Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Scan Tool Data Definitions
- ABS Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the ABS indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Brake Fluid Level Switch
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the brake fluid level switch. A closed switch is displayed as Off with low brake fluid level.
- Brake Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the BRAKE indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Cluster Manufacture Date
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The scan tool displays a date that indicates the date of cluster manufacture.
- Display Units
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The scan tool displays Metric or English.
- Driver Door Ajar Switch
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the driver door ajar switch. A closed switch is displayed as Off with the door closed.
- DRL Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the DRL indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- ECT Sensor
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The scan tool displays -40-151°C (-40-304°F). The PCM monitors the voltage at the signal circuit of the engine coolant temperature sensor. The voltage is inversely proportional to the engine coolant temperature.
- Engine Oil Life Remaining
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The scan tool displays 0-100%. The PCM calculates the remaining engine oil life.
- Engine Oil Pressure Switch
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The scan tool displays OK or Low. The PCM monitors the signal circuit of the engine oil pressure switch. A closed switch is displayed as Low with low engine oil pressure.
- Engine Speed
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The scan tool displays 0-9999 RPM. Engine speed is computed by the PCM from the 3X reference input. It should remain close to desired idle under various engine loads with the engine idling.
- Fuel Level Sensor
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The scan tool displays 0-100%. The PCM calculates the amount of fuel remaining in the tank based on the input from the fuel level sensor.
- High Beam Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the high beam indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- High Coolant Temp Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the CHECK GAGES indicator as commanded by the IPC. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM indicating the coolant temperature.
- Ignition 1
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM displays On if it senses voltage at the ignition 1 input.
- Ignition 1
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The IPC displays On if it senses voltage at the ignition 1 input.
- Ignition 1
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The scan tool displays 0-16 V. The IPC displays the voltage present at the ignition 1 voltage circuit.
- Key In Ignition
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the key in ignition switch. A closed switch is displayed as On with the key in the ignition.
- Last 4 Dig of GM Part No.
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The scan tool displays the last 4 digits of the GM part number of the IPC.
- Low Coolant Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the low coolant indicator as commanded by the IPC. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM indicating the coolant level.
- Low Coolant Level
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the low coolant level switch. A closed switch is displayed as On with low coolant level.
- Low Fuel Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the CHECK GAGES indicator as commanded by the IPC. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating fuel level percent.
- Low Traction Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the LOW TRAC indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- MIL Command
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the MIL indicator as commanded by the PCM.
- Module Type
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The scan tool displays Base or Gauge. The module type of the instrument cluster.
- Oil Pressure Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the low oil pressure indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Park Brake Switch
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the park brake switch. A closed switch is displayed as On.
- Park Lamp Input
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the park lamp switch.
- Passenger Door Ajar Sw
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the passenger door ajar switch. A closed switch is displayed as Off with the door closed.
- PROM ID
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The scan tool displays a 4 digit number that identifies the PROM of the module.
- Seat Belt Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the fasten seat belt indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Security Lamp Status
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The scan tool displays On, Off or Flashing. The state of the SECURITY indicator as commanded by the BCM.
- Service Veh Soon Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the service vehicle soon indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- SIR Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the air bag indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Software Release Level
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The scan tool displays a varying numeric value that identifies the release level of the IPC software.
- Traction Off Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the TRAC OFF indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Traction Switch
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the traction control switch.
- Trip Reset Switch
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The scan tool displays Active or Inactive. The IPC monitors the signal circuit of the trip reset switch. A closed switch is displayed as Active with the switch pressed.
- Trunk Ajar Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the trunk ajar switch.
- Upshift Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the shift indicator as commanded by the IPC.
- Vehicle Destination
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The scan tool displays Domestic, Japan, Korea, Middle East or Mexico.
- Vehicle Model
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The scan tool displays Pontiac or Chevrolet.
- Vehicle Speed Sensor
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The scan tool displays 0-255 km/h (0-155 mph). The PCM monitors the signal circuit of the vehicle speed sensor.
- Volt Lamp
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The scan tool displays On or Off. The state of the charging system indicator as commanded by the IPC.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.