GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables.

  1. Perform Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster or Diagnostic System Check - Driver Information Systems before using the symptom table in order to verify that all of the following are true:
  2. • There are no DTCs set.
    • The 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 and Operation
    •  Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Description and Operation
    •  Audible Warnings Description and Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection

    • Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the audible warnings, DIC, or IPC. 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 message relating to fluid level, perform a visual inspection of the fluid level before beginning diagnosis.
    • Verify that the indicators and the message display works properly during the displays test.

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:

Audible Warnings

    •  Chime Always On
    •  Chime Inoperative
    •  Low Oil Pressure/Low Fuel Chime Inoperative

Driver Information Center (DIC)

    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Compass Inaccurate or C Displayed
    •  Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative

Gages

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Odometer Trip/Reset Switch Inoperative
    •  Speedometer and/or Odometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inaccurate or Inoperative

Indicators

    •  ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Air Bag Indicator Circuit Malfunction in SIR
    •  All-Wheel Drive Disabled Indicator Always On in Drive Axle - Locking/Limited Slip
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Always On
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Inoperative
    •  Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  Differential Lock Indicator Inoperative in Drive Axle - Locking/Limited Slip
    •  Door Ajar Indicator Malfunction in Doors
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Always On
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Always On
    • LOW FUEL indicator refer to Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On in Engine Controls
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls
    •  Rear Hatch/Gate Ajar Indicator Malfunction in Body Rear End
    •  Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction in Seat Belts
    •  Security Indicator Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    •  ABS Description and Operation in Antilock Brake System
    •  Traction Off Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  Traction Off Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Trailer Towing Indicator Always On in Lighting Systems
    •  Trailer Towing Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Always On or Flashing in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative in Lighting Systems