GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables.

  1. Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster or Diagnostic System Check - Audible Warnings before using the Symptom Tables in order to verify that all of the following are true:
  2. • There are no DTCs set.
    • The control modules can communicate via the serial data link and the serial peripheral interface (SPI).
  3. Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the following:
  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 could affect the operation of the instrument panel cluster or audible warnings system. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.
    • Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could 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

    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Odometer Trip/Reset Switch Inoperative
    •  Speedometer and/or Odometer Inaccurate or Inoperative
    •  Tachometer Inaccurate or 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
    •  Charge Indicator Always On in Engine Electrical
    •  Charge Indicator Inoperative in Engine Electrical
    •  Cruise Control Indicator Always On in Cruise Control
    •  Cruise Control Indicator Inoperative in Cruise Control
    •  Door Ajar Indicator Malfunction in Doors
    •  Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  Engine Oil Pressure Indicator Always On
    •  High Beam Indicator Inoperative in Lighting Systems
    •  Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On in Engine Cooling
    •  Low Engine Oil Level Indicator Always On
    •  Low Fuel Indicator Inoperative
    •  Low Washer Fluid Indicator Malfunction in Wipers/Washer Systems
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Always On in Engine Controls
    •  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative in Engine Controls
    •  Seat Belt Indicator Circuit Malfunction in Seat Belts
    •  Security Indicator Always On or Flashing in Theft Deterrent
    •  Security Indicator Inoperative in Theft Deterrent
    •  Turn Signal Lamps and/or Indicators Inoperative in Lighting Systems

Audible Warnings

    •  Chime Always On
    •  Chime Inoperative