GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

  1. Before using the symptom diagnostic tables, perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in order to determine that there are no DTCs set, and that the control modules can communicate via the serial data link.
  2. Review the system operation in order to understand the system functions. Refer to the following description and operations:
  3. •  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 can affect the operation of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) or the audible warning system. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories .
    • Inspect the accessible system components or the visible system components for obvious damage or for obvious conditions which can cause the symptom.
    • Inspect for the proper fluid levels.

Intermittent

Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:

Gages and Odometer

    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Instrument Cluster Gages Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inaccurate or Inoperative

Indicators

    •  ABS Indicator Always On
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative
    •  Air Bag Indicator Circuit Malfunction
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Always On
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative
    •  Door Ajar Indicator Malfunction
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Always On
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Always On
    •  Rear Fog Lamp Indicator Always On
    •  Fog Lamp Indicator Inoperative
    •  Rear Fog Lamp Indicator Inoperative
    •  Headlamps Suggested Message On in Daylight Conditions
    •  High Beam Indicator Always On
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative
    •  Lights On Indicator Always On
    •  Lights On Indicator Inoperative
    •  Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On
    •  Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction
    •  MPH (Km/h) Indicator Inoperative
    •  Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction
    •  Security Indicator Inoperative
    •  Speedometer and/or Odometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Always On or Flashing
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative
    •  Traction Control Indicator Always On
    •  Traction Control Indicator Inoperative
    •  Traction Off Indicator Always On
    •  Traction Off Indicator Inoperative

Driver Information Center

Driver Information Center (DIC) Switch Inoperative

Audible Warnings

    •  Chime Always On
    •  Chime Inoperative