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 before using the Symptom Tables in order to verify that all of the following are true:
  2. • There are no DTCs set.
    • The control 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 Cluster Description
    •  Instrument Cluster Gauge Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Odometer Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Indicator Operation
    •  Instrument Cluster Circuit Description
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Description
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Warning Messages Description
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Status Messages Description

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the instrument cluster. 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 driver information center (DIC) message relating to fluid level, perform a visual inspection of the fluid level before beginning diagnosis.
    • Verify that the indicators work 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:

Gauges and PRNDL Display

The following is a list of the symptoms for the instrument cluster (IPC) gauges and PRNDL display:

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

Indicators

The following is a list of the symptoms for the instrument cluster (IPC) indicators or a reference to the related subsection:

    •  ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System.
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System.
    •  AIR BAG Warning Lamp Circuit Malfunction in SIR
    •  Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  CHECK OIL LEVEL Message Inoperative
    •  Brake Warning Indicator, Message, and Chime Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator and Chime Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Inoperative in Engine Cooling
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Always On
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Inoperative
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On in Seat Belts
    •  Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative in Seat Belts
    •  High Beam Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • SECURITY Indicator Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent
    •  TRACTION CONTROL Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  TRACTION CONTROL Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Left Side in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Indicator Always On - Right Side in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative - Left Side in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Indicators Inoperative - Right Side in Lighting Systems

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The following is a list of the symptoms for the driver information center (DIC) or a reference to the related subsection:

    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative
    • BATTERY NOT CHARGING Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • BATTERY VOLTS HIGH Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • BATTERY VOLTS LOW Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • CHANGE TRANS FLUID Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL Message Always On. Refer to Brake Warning Indicator, Message, and Chime Always On in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL Message Inoperative. Refer to Brake Warning Indicator and Chime Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • CHECK COOLANT LEVEL Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Engine Cooling.
    • CHECK FUEL GAGE Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative .
    • CHECK GAS CAP Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • CHECK OIL LEVEL Message Always On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • CHECK WASHER FLUID Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Wiper/Washer System Check in Wiper/Washer System.
    • CRUISE ENGAGED Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Cruise Control in Cruise Control.
    • DOOR AJAR Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Power Door Systems in Doors.
    • DRIVER DOOR AJAR Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Power Door Systems in Doors.
    • ENGINE COOLANT HOT/IDLE ENGINE Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Engine Cooling.
    • ENGINE HOT - AC OFF Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • ENGINE MISFIRE Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • ENGINE OVERHEATED/STOP ENGINE Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Engine Cooling.
    • FUEL LEVEL LOW Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative .
    • HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to LIGHTS ON Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems.
    • ICE POSSIBLE Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in HVAC Systems - Automatic.
    • LOW REFRIG A/C OFF Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in HVAC Systems - Automatic.
    • OIL PRESSURE LOW/STOP ENGINE Message Always On.
    • OIL PRESSURE LOW/STOP ENGINE Message Inoperative.
    • PROGRAM PASS KEY Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • PHONE NOT PRESENT Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Cellular Telephone in Cellular Communications.
    • REMOVE KEY Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • SERVICE AC SYSTEM Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in HVAC Systems - Automatic.
    • SERVICE AIR BAG Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR in SIR.
    • SERVICE BRAKE FLUID SWITCH Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Brake Warning Indicator, Message, and Chime Always On in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • SERVICE CHARGING SYS Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYS Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • SERVICE IDLE CONTROL Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • SERVICE RIDE SYS Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Road Sensing Suspension - RSS.
    • SERVICE STEERING SYS Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Variable Effort Steering in Variable Effort Steering.
    • SERVICE TRANSMISSION Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • STABILITY ENGAGED Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Road Sensing Suspension (RSS).
    • STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEM CAR MAY NOT RESTART Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • TOP SPEED FUEL CUT-OFF Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • TRACTION ENGAGED Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    •  TRACTION OFF Message Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  TRACTION OFF Message Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    • TRACTION READY Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    • TRACTION SUSPENDED Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    • TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 4.6L.
    • TRUNK OPEN Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Rear Compartment Lid Release System Check in Body Rear End
    • TURN SIGNAL ON Message Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems in Lighting Systems.