GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The audible warnings alert the driver of a system concern or a critical vehicle condition. The audio amplifier generates the audible warnings through the left front speaker. The audio amplifier receives audible warning requests via the serial data circuit. If the audio amplifier receives multiple audible warning requests, the warning with the highest priority sounds first. The following lists the audible warning priority and the chime pulse rate:

  1. Fast rate chime--200 pulses per minute
  2. Medium rate chime--150 pulses per minute
  3. Slow rate chime--50 pulses per minute
  4. Single chime

Fasten Safety Belt Warning

The audio amplifier activates the fasten safety belt audible warning as requested by the dash integration module (DIM). The DIM sends a serial data message to the audio amplifier indicating the chime frequency at a slow rate and a duration of 8 seconds. The fasten safety belt warning sounds and the fasten safety belt indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition switch transitions to ON.
    • The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) detects that the driver's seat belt is not buckled and the signal is low. The SDM sends a serial data message to the DIM indicating the seat belt status. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives a serial data message from the DIM indicating the driver seat belt status.

If the seat belt is buckled when the ignition is turned ON, the chime does not sound. If the seat belt is buckled while the chime is sounding, the chime stops. If the seat belt is unbuckled after the initial transition to ON, the chime does not sound.

Lights On Warning

The audio amplifier activates the lights on warning as requested by the dash integration module (DIM). The DIM sends a serial data message to the audio amplifier indicating the chime frequency of a fast rate and at a continuous duration. The lights on warning sounds when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is OFF.
    • The DIM determines that the driver door is open and the signal circuit is low.
    • The DIM determines that the headlamp switch is in the park or head position.

Park Brake Warning

The audio amplifier activates the park brake audible warning as requested by the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The IPC sends a serial data message to the audio amplifier indicating the chime frequency of a fast rate and at a continuous duration. The park brake warning sounds and the BRAKE indicator illuminates when the following occurs:

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 8 km/h (4.9 mph). The IPC receives a serial data message from the engine control module (ECM) indicating the vehicle speed.
    • The IPC determines that the park brake is engaged and the signal circuit is low.

Additional Warnings

The following warnings have an associated instrument panel cluster (IPC) indicator:

    • Hot coolant temperature--The audio amplifier activates the audible warning as requested by the dash integration module (DIM). The DIM sends a serial data message to the audio amplifier indicating the chime frequency of a medium rate and at a continuous duration.
    • Low fuel--The audio amplifier activates the audible warning as requested by the DIM. The DIM sends a serial data message to the audio amplifier indicating the chime frequency of a medium rate and at a continuous duration.

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation .