GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Instrument Cluster System Check

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1

Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

  1. The air bag warning indicator flashes 7 times.
  2. The audio alarm will sound for 4-8 seconds if the driver's seat belt is unbuckled.
  3. The brake warning indicator is on for 3-5 seconds.
  4. The charge warning indicator is ON.
  5. The engine coolant temperature gauge show the coolant temperature.
  6. The fasten belts indicator will turn ON until the driver's seat belt is buckled.
  7. The fuel gauge increases approximately ½ scale above the current level and, then, shows the current fuel level.
  8. The low oil level indicator is ON for 3-5 seconds and stays ON if the oil level is low.
  9. The oil pressure warning indicator is ON.
  10. The shift selector P indicator is ON.
  11. The security indicator is ON for 5 seconds.
  12. The service engine soon indicator is ON.
  13. The speedometer shows 0 km/h (O MPH).
  14. The tachometer shows 0 RPM.
    • Air Bag (AIR BAG) Warning Indicator Inoperative, Remains Illuminated or Flashes after Flashing 6 Times in SIR System
    • Fasten Belts Warning Indicator Does not Work Properly
    • Primary Brake Indicator or Alarm Inoperative
    • Fasten Belts Warning Indicator does not Work Properly
    • Low Oil Level Indicator does not Come ON with Ignition in Run
    • Shift Selector Indicator does not Work Properly.
    • Security Indicator Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    • Service Engine Soon (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) Indicator does not Come ON with the Ignition in RUN and Engine not Running
    • Speedometer Gauge and/ or Odometer Inoperative or Inaccurate
    •  Tachometer Inoperative
    • Illumination Lamps and Turn Signals, High Beam, and Seat Belt Indicators Inoperative, Other Indicators and Gauges OK

2

  1. Set the left turn signal to the ON position.
  2. Set the left turn signal to the OFF position.
  3. Set the right turn signal to the ON position.
  4. Set the right turn signal to the OFF position.
  1. The left turn signal and indicator are flashing.
  2. The left turn signal and indicator turn OFF.
  3. The right turn signal and indicator are flashing.
  4. The right turn signal and indicator turn OFF.
    • Illumination Lamps and Turn Signals, High Beam, and Seat Belt Indicators Inoperative, Other Indictors and Gauges OK
    • Turn Indicators do not Work Properly

3

  1. Turn the headlight switch to the HEAD position.
  2. Set the headlamp dimmer switch to the HIGH position.
  3. Turn the headlight switch to the OFF position.
  1. The high beam lights and the high beam indicator turn ON.
  2. The high beam lights and the high beam indicator turn OFF.
    • Illumination Lamps and Turn Signals, High Beam, and Seat Belt Indicators Inoperative, Other Indicators and Gauges OK

4

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Release the parking brake.
  1. The parking brake indicator turns ON.
  2. The parking brake indicator turns OFF.
    • Brake Warning Indicator does not Come ON when Parking Brake is Set
    • Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative

5

  1. Turn the headlamps switch to the PARK position.
  2. Adjust the IP dimmer switch to the OFF position.
  3. Turn the IP dimmer switch to the MAX position.
  1. The instrument cluster illumination turns ON.
  2. The instrument cluster illumination turns off and, then, to maximum brightness.
    • Instrument Cluster Illumination Lamps do not Dim Properly in Lighting Systems.
    • Illumination Lamps and Turn Signals, High Beam, and Seat Belt Indicators Inoperative, Other Indicators and Gauges OK

6

Turn the ignition switch to the bulb test position, just past the RUN position.

    • The anti-lock indicator turns ON.
    • The brake indicator turns ON.
  1. Anti-lock Warning Indicator is Inoperative or does not Work Properly in Antilock Brakes
  2. Gages Inoperative - All
  3. Brake Warning Indicator does not Come On with Ignition Switch in BULB TEST or START

7

Start the engine and let the engine idle.

  1. The air bag (AIR BAG) indicator remains OFF until an accident causes a deployment or a fault is detected in the SIR system.
  2. The anti-lock (ANTI-LOCK) warning indicator remains OFF, unless a fault is detected in the ABS system.
  3. The brake warning indicator remains OFF, unless a fault is detected in the base brake system, the parking brake is engaged, or the brake fluid level is low.
  4. The charge (VOLTS) warning indicator remains OFF with the engine running, unless a charging system fault is detected.
  5. The coolant temperature gauge reads the coolant temperature.
  6. The coolant temperature (HOT) warning indicator is OFF, unless the coolant temperature exceeds approximately 124°C (255°F).
  7. The fuel gauge reads the current fuel level.
  8. The low coolant (LOW COOLANT) warning indicator is OFF, unless the coolant level drops below the sensor level.
  9. The low oil level indicator is OFF, unless the engine oil level drops below a set level.
  10. Check the oil level after the initial power up of the PCM.

  11. The oil pressure warning indicator is OFF, unless a fault is detected.
    • Air Bag (AIR BAG) Warning Indicator Inoperative , Remains Illuminated or Flashes after Flashing 6 Times in SIR System
    • Anti-Lock (ANTI-LOCK) Warning Indicator is Inoperative or does not Work Properly in Anti-lock Brakes.
    • Brake Warning Indicator does not Come ON when Parking Brake is Set.
    • Brake Warning Indicator does not Come ON with Low Brake Fluid
    • Primary Brake Indicator or Alarm Inoperative
    • Brake Warning Indicator is Always ON.
    • Security Indicator ON or Flashing in Theft Deterrent
    • Security Indicator Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    • Service Engine Soon (SERVICE ENGINE SOON) Indicator Remains Illuminated or Flashes

8

Fasten the seat belts.

The fasten belts warning indicator shuts OFF when the seat belt is buckled and remains OFF until the seat belt is unbuckled.

    • Fasten Belts Warning Indicator does not Work Properly
    • Illumination Lamps and Turn Signals, High Beam, and Seat Belt Indicators Inoperative, Other Indicators and Gauges OK

9

Drive the vehicle, as needed.

  1. The speedometer reads the current speed.
  2. The tachometer, if equipped, reads the current engine RPM's.
  3. The shift selector indicator shows the correct transmission range.
    • Speedometer and/ or Odometer Inoperative or Inaccurate
    •  Tachometer Inoperative

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.