GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Instrument Cluster (IPC) System Check

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1

  1. Close all doors.
  2. Safety belt unbuckled.
  3. Gear selector in PARK.
  4. Ignition switch to START, then to ON (do not start engine).

A bulb check of the following indicators is performed (the indicators illuminate briefly or stay ON until engine is started).

    • ABS
    • Air Bag
    • Battery Charge
    • Brake Warning
    • Check Gauges
    • Seat Belt
    • Security
    • Service Engine Soon
    • ABS indicator does not light Diagnostic System Check - ABS
    • Air Bag indicator does not light SIR Diagnostic System Check
    • Battery indicator does not light Charging System Check
    • Brake indicator does not light Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative
    • Security indicator does not light Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent
    • Service Engine Soon (MIL) indicator does not light Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Buckle driver's safety belt.
  2. Check Fasten Safety Belt indicator.

Fasten Safety Belt indicator OFF.

Fasten Safety Belt Warning Not Operating Properly .

3

Apply park brake.

Park brake indicator illuminates.

Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes

4

    • Operate LH turn signal.
    • Operate RH turn signal.

Turn indicators flash with turn signals.

    • Left Turn Indicator Is Inoperative
    • Right Turn Indicator Inoperative
    • Left Turn Indicator Is Always ON
    • Right Turn Indicator Always On

Go to Exterior Lights System Check in Lighting Systems.

5

  1. Cover the Ambient Light Sensor with a dark cloth.
  2. Turn headlamp switch to HEAD.

IPC illumination turns ON and dims to the setting on the dimmer control.

IPC illumination inoperative. Go to Interior Lamps System Check in Lighting Systems.

6

Adjust instrument panel dimmer control.

IPC illumination varies.

IPC does not dim. Go to Interior Lamps System Check in Lighting Systems.

7

Turn the high beam headlamps on.

High beam indicator illuminates.

    • High Beam Indicator Inoperative
    • High Beam Indicator Is Always ON

Go to Exterior Lights System Check in Lighting Systems.

8

Check Fuel gauge.

Fuel gauge indicates correct fuel level.

Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative .

9

Check Engine Temperature gauge.

Engine Temperature gauge indicates correct engine temperature.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative .

10

Check Volt gauge.

Volt gauge indicates correct voltage.

Volt Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

11

Check tachometer.

Tachometer indicates correct engine speed.

Tachometer Inoperative .

12

Check Engine Oil Pressure gauge.

Engine Oil Pressure gauge indicates correct engine oil pressure.

Engine Oil Pressure Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative .

13

Check Battery Charge indicator.

Battery Charge indicator OFF.

Battery Charge indicator always on. Go to Charging System Check in Starting and Charging.

14

Check Air Bag indicator.

Air Bag indicator OFF.

Air Bag indicator always on. Go to SIR Diagnostic System Check in SIR.

15

Check ABS indicator.

ABS indicator OFF.

ABS indicator always on. Go to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in ABS.

16

Check Security indicator.

Security indicator OFF.

Security indicator always on. Go to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.

17

Cycle gear selector lever through all gear positions.

PRNDL displays the correct gear positions.

The park brake indicator turns OFF.

    • Brake Warning Indicator Always On Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes.

18

Drive vehicle at 48 km/h (30 mph).

Speedometer and Odometer/Trip Odometer operate properly.

Speedometer and/or Odometer Inaccurate .

19

Open the Endgate/Liftgate

Gate ajar indicator turns ON

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.