GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

  1. Perform 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 Gauge Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Indicator Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the Instrument Cluster 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.
    • Inspect the reservoirs for the proper fluid level before beginning diagnosis.
    • Inspect the applicable reservoir for the proper fluid level related to the indicator or message.
    • 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.

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

Gauges

    •  Instrument Cluster Inoperative
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Volt Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Speedometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    • Tachometer Inaccurate or Inoperative. Refer to Tachometer Inoperative
    • Tachometer Inaccurate or Inoperative. Refer to Tachometer Inaccurate

Indicators

    • ABS Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Antilock Brake System.
    • AIR BAG Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR in SIR.
    • Brake Warning Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • SERVICE ENGINE SOON Indicator (MIL) Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
    • SERVICE ENGINE SOON Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On in Seat Belts.
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative in Seat Belts.
    •  High Beam Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems.
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems.
    •  Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative - Left Side in Lighting Systems.
    •  Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative - Right Side in Lighting Systems.
    • CRUSE Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Cruise Control in Cruse Control.
    • TOW/HAUL Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative in Automatic Transmission - 4L60E.
    • TOW/HAUL Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative in Automatic Transmission - 4L60E.
    • TOW/HAUL Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative in Automatic Transmission - 4L80E.
    • 4WD Indicator Always On. Refer to Four-Wheel Drive Indicator Does Not Turn Off in Automatic Transfer Case.
    • 4WD Indicator Inoperative. Refer to Four-Wheel Drive Indicator Does Not Light in Automatic Transfer Case.

Message Center

    •  CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message Always On
    •  CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL Message Always On
    •  CHECK ENG OIL PRESSURE Message Always On
    • CHECK COOLANT TEMP Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Engine Overheating
         in Engine Cooling.
    • ENGINE OVERHEATED Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Engine Overheating in Engine Cooling.
    • LOW COOLANT Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Low Engine Coolant Level Indicator Diagnosis
         in Engine Controls - 4.3L
    • LOW COOLANT Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Engine Coolant Level Switch/Sensor Diagnosis in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L.
    •  LOW FUEL Message Always On
    •  LOW FUEL Message Inoperative
    •  LOW WASHER FLUID Message Always On in Wipers/Washers System.
    •  LOW WASHER FLUID Message Inoperative in Wipers/Washers System.
    • BATTERY Message Always ON. Refer to Battery Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical.
    • BATTERY Message Inoperative. Refer to Battery Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical.
    • CARGO DOOR AJAR Message Always ON. Refer to Body Rear End.
    • CARGO DOOR AJAR Inoperative. Refer to Body Rear End.
    •  CARGO LAMP ON Message Inoperative in Lighting Systems.
    •  CARGO LAMP ON Message Always On in Lighting Systems.
    • SECURITY Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • SERVICE 4WD Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Automatic Transfer Case - NVG 246.
    • SERVICE 4WD Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Automatic Transfer Case - NVG 261.
    • SERVICE RIDE CONTROL Message Always ON. Refer to SERVICE RIDE CONTROL Message Always On in Real Time Damping - RTD.
    • SERVICE RIDE CONTROL Message Inoperative. Refer to SERVICE RIDE CONTROL Message Inoperative in Real Time Damping - RTD.

Instrument Cluster Dimming

    •  Instrument Cluster Illumination Lamps Inoperative in Lighting Systems.
    •  Instrument Panel Lamps Do Not Dim in Lighting Systems.

Odometer

    •  Odometer Does Not Switch Between Trip and Season
    •  Odometer Inoperative
    •  Hourmeter Inoperative

PRNDL Display

    •  PRNDL Display Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  PRNDL Display Park Indicator Inoperative