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 the cause is not visually evident, 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 Information Bus, 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 Information Bus 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 Information Bus.

- 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 IC, LCM, PCM and 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 Body Control Systems. Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart

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

Instrument Cluster (IC) Self-Diagnostic Mode

To enter the IC self-diagnostic mode with the ignition key in the OFF position, press and hold the message center switch SELECT and RESET buttons. Turn the key to the RUN position and hold until the display indicates ENGINEERING TEST MODE (usually within 3 to 5 seconds), then advances to the SWEEP ALL GAUGES function. Press the SELECT button once to advance through each stage of the self-test. To exit the IC self-test mode, turn the ignition to the OFF position.

IC Self-Diagnostic Mode