GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Displays Test

Certain instrument panel cluster (IPC) features are tested when the ignition is turned on in order to verify the features are working properly. The following indicators illuminate briefly at key up:

    • Air bag flashes 7 times
    • ABS
    • Brake system
    • Charge system
    • Coolant temperature
    • Cruise
    • Fasten safety belts
    • Low fuel
    • Oil pressure
    • Security
    • Service vehicle soon

Indicators and Warning Messages

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation .

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

The IPC displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the PCM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature.

Fuel Gauge

The IPC displays the fuel level as determined by the PCM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the fuel level percent. The fuel gauge defaults to empty if:

    • The PCM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the PCM.

When the fuel level is less than 16 percent, the low fuel indicator illuminates. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the radio in order to sound the chime.

Speedometer

The IPC displays the vehicle speed based on the information from the vehicle speed sensor. The PCM converts the data from the vehicle speed sensor to a 4000 pulses/mile signal. The IPC uses the vehicle speed signal circuit 4000 pulses/mile from the PCM in order to calculate the vehicle speed. The speedometer defaults to 0 mph (0 km/h) if a malfunction in the vehicle speed signal circuit 4000 pulses/mile exists. The speedometer displays either miles or kilometers as requested by the activation of the English/metric button on the driver information center (DIC). The associated indicator (km/h or MPH) illuminates in the instrument cluster and the head up display.

Tachometer

The IPC displays the engine speed based on information from the engine speed sensor. The PCM converts the data from the engine speed sensor to a 2 pulses/engine revolution signal. The IPC uses the engine speed signal circuit 2 pulses/engine revolution from the PCM in order to calculate the engine speed. The tachometer defaults to 0 RPM if a malfunction in the engine speed signal circuit 2 pulses/engine revolution exists.