GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The audible warnings alert the driver of a system concern or a critical vehicle condition. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) generates the audible warnings through a an acoustic chime generator in the IPC. The IPC receives audible warning requests via the serial data circuit. If the IPC receives multiple audible warning requests, the warning with the highest priority sounds first. The following lists the audible warning priority and the pulse rate:

    • Fast rate chime (200 pulses per minute)
    • Medium rate chime (150 pulses per minute)
    • Slow rate chime (50 pulses per minute)
    • Single chime

Fasten Safety Belt Warning

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the fasten safety belt audible warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency and duration. The fasten safety belt warning sounds and the fasten safety belt indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition switch transitions to ON.
    • The BCM detects that the driver or passenger seat belt is not buckled (signal circuit is low). The IPC receives a serial data message from the BCM indicating the driver and the passenger seat belt status.

If the seat belt is buckled when the ignition is turned on, the chime does not sound. If the seat belt is buckled while the chime is sounding, the chime stops. If the seat belt is unbuckled after the initial transition to ON, the chime does not sound.

Key-In-Ignition Warning

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the key-in-ignition audible warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency and duration. The key-in-ignition warning sounds when the following occurs:

    • The ignition switch is OFF.
    • The BCM determines that the driver's door is open (signal circuit is low).
    • The BCM determines that the ignition key alarm switch is closed (signal circuit is low).

Lights On Warning

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the lights on warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency and duration. The lights on warning sounds when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is OFF.
    • The BCM determines that the driver's door is open (signal circuit is low).
    • The BCM determines that the headlamp switch is in the park or head position.

Park Brake Warning

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the park brake audible warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency and duration. The park brake warning sounds and the brake indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 5 km/h (3.1 mph). The BCM receives a serial data message from the ECM indicating the vehicle speed.
    • The BCM determines that the park brake is engaged (signal circuit is low).

Turn Signal On Warning

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) activates the turn signal audible warning as requested by the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency and duration. The turn signal warning sounds when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The BCM detects that the turn signal is active for greater than 1.2 km (0.75 mi). The BCM calculates the distance based on a serial data message from the ECM indicating the vehicle speed.

Additional Warnings

The following warnings have an associated instrument panel cluster (IPC) indicator:

    • Antilock brake system (ABS)
    • Air bag
    • Brake warning
    • Charging system
    • High engine coolant temperature
    • Low fuel
    • Low engine oil pressure
    • Service vehicle soon

The body control module (BCM) sends a serial data message to the IPC indicating the chime frequency and duration. The warning sounds once per ignition cycle when an indicator illuminates and the engine is running for greater than 6.5 seconds.

For a description of each indicator, refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation.