GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

  1. Perform the Diagnostic Starting Point - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console before using the symptom table in order to verify that all of the following are true:
  2. • There are no DTCs set.
    • The modules 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 Description and Operation
    •  Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation
    •  Audible Warnings Description and Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the instrument cluster or audible warnings. 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 message relating to fluid level, perform a visual inspection of the fluid level before beginning diagnosis.
    • Verify that the indicators, and message display works 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:

Audible Warnings

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    •  Chime Always On
    •  Chime Inoperative

Gages

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

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

Indicators

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    •  ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Air Bag Indicator Circuit Malfunction in SIR
    • For ASR OFF indicator refer to Traction Off Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    • For ASR OFF indicator refer to Traction Off Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Always On
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Inoperative
    •  Check Gages Indicator Inoperative
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On in Seat Belts
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative in Seat Belts
    • For the fuel level indicator refer to Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Always On
    •  Low Traction Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  Low Traction Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On in Engine Controls-3.8L
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls-3.8L
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On in Engine Controls-5.7L
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls-5.7L
    •  Security Indicator Always On or Flashing in Theft Deterrent
    •  Security Indicator Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    • For Skip Shift indicator refer to Diagnostic System Check - Skip Shift System in Manual Transmission-MM6
    • For TCS OFF indicator refer to Traction Off Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    • For TCS OFF indicator refer to Traction Off Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Trunk Ajar Indicator Always On in Body Rear End
    •  Trunk Ajar Indicator Inoperative in Body Rear End
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Always On or Flashing in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative in Lighting Systems