Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Inspection and Verification




Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.

2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart





3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

4. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).

5. NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove-out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.

If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:

- Check the VCM connection to the vehicle.

- Check the scan tool connection to the VCM.

- Refer to Module Communications Network Testing and Inspection, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.

6. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- Verify the ignition key is in the ON position.

- Verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.

- Refer to Module Communications Network Testing and Inspection to diagnose no response from the PCM.

7. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Module Communications Network Testing and Inspection.

- If the network test passes, retrieve and record the continuous memory DTCs.

8. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the IPC, SJB, PCM, ABS module and Restraints Control Module (RCM).

9. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to DTC Charts . For all other DTCs, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart in Multifunction Electronic Modules Testing and Inspection.

10. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart - Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), GO to Symptom Chart - Information And Message Center, or GO to Symptom Chart - Warning Chimes. Symptom Chart - Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Symptom Chart - Information and Message Center Symptom Chart - Warning Chimes

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Dealer Test Mode

To enter the IPC self-diagnostic mode, begin with the ignition key in the OFF position. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET button. Turn the key to the RUN position and hold the SELECT/RESET button until the display indicates ENGINEERING TEST MODE, usually within 3 to 5 seconds. Press the SELECT/RESET button once to advance through each stage of the self-test. To exit the IPC self-test mode, turn the ignition to the OFF position.

NOTE: Some of the displays listed in the table below use xxx's to represent a numeric or alpha-numeric value. The value may display the same amount of characters represented by the xxx's or there may be more/less depending on the type of display. For example: VEHICLE SPEED xxxx.x MPH may display VEHICLE SPEED 25 MPH. Note that there were 4 x's in the display description but only 2 digits in the actual display.