GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
  1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster before using the Symptom Tables in order to verify that all of the following 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:
  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

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.

Gauges

The following is a list of symptoms for the gauges:

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Speedometer and/or Odometer Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inaccurate
    •  Tachometer Inoperative
    •  Volt Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

HUD

The following is a list of HUD symptoms:

    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Speedometer Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Image Height Adjustment Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Image Intensity Not Variable

Indicators

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

    • 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.
    • Volt Indicator Always On. Refer to VOLT Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical.
    • Volt Indicator Inoperative. Refer to VOLT Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical.
    • Engine Coolant Indicator Always On. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling.
    • Engine Coolant Indicator Inoperative. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Inoperative in Engine Cooling.
    • Fasten Safety Belt Indicator Always On. Refer to Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On in Seat Belts.
    • Fasten Safety Belt Indicator Inoperative. Refer to Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative in Seat Belts.
    • High Beam Indicator Always On. Refer to High Beam Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems.
    • High Beam Indicator Inoperative. Refer to High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems.
    • Turn Signal Always On-Left. Refer to Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Left Side in Lighting Systems.
    • Turn Signal Indicator Always On-Right. Refer to Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Right Side in Lighting Systems.
    • Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative-Left. Refer to Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative - Left Side in Lighting Systems.
    • Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative-Right. Refer to Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative - Right Side in Lighting Systems.

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The following is list of symptoms for the DIC:

    • CHECK TIRE PRESSURES Warning On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Tire Inflation Monitoring in Tire Pressure Monitoring.
    • ENGINE COOLANT LOW CHECK LEVEL Warning On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check In Engine Cooling.
    • ENGINE OIL LOW CHECK LEVEL Warning On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Always On in Doors.
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Inoperative in Doors.
    •  TRUNK AJAR Message Always On in Body Rear End.
    •  TRUNK AJAR Message Inoperative in Body Rear End.
    •  WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Always On in Wiper/Washer Systems.
    •  WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Inoperative in Wiper/Washer Systems.
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative - Reset

Instrument Cluster Dimming

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

Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems in Lighting Systems.

PRNDL Display

The following is a list of symptoms for the PRNDL display

PRNDL Display Inaccurate or Inoperative