GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Displays Test

Certain instrument panel cluster (IPC) features are tested when the ignition is turned on in order to verify the features are working properly. The following indicators illuminate briefly at key up unless otherwise noted:

    • Antilock Brake System (ABS)
    • Air bag (flashes 7 times)
    • Brake System
    • Change oil
    • Charging System
    • Engine oil pressure
    • Fasten safety belt
    • Low engine oil level
    • Low traction
    • Low washer fluid
    • Service vehicle soon
    • Shift indicator
    • Theft System
    • Traction Off

Indicators and Warning Messages

Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation .

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the engine coolant temperature as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM) indicating the engine coolant temperature. The IPC displays the engine coolant temperature based on a serial data message from the body control module (BCM) indicating the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature gage defaults to 38°C (100°F) if:

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine coolant temperature sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Fuel Gage

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the fuel level as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM) indicating the fuel tank level remaining. The IPC displays the fuel level based on a serial data message from the BCM indicating the fuel tank level remaining. The fuel gage defaults to E (empty) if:

    • The ECM or BCM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

When the fuel level is less than 14 percent, the low fuel indicator/message illuminates.

Odometer

The vehicle odometer is calculated and stored electronically in the body control module (BCM). The BCM calculates and stores the mileage based on the vehicle speed serial data message from the engine control module (ECM). The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the vehicle odometer information sent from the BCM over the serial data circuit. The odometer will display 'error' if an internal IPC memory failure is detected or if there is a serial data communication fault between the ECM and the BCM.

The driver information center (DIC) in the radio displays Trip Odometer A or Trip Odometer B. The trip odometer information is sent from the BCM over the serial data circuit. Press the INFO button until Trip A or Trip B is displayed. The trip Odometer displays the current distance traveled since the last reset of each Trip Odometer in either miles or kilometers. Both trip odometers can be used at the same time. Each trip odometer can be reset to zero separately by pressing and holding the ENTER button for a few seconds while the desired trip odometer is displayed. The Trip A or Trip B Odometer will display "- - -.- -" if there is a serial data communication fault between the ECM and BCM.

PRNDL Display

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the selected gear position as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The ECM sends a serial data message to the body control module (BCM) indicating the gear position. The IPC displays the gear position based on a serial data message from the BCM indicating the selected gear position. The PRNDL display blanks if:

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the transmission range switch circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Speedometer

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the vehicle speed based on the information from the vehicle speed sensor. The IPC receives a serial data message from the body control module (BCM) indicating the vehicle speed. The IPC calculates and displays the vehicle speed based on serial data messages from the BCM. The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 mph) if :

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor signal circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.

Tachometer

The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the engine speed as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The IPC displays the engine speed based on a serial data message from the body control module (BCM) indicating the engine speed. The tachometer will default to 0 RPM if:

    • The ECM detects a malfunction in the engine speed sensor circuit.
    • The IPC detects a loss of serial data communications with the BCM.