GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics

I/P and Driver Information Display


Object Number: 588160  Size: FS
Power, Ground and Door Locks
Power/Ground Distribution, Instrument Cluster and DID
Turn Signal Switch, PCM, IPC and Engine Oil Pressure Switch
DRL, Canister, PWR DROP, TURN, SIR, IP-IGN, CRUISE, and ECM Fuse
DRL, Canister, PWR DROP, TURN, SIR, IP-IGN, CRUISE, and ECM Fuse
Instrument Cluster Indicators, MSVA and Stop Lamp Switch
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
G200 (4 of 4)
G200 (3 of 4)
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
Powertrain Control Module Description
IAC, I/P, Engine Oil Level Indicator Switch and PNP
MAF, EVAP Purge, EVAP Canister, EGR Valve
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
for a wiring diagram.

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) controlled lamps are powered through the IGN 1 fuse. The PCM energizes the bulb, the light-emitting diode (LED) , or the driver information center indicator by supplying a path to ground through the PCM.

The conditions which will illuminate each lamp are as follows:

    • A low oil level lamp--When the ignition is first turned ON, the PCM briefly commands ON the Low Oil Level Lamp in order to test the bulb. The PCM also checks the engine oil level using the engine oil level switch input. The PCM determines whether or not to test for low oil level based on the difference between engine coolant temperature (ECT) at the last shutdown and the ECT at startup, in order to ensure that the oil has drained back into the sump before testing. To test for low oil level at startup, one of the following conditions must be present:
       - If the ECT was between 15°C (59°F) and 130°C (266°F) during the last key OFF, the ECT during key ON must be at least 12°C (22°F) cooler than the ECT at the last key OFF.
       - If the ECT was more than 82°C (180°F) at the last key OFF, the time between last key OFF and the present key ON must be sufficient to allow the oil to drain back to the sump. The PCM will remain powered up for 10 seconds in order to ensure that the oil has drained back to the sump. If the key is turned back ON while the PCM is still powered up, the oil level will not be tested.
    • The generator lamp--The PCM supplies battery voltage to the generator's internal regulator at generator terminal L. When a fault occurs in the charging system , the internal regulator grounds the L terminal voltage, and the PCM commands ON the generator. The PCM will command ON the generator lamp during the following conditions:
       - The engine speed is above 1200 RPM, and system voltage is less than 10 volts for at least 10 seconds.
       - The PCM detects a low voltage condition on the generator's L terminal for at least 10 seconds.
       - The engine speed is between 1000 RPM and 1300 RPM and the generator's F terminal duty cycle remains above 95 percent for 60 seconds.
       - OR
       - The engine speed is between 1000 RPM and 1300 RPM and the generator's F terminal duty cycle remains below 5 percent for 30 seconds.
    • The hot coolant lamp--The PCM will command ON the hot coolant lamp when engine coolant temperature is more than 124°C (255°F). The PCM will turn OFF the hot coolant lamp when the engine coolant temperature is less than 121°C (248°F).
    • The change oil lamp--The PCM commands ON the oil life monitor lamp when an oil change is required. The PCM calculates the remaining oil life based on the total engine revolutions and the calculated engine oil temperature for each startup since the oil life monitor reset.

Diagnostic Aids

A PCM controlled lamp ON at all times can indicate that a condition requiring the attention of the vehicle operator is present.

Inspect for the following conditions:

    • A poor connection at the PCM--Inspect the harness connectors for the following conditions:
       - Backed-out terminals
       - Improper mating
       - Broken locks
       - Improperly-formed terminals
       - Damaged terminals
       - Poor terminal-to-wire connections
    • A damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears OK, disconnect the PCM and turn ON the ignition. Observe a Digital Multimeter (DMM) connected to the affected PCM output circuit while moving connectors and the wiring harnesses that are related to the PCM output circuit. A change in voltage will indicate the location of the fault.
    • The engine oil level switch circuit--Refer to Engine Oil Level Sensor and/or Switch Diagnosis .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. Normally, the ignition feed voltage should be present on the output control circuit with the PCM disconnected, the ignition ON, and the engine OFF.

  2. This step tests for a shorted component or for a short to B+ on the output control circuit. Either condition will result in a measured current of more than 1.5 amps. This step also tests for a component that is opening during operation, resulting in a measured current of 0 amps.

  3. This step tests for a malfunctioning instrument cluster.

  4. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). When you replace he PCM, you must program the new PCM.

PCM Controlled Lamps

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Did you perform the Instrument Cluster System Check in Body and Accessories?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Instrument Cluster System Check in Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  4. Using a DMM in order to measure the voltage between the affected PCM output circuit at the PCM harness connector and ground.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Set the DMM to the 10-amp scale and install the DMM in order to measure the current between the affected PCM output circuit and ground.
  2. Monitor the current reading on the digital multimeter for at least 2 minutes.

Is the current reading between the specified values?

0.05 Amp-1.5 Amps

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).
  2. Leave the PCM disconnected.
  3. Measure the voltage between the affected PCM output circuit and ground.

Is the voltage at the specified value?

0V

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 6

6

Locate and repair the short to voltage in the affected PCM output circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 17

--

7

Inspect the ignition feed fuse for the IPC and Driver Information Center indicator lamps.

Is the fuse open?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

  1. Locate and repair the short to ground in the ignition feed circuit for the IPC and Driver Information Center indicator lamps. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
  2. Replace the fuse.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 17

--

9

  1. Disconnect the IPC.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  3. Measure the voltage between the ignition feed circuit for the indicator lamps and ground.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 14

10

  1. Test the affected lamp control circuit for an open or for a short to ground.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Inspect the affected lamp control circuit and the ignition feed circuit for a poor connection at the IPC and Driver Information Center or at the PCM.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

12

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Reconnect the PCM, and disconnect the IPC.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the affected PCM output circuit and the ignition feed circuit at the IPC and Driver Information Center harness connector.
  5. Use the scan tool outputs test function in order to cycle the affected lamp ON and OFF.

Does the test lamp flash ON and OFF?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 13

13

  1. Inspect the affected lamp control circuit for a poor connection at the PCM.
  2. If you find a problem, repair the condition as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

14

Locate and repair the open in the ignition feed circuit to the indicator lamps. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 17

--

15

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

16

Important: Replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

Use the scan tool output tests function in order to operate the affected lamp.

Does the affected lamp operate properly?

--

System OK

Go to Step 3