GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The indicator description and operation uses generic indicator names. Refer to the table below for the indicators that are available on this vehicle:

IPC Indicators

Vehicle Indicator Name

Indicator Description Title

ABS symbol

ABS Indicator

Air Bag symbol

Air Bag Indicator

Battery symbol

Charging System Indicator

BRAKE symbol

Brake System Indicators

CHECK GAGES

Check Gauges Indicator

Fasten Safety Belt symbol

Fasten Safety Belt Indicator

High Beam symbol

Lighting System Indicators

LOW FUEL

Fuel System Indicators

OVERSPEED

Vehicle Overspeed Indicator

SECURITY

Theft System Indicator

SERVICE AWD

Driveline Indicator

SERVICE ENGINE SOON

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

TOW / HAUL

Tow / Haul Indicator

Turn Signal symbols

Lighting System Indicators

ABS Indicator

The IPC illuminates the ABS indicator when the following occurs:

    • The electronic brake control module (EBCM) detects a malfunction with the antilock brake system. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the EBCM requesting illumination.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
    • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the EBCM.

Air Bag Indicator

The IPC illuminates the air bag indicator when the following occurs:

    • The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) detects a malfunction with the supplemental inflatable restraint system. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the SDM requesting illumination.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The IPC flashes the air bag indicator 7 times.
    • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the SDM.

Fasten Safety Belt Indicator

The IPC illuminates the fasten safety belt indicator when the following occurs:

    • The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) detects that the driver's seat belt is unbuckled. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the SDM requesting illumination. The IPC illuminates the indicator for 20 seconds and then flashes the indicator for 55 seconds. The SDM also sends a class 2 message to the BCM in order to activate the audible warning.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
    • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the SDM.

Charging System Indicator

The IPC illuminates the battery indicator when the following occurs:

    • The PCM detects that the generator output is less than 11 volts or greater than 16 volts. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM requesting illumination.
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
    • The ignition is on, with the engine off.

Check Gauges Indicator

The IPC illuminates the CHECK GAGES indicator when the engine coolant temperature gauge or the engine oil pressure gauge is outside the normal operating range.

Driveline Indicator

The IPC illuminates the SERVICE AWD when the IPC receives a class 2 message from the automatic transfer case module (ATC) indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the ATC system.

Brake System Indicator

The IPC illuminates the brake indicator when the following occurs:

    • The body control module (BCM) detects that the park brake is engaged. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination. If the vehicle is shifted out of park with the park brake engaged, the BCM activates an audible warning.
    • The IPC detects a low brake fluid condition (signal circuit is low).
    • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.

Fuel System Indicator

The IPC illuminates the LOW FUEL indicator when the IPC detects that the fuel level is less than a pre-determined value. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the fuel level percent.

Lighting System Indicators

High Beam

The IPC illuminates the high beam indicator when the body control module (BCM) detects that the high beams are requested. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination.

Turn Signals

The IPC illuminates the right or left turn signal indicator when the IPC detects a turn signal request or a hazard request. If the BCM determines that the turn signal is active for more than 1.2 km (0.75 mile), the BCM activates the audible warning.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

The PCM illuminates the MIL (service engine soon or check engine) when the following occurs:

    • The PCM detects a malfunction in the emissions system.
    • The PCM performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
    • The ignition is on, with the engine off.

Theft System Indicator

The IPC illuminates the SECURITY indicator as determined by the vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) system. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination. The VTD system requests the IPC to illuminate the indicator only when the ignition switch is ON. The VTD system uses the indicator as a malfunction indicator.

Tow / Haul Indicator

The IPC illuminates the TOW / HAUL indicator when the body control module (BCM) detects that the tow/haul switch has been pressed. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination.

Vehicle Overspeed Indicator

The IPC illuminates the OVERSPEED indicator when the IPC detects that the vehicle speed is above 120 km/h (75 mph). When the IPC detects that the vehicle speed has dropped below 120 km/h (75 mph), it will turn off the indicator.