GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1999 🢒 Alero Export 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console 🢒 Instrument Cluster System Check

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  2. With a scan tool select Instrument Cluster, Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
  3. Monitor current DTCs.

No current DTCs
    • Can not communicate with the instrument cluster Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster
    • If any codes are set, go to DTC List

2
  1. Release the park brake.
  2. Unbuckle the driver seat belt.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  4. Observe the IPC for the power-up indicators.
    • The Service Engine Soon illuminates continuously.
    • The seat belt indicator is on for 20 seconds, then flashes for 55 seconds.
    • The air bag indicator flashes 7 times.
    • The volts indicator illuminates continuously.
    • The oil pressure indicator illuminates continuously.
    • All other indicators will perform a 3 second function test.

Go to Warning/Status Message List

3
  1. Press and release the trip reset switch (Pontiac only).
  2. Press and release the odometer reset switch (Oldsmobile only).

The Odometer switches between the trip and the odometer.
    • Odometer Does Not Switch Between and Season (Pontiac Only)
    • Odometer Does Not Switch Between and Season (Oldsmobile only)

4
  1. Operate the left turn signal.
  2. Operate the right turn signal.

The turn indicators flash with the turn signals.
    • Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative- Left
    • Turn Signal Indicator Inoperative- Right

5

Apply the park brake.

The park brake indicator illuminates.
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes

6
  1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
  2. Move the shift lever through each of the shift positions (Oldsmobile with automatic transmission).

All indicators illuminate with the corresponding shift lever positions.

PRNDL Display Inaccurate or Inoperative

7
  1. Turn the headlamps on.
  2. Adjust the instrument panel dimmer switch to the MAXIMUM bright position and to the MAXIMUM dim position.

The instrument panel lamp illumination varies.

Instrument Cluster Lamps Illumination Inoperative.

8
  1. Turn the headlamps on.
  2. Turn the high beams on.

The high beam indicator illuminates.

High Beam Indicator Not Operating Properly

9
  1. Start the engine.
  2. Idle the engine to operating temperature.
    • The tachometer displays idle RPM.
    • The fuel gauge displays accurate fuel level.
    • The engine cooling temperature gauge displays engine operating temperature.
    • Tachometer Inaccurate
    • Fuel Gauge Inaccurate or Inoperative
    • Engine Coolant Temperature Inaccurate or Inoperative

10

Drive the vehicle at 30 mph.

The speedometer and the odometer operate properly.

Speedometer Inaccurate