GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: 

  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 Operation
       •  Instrument Cluster Gauge Operation
       •  Instrument Cluster Odometer Operation
       •  Instrument Cluster Indicator Operation
       •  Head Up Display Operation
       •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Warning Messages Description
       •  Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center Status Messages Description
       •  Audible Warnings Description
       •  Electronic Compass Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the Instrument Cluster, Head Up Display (HUD), or Audible Warning Systems. 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 gauges, odometer, compass, and PRNDL display:

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Speedometer and/or Odometer Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inoperative
    •  PRNDL Display Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Instrument Panel Cluster Compass Inaccurate or CAL Displayed
    •  Instrument Cluster Compass Display

Indicators

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

    • ABS Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    • AIR BAG Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR in SIR.
    • Brake Warning Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Hydraulic Brakes.
    • Oil Pressure Warning Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • SECURITY Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    • SERVICE ENGINE SOON Indicator (MIL) On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Indicator On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • TRACTION OFF Indicator On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    •  Battery Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Battery Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  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
    •  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

Driver Information Center (DIC)

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

    • CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
    • CHECK TIRE PRESSURES Warning On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Tire Inflation Monitoring in Tire Pressure Monitoring.
    • ENGINE OIL LOW CHECK LEVEL Warning On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • GAS CAP LOOSE CHECK CAP Warning On. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
    • SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System.
    • THEFT ATTEMPT DETECTED Warning On. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Always On in Doors
    •  DOOR AJAR Message Inoperative in Doors
    •  TRUNK AJAR Message Always On in Body Rear End
    •  TRUNK AJAR Message Inoperative in Body Rear End
    •  WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Always On in Wipers/Washer Systems
    •  WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Inoperative in Wipers/Washer Systems
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative

Head-Up Display (HUD)

The following is a list of the symptoms for the head-up display:

    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Speedometer Inaccurate
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative - Left and Right Side
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Image Height Adjustment Inoperative
    •  Head Up Display (HUD) Image Intensity Not Variable

Instrument Cluster Dimming

Instrument Cluster Illumination Lamps Do Not Dim

Audible Warnings

The following is a list of symptoms for the audible warnings:

    • ABS Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System
    • Air Bag Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR in Restraints
    • Brake Fluid Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check in Hydraulic Brakes
    • Check Gauges Chime Always On. Refer to CHECK GAGES Indicator Always On
    • Check Gauges Chime Inoperative. Refer to CHECK GAGES Indicator Inoperative
    • Check Oil level Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls 3.8L
    • Door Ajar Chime Always On. Refer to DOOR AJAR Message Always On in Doors
    • Door Ajar Chime Inoperative. Refer to DOOR AJAR Message Inoperative in Doors
    • Fasten Safety Belt Chime Always On. Refer to Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Always On in Seat Belts
    • Fasten Safety Belt Chime Inoperative. Refer to Fasten Safety Belt Indicator/Chime Inoperative in Seat Belts
    •  Key-in-Ignition Chime Inoperative
    •  Key-in-Ignition Chime On with Left Front Door Open, Key Not in Ignition
    • Lights On Chime On with Ignition in Run. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems in Lighting Systems
    • Lights On Chime Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems in Lighting Systems
    • Security Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent
    • Service Vehicle Soon Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster
    • Traction Off Chime Always On or Inoperative Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brake System
    • Trunk Ajar Chime Always On. Refer to TRUNK AJAR Message Always On in Body Rear End
    • Trunk Ajar Chime Inoperative. Refer to TRUNK AJAR Message Inoperative in Body Rear End
    • Turn Signal Chime Always On or Inoperative. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems in Lighting Systems
    • Windshield Washer Fluid Low Chime Always On. Refer to WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Always On in Wipers/Washer System
    • Windshield Washer Fluid Low Chime Inoperative. Refer to WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LOW Message Inoperative in Wipers/Washer System