GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Design Identification

This manual identifies an Early Design and Later Design within the Video Entertainment System schematics and diagnostics. The following is a description of Early Design and Later Design:

    • Early Design: Ignition input to the Tape Retract Module (TRM) and the Interface Module (IM) is sourced from splice S227 from the PWR QTR VENT fuse.
    • Later Design: Ignition input to the TRM and the IM is sourced directly from the VIDEO ENT fuse.

Diagnostic Approach

Follow these steps in order when diagnosing the Video Entertainment System (VES). This approach reduces diagnostic time and prevents unnecessary parts replacement:

  1. Verify customer complaint: Become familiar with the normal operation of the VES.
  2. Perform these preliminary checks:
  3. • Conduct a thorough visual inspection.
    • Review the vehicle service history.
  4. Begin system diagnosis with the Diagnostic Starting Point - Entertainment .
  5. The Diagnostic Starting Point will lead the technician on the correct path to diagnose the entire Entertainment system including the Radio/Audio System and Video Entertainment System.

  6. Perform the VES System Check . Refer to Video System System Check for more information. The VES System Check performs a complete test of the VES, and leads the technician through an organized diagnostic approach that includes finding symptoms. Follow the symptom tables exactly in order to make an effective repair.
  7. Check for service bulletins, videos, and newsletters.
  8. Diagnosing a symptom with no published diagnostics: Analyze the complaint, then develop a plan for the diagnostics utilizing the wiring diagrams and theory of operation.

After isolating the cause of the malfunction, make the necessary repairs. When repairs are completed, repeat the VES System Check to test the operation of the VES and to confirm that the malfunction has been corrected successfully.

Video Entertainment System (VES) System Check

The Video Entertainment System (VES) System Check is an organized approach to identify problems associated with the VES.

After verifying the operation of the base Radio/Audio System, the VES System Check must be the starting point for any VES-related complaint, and will direct you to the next logical step in diagnosing the complaint.

The VES is a very reliable component and is not likely the cause of the typical malfunction. Most VES complaints are linked to not understanding the system operation, faulty wiring, connectors, and other components.

Understanding how the VES operates and using the diagnostic tables correctly will reduce diagnostic time and prevent unnecessary parts replacement. Refer to Video System Operation and Video System Description for more information.