed Warning shall remain active until it is deactivated by the following conditions:

    • The ignition is off.
    • The vehicle speed as received via the class 2 serial data bus is less than 105 +/- 5 km/h (65 +/- 3 MPH).

Parking Brake Reminder

The BCM activates the park brake audible warning as requested by the IPC. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the chime frequency (medium rate) and duration (continuous). The park brake warning sounds and the BRAKE indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is on.
    • The vehicle is not in park. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the gear position.
    • The IPC determines that the park brake is engaged (signal circuit is low). The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM indicating park brake status.

Turn Signal Reminder

The BCM sounds the turn signal reminder once per each flash of the turn signal lights when the following conditions are met:

    • The ignition switch is on.
    • The turn signal switch is in either the left turn position or the right turn position ( the BCM senses in the past 2 seconds, a turn signal on signal via the IPC class 2 serial data link).
    • The vehicle has traveled a distance of 1.2 km (0.75 mi) as determined by the BCM, sensing vehicle speed signals via the PCM class 2 serial data link.

The BCM keeps active the turn signal reminder until one of the following conditions is met:

    • The ignition switch is off.
    • The turn signal switch returns to the off position (sensing, as determined by the BCM, in the past 2 seconds, no turn signals via the class 2 serial data link).