GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The instrument cluster (IPC) indicators are illuminated by 1 of the following methods:

    • The IPC detects a concern with a discrete input.
    • A module sends a indicator illumination request message, via the class 2 serial data line

Air Bag Indicator

The air bag indicator is a light emitting diode (LED) display that is located in the instrument cluster but is operated by a class 2 message from the inflatable restraint sensing & diagnostic module (SDM). A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will be stored in the SDM for any related system malfunction.

Anti-Lock Indicator

The anti-lock indicator is a display that is located in the instrument cluster. The anti-lock indicator is operated by the electronic brake control module (EBCM). The anti-lock indicator will turn ON for 3 seconds when the ignition switch is placed in the RUN position. The anti-lock indicator will also turn ON when the instrument cluster receives class 2 information from the requesting the anti-lock indicator to be turned ON or if the cluster loses class 2 communication with the EBCM. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will be stored in the EBCM for any related system malfunction.

Brake Indicator

The brake warning indicator is a display that is located in the instrument cluster. The brake warning indicator is operated by the EBCM and the body control module (BCM). The brake warning indicator indicates a low fluid pressure condition exists in the brake system when the brake warning indicator finds ground through the pressure differential switch in the combination valve. The brake warning indicator also indicates the park brake is applied when the brake warning indicator finds ground through the park brake switch. When the park brake is set with the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the park brake indicator will flash. The BCM will command the indicator ON in order to indicate that the park brake is engaged. The EBCM will command the brake indicator ON in order to indicate a low fluid pressure condition.

Overspeed Indicator (Export)

The overspeed indicator is a lamp that is located in the instrument cluster. When the instrument cluster receives a class 2 message from the vehicle control module (VCM) the instrument cluster to turn ON the overspeed lamp.

High Beam Indicator

The high beam indicator is an incandescent lamp that is located in the instrument cluster. A class 2 serial data message from the BCM is sent to the instrument cluster when the high beams are turned ON. The BCM senses the input and sends the message to the instrument cluster to turn the indicator ON.

Left Turn Signal Indicator

The left turn signal indicator is an incandescent lamp that is located in the instrument cluster . The left turn signal indicator lamp has a designated circuit to the instrument by the turn signal switch and the turn signal flasher.

Right Turn Signal Indicator

The right turn signal indicator is an incandescent lamp that is located in the instrument cluster. The right turn signal indicator lamp has a designated circuit to the instrument by the turn signal switch and the turn signal flasher.

Seat Belt Indicator

The seat belt indicator is a display that is located in the instrument cluster. The BCM uses class 2 serial data communication in order to command the seat belt indicator ON and OFF. This vehicle has an enhanced seat belt warning system. This system activates a warning lamp for about 75 seconds and an audible warning for about 8 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position and the drivers sear belt is not buckled. The warning lamp will be constant for the first 20 seconds, then flash for the remaining 55 seconds. The audible warning only turns ON, and will stay ON when the drivers seat belt is not fastened during the 8 second time period. The warning lamp and the audible warning sequence of operation is as follows:

    • Drivers Seat Belt Unbuckled - Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. The warning lamp illuminates constantly for 20 seconds, then flashes for the remaining 55 seconds. The audible warning turns ON and stays ON for 8 seconds, then turns OFF. If the drivers seat belt buckle is buckled before the 8 seconds, the audible warning and lamp will turns OFF.
    • Drivers Seat Belt Buckled - Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. The warning lamp will not illuminate and the audible warning stays OFF. If the drivers seat belt buckle is unbuckled prior to 8 seconds, the audible warning will tun ON for the balance of the 8-second delay.

TOW/HAUL Indicator

The TOW/HAUL indicator is located in the instrument cluster. When the TOW/HAUL button is depressed at the end of the shift lever, the BCM uses class 2 serial data communication in order to send a message to the instrument cluster to turn ON the TOW/HAUL indicator lamp.

Battery Indicator

The battery indicator is a class 2 serial data message from the VCM. Below is the conditions for turning ON the battery indicator.

    • The battery indicator will be ON continuously when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position (engine OFF).
    • The battery indicator will perform a 3 second bulb check immediately after the engine is started.

SERVICE AWD Indicator

The SERVICE AWD indicator is located in the instrument cluster. The SERVICE AWD indicator illuminates when a class 2 serial data message from the automatic transfer case (ATC) module is sent to the instrument cluster. An ATC diagnostic trouble code is set any time the SERVICE AWD indicator is illuminated.

SECURITY Indicator

The SECURITY indicator is a class 2 serial data message from the BCM. The SECURITY indicator can be commanded ON by both the Passlock and the content theft deterrent (CTD) systems. The SECURITY indicator can be ON continuously, or flashing.

LOW FUEL Lamp Indicator

The LOW FUEL Lamp indicator is a class 2 serial data message from the VCM to the instrument cluster based on the fuel level (percent of fuel). The conditions for illuminating the LOW FUEL Lamp are described below.

    • The LOW FUEL Lamp will be turned ON when the instrument cluster receives a class 2 message from the VCM and the VCM reports the fuel level remaining in the fuel tank to be less than, or equal to, 18 percent.
    • The LOW FUEL Lamp will be turned OFF when the instrument cluster receives a class 2 message from the VCM and the VCM reports the fuel level remaining in the fuel tank to be greater than, or equal to, 22 percent.

CHECK GAGES Indicator

The CHECK GAGES indicator is a class 2 serial data message from the VCM. The CHECK GAGES indicator illuminates when there is a gage malfunction.