GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the engine speed based on the engine speed data from the body control module (BCM). The ECM then sends the engine speed signal information via the GMLAN serial data circuit to the BCM. The BCM sends a GMLAN message to the IPC indicating the engine speed. The IPC displays the engine speed based on the GMLAN serial data message from the BCM.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views .
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

Ignition ON, with the scan tool, perform the IPC Gage Sweep Test in the IPC Output Controls. Verify that the tachometer dial moves from minimum to the maximum value and back to the tachometer minimum value.

If the tachometer does not perform the IPC Gage Sweep Test, replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for IPC replacement, setup, and programming