GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Chime Conditions

An Audible Warning is used to indicate a system fault or warn the driver of a critical vehicle condition. The cluster is capable of supporting multiple types of chimes.

The cluster chime execution is synchronized with each event or warning indicator. For each event or warning indicator the cluster determines the rate and number of chime repetitions.

The actual generation of the pulse profile and sounding of the chime is performed by the Body Control Module (BCM). The cluster communicates chime ON/Off commands and rate information to the Body Control Module (BCM) via class  2 serial data.

The cluster supports chime functionality for each of the driver warning and status messages generated by the IPC. The IPC checks calibration data for chime information anytime a driver warning or message is displayed.

Audible Warnings bring the driver's attention to one or more of several conditions:

    • Seat belt is unbuckled and ignition switch is in ON or START.
    • Key is in ignition switch, ignition switch is set to OFF or ACC, and LH front door is open.
    • Headlamps or parklamps are on, ignition switch is set to OFF or ACC and LH front door is open.
    • Vehicle has travelled one mile with the LH or RH turn signal on.
    • Various warning conditions which notify the driver that a fault has occurred. Such warning chimes have an associated indicator on or a Driver Information Center (DIC) message.

Chime Priorities

When multiple chimes are required, only the chime with the highest priority sounds. The chimes are prioritized as follows:

    • The Fasten Seat Belts Warning chime overrides all other audible chimes if they exist simultaneously.
    • The Key In Ignition Warning chime overrides the Lamps On Warning chime if both exist simultaneously.

Chime Rates

The rates of chime operation are as follows:

    • Fasten Belts Warning chime rate is 50 pulses per minute.
    • Lamps On Warning chime rate is 150 pulses per minute.
    • Key In Ignition Warning chime rate is 200 pulses per minute.