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 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 panel cluster or audible warnings system. 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 displays test.

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:

Gages and Odometer

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

IPC Indicators

    •  Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  Check Gages Indicator Always On
    •  Check Gages Indicator Inoperative
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative in Lighting Systems

DIC Indicators

    •  ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Air ABS Indicator Always On in Air Antilock Brake System
    •  Air ABS Indicator Inoperative in Air Antilock Brake System
    •  Auxiliary Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Auxiliary Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Always On
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Inoperative
    •  Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Low Air Indicator Always On in Air Brakes
    •  Low Air Indicator Inoperative in Air Brakes
    •  Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  Park Brake Indicator Always On in Park Brake
    •  Park Brake Indicator Inoperative in Park Brake
    •  Primary Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Primary Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes

Instrument Cluster Dimming

    •  Interior Backlighting Does Not Dim in Lighting Systems
    •  Interior Backlighting Inoperative in Lighting Systems