GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables.

  1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster or Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems before using the symptom table in order to verify that all of the following are true:
  2. • There are no DTCs set.
    • The module(s) 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 Panel Description
    •  Instrument Cluster Description
    •  Instrument Cluster Operation
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Operation
    •  Audible Warnings Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the instrument cluster, driver information display, or audible warnings. 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.
    • For any indicator or message relating to fluid level, perform a visual inspection of the fluid level before beginning diagnosis.
    • Verify that the indicators, message display works properly during the bulb check.

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:

Audible Warnings

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    • For an inoperative fasten safety belt chime, refer to Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative
    •  Chime Always On
    •  Key-in-Ignition Chime Inoperative
    •  Lights On Chime Inoperative
    •  Turn Signal Chime Inoperative
    •  Low Oil Pressure/Low Fuel Chime Inoperative

Gauges

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Odometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Speedometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  PRNDL Display Inaccurate or Inoperative

Indicators

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    •  BRAKE Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  BRAKE Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  TRAC OFF Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  TRAC OFF Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls -- 3.4L
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  Rear Fog Lamp Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  High Beam Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Trailer Towing Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  Trailer Towing Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Left Side in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Right Side in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On in Seat Belts
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative in Seat Belts
    •  AIR BAG Warning Lamp Circuit Malfunction in SIR

Messages

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    •  LOW OIL PRESSURE Message Always On
    •  LOW ENG OIL LEVEL Message Always On
    • LOW FUEL message and fuel pump ISO inoperative or always on refer to Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message Always On
    •  CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message Inoperative
    •  TRACTION ACTIVE Message Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM Message Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  HOT COOLANT TEMP Message Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  HOT COOLANT TEMP Message Inoperative in Engine Cooling
    •  LOW COOLANT LEVEL Message Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  LOW COOLANT LEVEL Message Inoperative in Engine Cooling
    •  Battery Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Battery Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  SECURITY Message Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Always On in Doors
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Inoperative in Doors
    •  REAR HATCH AJAR Message Always On in Body Rear End
    •  REAR HATCH AJAR Message Inoperative in Body Rear End

Driver Information Display (DID)

For symptom diagnosis refer to one of the following:

    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Trip Calculator Inoperative
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Compass Inaccurate or C Displayed
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative - Mode
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative - English/Metric
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Display Does Not Retain Last Request Mode
    • If the DID displays OC, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems
    • If the DID displays SC, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems
    • If the DID displays 2 dashes, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems