GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Overview


Object Number: 2062259  Size: SH

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) contains one driver information center (DIC) and provides visual information to the driver for a number of vehicle functions such as trip computer, audio functions, warnings and reminders.

When the ignition is switched to the ON position, a vehicle system check is performed and the status is shown on the DIC.

A number of IPC features will be tested in order to verify the features are working correctly. The following occurs at key ON.

    • The supplementary restraint system warning lamp illuminates briefly (not IPC controlled).
    • The anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp illuminates briefly.
    • The charging system warning lamp illuminates briefly.
    • The brake warning lamp illuminates briefly.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates until the engine is running (not IPC controlled).
    • The seat belt warning lamp will stay illuminated until the driver seat belt is latched (not IPC controlled).

If there are no warnings or service reminders the DIC shows a series of welcome screens. If the system check detects a problem, the DIC displays the appropriate warning immediately. If a warning is displayed, press the TRIP button to acknowledge it (once for each warning). The DIC then reverts to the original trip computer display.

    • Pressing the TRIP button any time during the system check causes the DIC to jump ahead to the last trip computer screen displayed before the ignition was last switched off. The system check continues to run in the background
    • To display the odometer screen, if not already displayed on the DIC, press the TRIP button until the screen appears

When the ignition is in the OFF position, the odometer appears on the DIC, unless a service reminder is active. Active service reminders will be displayed on the DIC for 10 seconds before reverting back to the odometer for a short period of time and then turning off completely. The odometer will be displayed on the DIC again when the drivers door is opened.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

The IPC displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The IPC receives a GMLAN message from the ECM indicating the engine coolant temperature. The IPC engine coolant temperature gauge only displays coolant temperatures greater than 60°C. The engine coolant temperature gauge defaults to 60°C or below if:

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of GMLAN communications with the ECM.
    • The body control module (BCM) detects a loss of GMLAN communications with the ECM.

Fuel Gauge

The IPC displays the fuel level as determined by the ECM. The IPC receives a GMLAN message from the ECM indicating the fuel level percent. The fuel gauge defaults to empty if:

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of GMLAN communications with the ECM.
    • When there is little or no fuel in the tank.

When the fuel level is less than a pre-determined value, the low fuel or very low fuel indicators illuminate on the DIC.

Odometer

The IPC contains an odometer and trip odometer. Momentarily press the TRIP button on the steering wheel in order to toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer. Press the ENTER button for approximately 4 seconds, while the trip odometer is displayed on the DIC, in order to reset the trip odometer. If the ENTER button is pressed for less than 4 seconds, all trip information is cleared. The IPC calculates the distance travelled based on the GMLAN vehicle speed information from the ECM. The DIC will display 'error' if an internal IPC memory failure is detected.

PRNDL Display

The IPC displays the selected gear position as determined by the ECM.The IPC receives a GMLAN message from the BCM indicating the gear position. If the BCM detects a malfunction in the transmission range switch where vehicle speed is continually greater than the indicated gear position's capability, the PRNDL display on the DIC will display the letter P. The PRNDL display on the DIC can also blank if:

    • The IPC detects a loss of GMLAN communications with the BCM or ECM.
    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the transmission range switch circuit.

Speedometer

The IPC displays the vehicle speed as determined by the ECM. The IPC calculates the kilometres based on the GMLAN vehicle speed information from the BCM. The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h if the IPC detects a loss of GMLAN communications with both the ECM.

    • The ECM detects a mulfunction in the vehicle speed sensor.
    • The IPC detects a loss of GMLAN communications from the BCM or ECM.

Tachometer

The IPC displays the engine speed as determined by the ECM. The IPC receives a GMLAN message from the BCM indicating the engine speed. The tachometer will default to 0 RPM if:

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine speed sensor.
    • The IPC detects a loss of GMLAN communications from the BCM or ECM.