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 Vehicle DTC Information, in order to verify the following conditions:
  2. • There are not any DTCs set.
    • The control modules can communicate via the serial data link.
  3. Review the system operation in order to understand the system functions. Refer to the following description and operations:
  4. •  Instrument Cluster Description and Operation
    •  Indicator/Warning Message 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 or the audible warnings system. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.
    • 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 in Wiring Systems.

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

Indicators

    •  ABS Indicator Always On in Antilock Brake System
    •  ABS Indicator Inoperative in Antilock Brake System
    •  Air Bag Indicator Circuit Malfunction in SIR
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Always On in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Brake Warning Indicator Inoperative in Hydraulic Brakes
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Always On
    •  Change Engine Oil Indicator Inoperative
    •  Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction in Seat Belts
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Always On
    •  Low Fuel Indicator Inoperative
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls - 4.3L
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On in Engine Controls - 4.3L
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L
    •  Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction in Seat Belts
    •  Security Indicator Always On or Flashing in Theft Deterrent
    •  Security Indicator Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    •  Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E
    •  Tow/Haul Switch/Indicator Always On or Inoperative in Automatic Transmission - 4L80-E
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Always On or Flashing in Lighting Systems
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative in Lighting Systems

Audible Warnings

    •  Chime Always On
    •  Chime Inoperative