GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 808380  Size: B3

Your vehicle may have a DIC. If it does, the DIC will show information about the vehicle and the surroundings.

E/M (English/Metric Button): You can change the display to a metric or English reading at any time by pressing E/M.

MODE: Press this button to cycle through three modes of operation -- off, compass/temperature and trip computer mode.

Off:  No driver information is displayed in this mode of operation.

Compass/Temperature Mode:  One of eight compass readings and the outside temperature are displayed. If the temperature is below 38°F (3°C), the temperature reading will toggle between displaying the outside temperature and the word ICE for two minutes.

Trip Computer Mode:  In the trip computer mode, pressing the MODE button cycles through the five displays. Press the MODE button after the last trip computer display to return the DIC to the OFF mode. See "Trip Computer" later in this section for more information.

Compass Variance

Compass variance is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas of the country, the difference is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this occurs, the compass variance must be set.

Setting the Variance


Object Number: 808475  Size: B4

Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the compass/temperature mode. Press both the E/M and MODE buttons simultaneously for about five seconds. The last entered variance zone number will be displayed. Press the E/M button until the proper variance number, as shown on the map for your location is shown. Press the MODE button to set the new variance zone and resume normal operation.

The display will show all the display segments briefly to acknowledge the change in the zone number.

Automatic Compass Calibration

The compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is new, the calibration process may not be complete. In these cases the calibration symbol C will be displayed where the compass reading is normally displayed.

To calibrate the compass, in an area free from large metal objects, make three 360° turns. The calibration symbol will turn off and the compass reading will be displayed.

Manual Compass Calibration

If the compass appears erratic and the calibration symbol does not appear, you must manually put the compass into the calibration mode.

Turn the ignition on and cycle the DIC to the compass/temperature mode. Press both the E/M and MODE buttons simultaneously for at least 10 seconds until the calibration symbol appears. Release both buttons and complete three 360° turns in an area free from large metal objects. The calibration symbol will turn off and the compass reading will be displayed.

Error Displays

    • An error of the vehicle's speed sensor or fuel sender will cause -E- to be displayed.
    • In the absence of vehicle communications, a dash "- -" is displayed.

If one of these error messages appear, see your dealer.

Trip Computer

There are five trip computer displays available by pushing the MODE button. The information will appear in the following order:

AVG ECON (Average Fuel Economy): This shows the average fuel economy since the last reset.

INST ECON (Instant Fuel Economy): This shows fuel economy for the most recent second of driving.

RANGE (Trip Range): This shows the estimated distance that can be traveled with the remaining fuel. The fuel economy used to calculate range is based on the last few hours of driving.

FUEL USED (Trip Fuel Used): This shows the accumulated fuel used since the last reset.

AVG SPEED (Average Speed): This shows the average speed since the last reset.

Resetting the Trip Computer

Press and hold the MODE and E/M buttons for at least two seconds. The reset is acknowledged with the display showing all segments briefly. A reset can only be done in AVG ECON, FUEL USED and AVG SPEED displays. AVG ECON, FUEL USED and AVG SPEED can only be reset independently. Only the mode that is displayed will be reset.