GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: The following steps must be completed before using the symptom table.

  1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster before using the Symptom Tables in order to verify that all of the following conditions are true:
  2. • There are no DTCs set.
    • The control module(s) can communicate via the serial data link.
  3. Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the following information:
  4. •  Instrument Cluster Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Gauge Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Odometer Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Indicator Operation
    •  Head Up Display Operation
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Warning Messages Description
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Status Messages Description
    •  Audible Warnings Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the Instrument Cluster, Head Up Display (HUD), or Audible Warning Systems. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.
    • Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
    • For any indicator or driver information center (DIC) message relating to fluid level, perform a visual inspection of the fluid level before beginning diagnosis.
    • Verify that the indicators work properly during the bulb check.

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

Gauges

The following is a list of the symptoms for the instrument cluster (IPC) gauges:

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Gages Inoperative - All
    •  Speedometer and/or Odometer Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inoperative

HUD

The following is a list of the symptoms for the HUD:

    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Speedometer Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative - Left and Right Side
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Image Height Adjustment Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Image Intensity Not Variable

Indicators

The following is a list of the symptoms for the instrument cluster (IPC) indicators or a reference to the related subsection:

    • ABS Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    • AIR BAG Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR in SIR.
    • Brake Warning Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Hydraulic Brakes in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Oil Pressure Warning Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • SECURITY Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • SERVICE ENGINE SOON Indicator (MIL) On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • TRACTION OFF Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    •  Battery Charge Indicator Always On
    •  Battery Charge Indicator Inoperative
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Inoperative
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative
    •  High Beam Indicator Always On
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative
    •  Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Always On
    •  Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Inoperative
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Left Side
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Right Side
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative - Left Side
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative - Right Side

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The following is a list of the symptoms for the driver information center or a reference to the related subsection:

    • CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • CHECK TIRE PRESSURES Warning On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Tire Inflation Monitoring in Tire Pressure Monitoring.
    • ENGINE OIL LOW CHECK LEVEL Warning On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • GAS CAP LOOSE CHECK CAP Warning On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    • THEFT ATTEMPT DETECTED Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Always On
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Inoperative
    •  TRUNK AJAR Message Always On
    •  TRUNK AJAR Message Inoperative
    •  WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Always On
    •  WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Inoperative
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative

Instrument Cluster Dimming

The following is a list of the symptoms for instrument cluster dimming:

Instrument Cluster Illumination Lamps Do Not Dim

Odometer

The following is a list of symptoms for the odometer:

    •  Odometer Does Not Reset - Trip
    •  Odometer Inoperative - Trip

PRNDL Display

The following is a list of symptoms for the PRNDL display:

PRNDL Display Inaccurate or Inoperative

Audible Warnings

The following is a list of the symptoms for the aaudible warnings:

    •  Chime Always On
    •  Chime Inoperative
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Chime Always On
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Chime Inoperative
    •  Key-in-Ignition Chime Inoperative
    •  Key-in-Ignition Chime On with Left Front Door Open, Key Not in Ignition
    •  Key-in-Ignition Chime On with Left Front Door Closed
    •  Lights On Chime On with Ignition in Run
    •  Lights On Chime Inoperative
    •  Turn Signal Chime Always On
    •  Turn Signal Chime Inoperative