GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Displays Test

Certain instrument panel cluster (IPC) features are tested when the ignition is turned on in order to verify the features are working properly. The following occurs at key up:

    • The ABS indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • The air bag indicator flashes 7 times.
    • The BRAKE indicator illuminates and stays on.
    • The change oil indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • The CHECK GAGES indicator illuminates and stays on.
    • The fasten safety belt indicator illuminates and stays on for 70 seconds or until the driver seat belt is buckled.
    • The low oil level indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • The low trac indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • All message center segments illuminate briefly.
    • The rear hatch indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • The reduced engine power indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • The security indicator illuminates for 6 seconds and then turns off.
    • The service engine soon indicator illuminates and stays on.
    • The service vehicle soon indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.
    • The skip shift indicator illuminates for 3 seconds and then turns off.

Indicators and Warning Messages

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation .

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

The IPC displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the PCM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature. If the engine coolant temperature exceeds 107°C (225°F), the CHECK GAGES indicator illuminates.

Engine Oil Pressure Gage

Battery voltage is applied to the oil pressure gage while the vehicle is in RUN, BULB TEST, or START. The engine oil pressure gage is controlled by the engine oil pressure sensor.

Fuel Gage

The IPC displays the fuel level as determined by the PCM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the fuel level percent. If the fuel tank is less than 1/16 full the PCM sends a class  2 message to the IPC in order to turn on the CHECK GAGES indicator. Refer to Fuel System Description in Engine Controls -- 3.8L or to Fuel System Description in Engine Controls -- 5.7L for more information.

Odometer

The IPC contains a season odometer and a trip odometer. Momentarily press the trip/reset switch on the IPC in order to toggle between the season odometer and the trip odometer. Press the trip/reset switch for greater than 2 seconds, while the trip odometer is displayed, in order to reset the trip odometer. The IPC calculates the mileage based on the vehicle speed signal circuit from the PCM.

Speedometer

The IPC displays the vehicle speed based on the information from the PCM. The PCM converts the data from the vehicle speed sensor to a 4000 pulses/mile signal. The IPC uses the vehicle speed signal circuit from the PCM in order to calculate the vehicle speed. The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 mph) if a malfunction in the vehicle speed signal circuit exists. The analog speedometer displays the vehicle speed in miles and kilometers.

Tachometer

The IPC displays the engine speed as determined by the PCM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the engine speed. The tachometer will default to 0 rpm if:

    • The PCM detects a malfunction in the engine speed sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the PCM.

Voltmeter Gage

The IPC displays the system voltage as detected at the ignition 1 circuit at the IPC.