GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Audible warnings alert the driver of a system concern or a critical vehicle condition. The driver information center (DIC) vehicle status warnings when acknowledged or reset are accompanied by audible warnings. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) generates the audible warnings through an internal speaker. The IPC receives audible warning requests via the serial data circuit. When the IPC 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 (dink)
  5. Turn signal minder (IPC controlled on blink pulse)

Fasten Safety Belt Warning

The IPC activates the fasten safety belt audible warning as requested by the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The SDM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency, rate and duration of the chime. The fasten safety belt warning sounds and the fasten safety belt indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition switch transitions to ON.
    • The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) detects that the drivers seat belt is not buckled. The SDM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the seat belt status.

If the seat belt is buckled when the ignition is turned on, the chime does not sound. If the seat belt is buckled while the chime is sounding, the chime stops. If the seat belt is unbuckled after the initial transition to ON, the chime does not sound.

Lights On Warning

The IPC activates the lights on audible warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM requests the audible warning when the power mode is OFF, the driver door is open and the discreet park lamp input to the BCM is high. The BCM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency, rate and duration. The lights on warning sounds when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is OFF.
    • The BCM determines that the driver door is open and the signal circuit is low.
    • The BCM determines that the headlamp switch is in the park or head position.

Over Speed Warning (Gulf States)

The IPC commands the over speed warning ON when the vehicle speed is greater than 120 km/h.. The IPC receives a serial data message from the engine control module (ECM) indicating the vehicle speed.

Park Brake Reminder

The IPC activates the park brake audible warning and the park brake indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The park brake indicator is on due to an active park brake.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 5 km/h (3.1 mph). The IPC receives a serial data message from the engine control module (ECM) indicating the vehicle speed.
    • The IPC detects that the park brake signal circuit is low.

Additional Warnings

The following warnings have an associated instrument panel cluster (IPC) indicator:

    • Change Oil Now
    • Change Oil Soon
    • Hot Coolant Temperature
    • Low Fuel
    • Traction Control

The IPC activates the audible warning as requested by the BCM/ECM. The BCM/ECM sends serial data messages to the IPC indicating the chime frequency, rate and duration.

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation .