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For 1990-2009 cars only

ABS Serial Data (Class 2) Communication Error

When an error occurs in the serial data (class 2) communication between the instrument cluster and the antilock brake system (ABS), the ANTI-LOCK indicator is turned on.

BCM Serial Data (Class 2) Communication Error

When an error occurs in the serial data (class 2) communication between the instrument cluster and the body control module (BCM), the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator is turned on.

PCM Serial Data (Class 2) Communication Error

When an error occurs in the serial data (class 2) communication between the instrument cluster and the powertrain control module (PCM), the following actions occur:

    • The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator is turned on.
    • The low fuel indicator is turned off.
    • The PRNDL indicators are turned off.
    • The fuel gage is driven to read empty.
    • The coolant temp gage is driven to read cold.
    • The tachometer gage is driven to read zero.

ABS Warning Indicator

The antilock warning indicator is controlled by the electronic brake control module (EBCM) over the Class 2 serial data link. The EBTCM will turn the indicator on for approximately 3 seconds during engine start-up for a bulb check. The EBCM will flash the ABS warning indicator in order to warn the driver that an ABS malfunction exists which may have degraded base brake performance. A solid (not flashing) ABS warning indicator warns the driver that a problem has been detected that affects the operation of ABS (ABS may be disabled), but normal brake performance will remain. Refer to ABS Description in Antilock Brake System for more information.

AIR BAG Warning Indicator

The AIR BAG warning indicator is controlled by the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) over the class 2 serial data link. Refer to SIR System Operation in SIR for more information.

Automatic Transaxle Control Position Indicator

Transaxle gear position is read from the transaxle range switch by the PCM, and sent to the instrument cluster through the class 2 serial data link. The instrument cluster then displays the gear position.

BRAKE Warning Indicator

Battery voltage is applied to the BRAKE warning Indicator when the ignition switch is in the on position or the start position. Three switches are used for the ground path to light the BRAKE warning indicator. When any of the switches closes, ground is provided, and the indicator lights.

The park brake switch provides a ground signal to the daytime running lamp (DRL) control module when the park brake is applied. This signal is then sent from the DRL control module to the body control module (BCM). When the BCM senses that the park brake is applied, the BCM will convey this information along the class 2 serial data link to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster will then light the BRAKE warning Indicator for the time in which the park brake is applied.

The brake fluid level indicator switch closes to light the BRAKE warning indicator with a low brake fluid condition in one of the two hydraulic brake fluid reservoirs. This may be caused by a leak in one of the brake lines. The sensor can be reset to OPEN by refilling the reservoir. Do this only after the hydraulic brake system fault is diagnosed and repaired.

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) is controlled over the class 2 serial data link. The EBCM turns on the BRAKE warning indicator and sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) when an antilock brake system (ABS) failure occurs that affects base brake operation. During initial start-up, the EBCM will perform a bulb test on the BRAKE warning indicator. Refer to ABS Description in Antilock Brake System for more information.

CHANGE OIL Indicator

The powertrain control module (PCM) will determine the amount of oil life from various sensors and inputs within the engine control system. Oil life is calculated by the PCM and sent to the instrument cluster through the class 2 serial data link. When the PCM has determined that an oil life of 0 percent is present, the PCM will inform the driver by turning on the CHANGE OIL indicator. After an oil change, reset the CHANGE OIL indicator by completing the following steps:

    • Turn the ignition switch on (engine off).
    • Fully press and release the accelerator pedal 3 times within 5 seconds.
    • The CHANGE OIL SOON indicator will flash 2 times indicating the CHANGE OIL indicator has been reset.

If the light comes on and stays on for 5 seconds, the system did not reset. The system will need to be reset again.

CHARGE Warning Indicator

Charging system data is received from the PCM through the class 2 serial data link. The instrument cluster will illuminate the CHARGE warning indicator for approximately 3 seconds during engine start up in order to perform a bulb test. When the PCM has determined that an under voltage (11.2 V) or over voltage (16.5 V) condition exists, the PCM will also turn on the CHARGE warning indicator. For more information, refer to Charging System Description in Engine Electrical.

Coolant Temp Warning Indicator

Coolant temperature data is calculated within the PCM. The coolant temp warning indicator is controlled through the class 2 serial data line by the PCM. The instrument cluster will illuminate the coolant temp warning indicator when the PCM has determined that the engine coolant temperature has reached a value of approximately 124°C (255°F). Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description in Engine Controls -- 3.5L for more information.

CRUISE Indicator

The PCM sends a signal through the serial data link (class 2) whenever the cruise control is activated. Refer to Cruise Control System Description in Cruise Control for more information.

Dimming Control

When turning the headlamp switch to PARK or HEAD, the display steps dim to maximum brightness in the dim mode. Further dimming is controlled by the PWM dimming signal of the IP lamp dimmer switch. The display goes blank when turning the IP lamp dimmer switch to the lowest position.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

Coolant temperature data is sent from the PCM through the class 2 serial data link to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster will then compare the temperature data with a 16-point look-up table in order to determine needle deflection. A smooth filter is used in order to secure a continuous response. The instrument cluster will drive the temperature gauge to cold if the temperature data is lost or if the PCM is in a state of health fault.

Fuel Gauge

Fuel level data is sent from the PCM through the class 2 serial data link to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster will then compare the fuel level data with a 16-point look-up table in order to determine needle deflection. A smooth filter is used in order to secure a continuous response. The instrument cluster will determine if a low fuel condition is present. In the event of a low fuel condition, the instrument cluster turns on the LOW FUEL indicator. In the event the fuel level data is lost, or the PCM is in a state of health fault, the instrument cluster will drive the fuel gauge to empty.

High Beam Indicator

The high beam indicator is turned on when a ground signal is sent to the instrument cluster through circuit 1200. This signal is generated by the headlamp switch when the headlamp switch is either in the HIGH BEAM or the FTP (Flash To Pass) position. Refer to Lighting System Description in Lighting Systems for more information.

Low Coolant Indicator

The low coolant indicator receives battery voltage when the ignition switch in the on position or the start position. The instrument cluster will turn on the indicator for 1 second during engine start-up in order to perform a bulb test. The indicator is nornally grounded by the engine coolant level indicator switch. When the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is below minimum recommended level the engine coolant level indicator switch will go open.

Low Fuel Indicator

The low fuel indicator turns on when the fuel level signal to the fuel gage drops below approximately 1/8 tank.

LOW OIL Indicator

The LOW OIL indicator is controlled through the class 2 serial data link by the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM will sample the oil level once per ignition cycle at power-up only. In order to test for low oil level at start-up, one of the following conditions must be present:

  1. If the engine coolant temperature was between 15°C (59°F) and 90°C (194°F) at the last key off, the engine coolant temperature at key on must be at least 12°C (22°F) cooler than the engine coolant temperature at the last key off.
  2. If the engine coolant temperature was higher than 90°C (194°F) at the last key off, the time between the last key off and present key on must be sufficient to allow the oil to drain back to the sump. If the key is turned on while the PCM is still powered up, the oil level will not be tested.

The LOW OIL indicator will illuminate when the PCM has determined that a low oil level condition exists, or during a brief period of time when the ignition switch is first turned to the on position for a bulb test.

Low Oil Pressure Warning Indicator

Oil pressure data is received from the PCM through the class 2 serial data link. The instrument cluster turns on the low oil pressure warning indicator during a bulb test and when the PCM has determined that the oil pressure does not meet the specified value for the engine. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description in Engine Controls - 3.5L for more information.

LOW TRAC Indicator

Low traction data is received from the antilock brake system (ABS) through the class 2 serial data link. The LOW TRAC indicator is used in order to alert the driver when the ABS is active. Anytime the electronic brake control module (EBCM) determines that the vehicle has entered a braking event where ABS is required, the LOW TRAC indicator will turn on in order to indicate that the ABS is active. Refer to ABS Description in Antilock Brake System for more information.

LOW WASHER FLUID Indicator

The LOW WASHER FLUID turns on when the windshield washer solvent level switch detects a low fluid level. The windshield washer solvent switch sends a ground signal through circuit 99 to the instrument cluster when a low fluid level is sensed.

Season/Trip Odometer Switch

The season/trip odometer switch is located on the trip odometer reset switch. The season/trip odometer switch toggles the odometer display between the season and trip mileage readings.

Seat Belt Indicator

The seat belt indicator operation is controlled by the body control module (BCM) through the class 2 serial data link. When the BCM detects that the ignition switch is in the on position, but the driver seat belt has not been fastened, the BCM sends a signal to the instrument cluster to turn on the seat belt warning indicator. The instrument cluster turns on steady the seat belt indicator during the first 20 seconds, then flashes the seat belt indicator for an additional 50 seconds. Refer to Body Control System Operation in Body Control System for more information.

SECURITY Indicator

The SECURITY indicator operation is controlled by the body control module (BCM) through the class 2 serial data link. The SECURITY indicator may be turned on continuously or flashing depending on the status of the theft deterrent system. Refer to Theft Deterrent System Description in Theft Deterrent System for more information.

SERVICE ENGINE SOON Warning Indicator

The SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning indicator is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM) through circuit 419. The PCM turns on the indicator for approximately 3 seconds during engine start-up in order to perform a bulb test. The PCM will illuminate the SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning indicator in order to warn the driver that an engine control malfunction has been detected that may affect engine performance. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description in Engine Controls - 3.5L for more information.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Warning Indicator

The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON warning indicator can be controlled by the electronic brake control module (EBCM) or the powertrain control module (PCM) through the class 2 serial data link. The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON warning indicator will turn ON for approximately 3 seconds during engine start-up in order to perform a bulb test. The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON warning indicator will turn on in order to warn the driver that a malfunction exists within the ABS, the PCM, or the instrument cluster systems which may degrade overall vehicle performance. Refer to ABS Description in Antilock Brake System for more information on ABS. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description in Engine Controls - 3.5L for more information regarding the PCM.

Speedometer and Odometer

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is a gear-driven permanent magnet generator housed in the vehicle's transaxle. This sensor generates a sine wave output with a frequency proportional to vehicle speed. The powertrain control module (PCM) converts this signal to an output that is switched to ground at a frequency of 4000 pulses per mile. This signal (circuit 817) drives the speedometer and odometer, and is used by other vehicle systems.

The season odometer displays the total accumulated kilometers (miles) of the vehicle. This value is permanently stored in the electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) of the instrument cluster. If an odometer malfunction occurs, or if the instrument cluster must be replaced, an authorized Delco® service center must be contacted in order to program the proper vehicle specifics (including mileage) to the instrument cluster.

The trip odometer displays the accumulated kilometers/miles to the tenths of a kilometer/mile since the last reset. This value is stored in the keep alive memory (KAM) of the instrument cluster. The trip odometer may be reset by pressing the RESET button on the trip odometer reset switch. If the RESET button is not used in order to reset the trip odometer, the display will roll over automatically in the following manner:

    • The trip odometer will roll over at 999.9 miles when operated in English mode.
        The trip odometer will roll over at 999.9 Km when operated in metric mode.
    • When the trip odometer is displaying more than 621.4 miles (operating in English mode) and the English/metric button is pressed, the trip odometer will reset to zero and display Km values. If the English/metric button is pushed again the cluster will convert the displayed Km value into miles.

Tachometer

The tachometer displays engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Engine rpm data is received from the PCM through the class 2 serial data link. The instrument cluster will then compare the engine rpm data with a 16-point look-up table in order to determine needle deflection. A smooth filter is used in order to secure a continuous response. The instrument cluster will drive the tachometer gauge to 0 rpm if the engine rpm data is lost, or if the PCM is in a state of health fault.

TRAC OFF Indicator

Traction off data is received from antilock brake system (ABS) through the class 2 serial data link. This indicator can be on if the electronic brake control module (EBCM) either detects a condition that causes the traction control system to be inhibited, or if the traction control switch is turned off. Refer to ABS Description in Antilock Brake System for more information.

Trip Reset Switch

The trip reset switch is located on the trip odometer reset switch. When the trip reset switch is pressed for more than 1.5 seconds, the trip odometer resets to zero.

Turn Signal Indicators

The instrument cluster receives the signal for turning on the turn signal indicators through circuit 1414 (left turn) and circuit 1415 (right turn). When the ignition switch is in the on position, the hazard warning switch is in the normal position and the turn signal switch is in either the right or left position, the respective turn signal lamp and the instrument cluster indicator will start flashing. If the hazard warning switch is in the HAZARD position, both turn signal lamps and both indicators will start flashing.