Ok so I just bought a 97 with an electrical issue. When you start it up the DIC reads low tire pressure RR and the DIC buttons are unresponsive. If you drive the car a little a new message appears: low brake fluid (the fluid is full) and altrenates with the low tire pressure message. Then a little later the traction control and abs service lights and messages come up now all 4 messages alternating still with DIC buttons unresponsive.

Now when I bought the car the guy said that the dealer said all he needed was a new dic button module but the dealer couldn't get one because GM no longer makes the part (not sure if I believe this whole story)... anyway so this weekend I finally got around to trying to replace the thing and am having a terrible time getting the cluster out I followed vette essentials to the T but the thing just won't come out it is loose but it won't come... (not my main problem but if you know what's up give a shout)

So I still have not replaced the part but I thought why not unplug and plug the new part in well I did so and nothing happened well I mean it didn't fix the problem... the dic just got a little more creative and is now in addition to the above messages is coming up with some new ones and on start up is telling you the front tire pressure...

It's obvious that there is a problem here... do I just need a whole new gauge cluster? Should I somehow get the existing cluster out and fully install the new part hoping it will work? Please Help!!!

 

You need to touch the reset button for each of the DIC messages as they appear until you gain access to the rest of the buttons. Now saying that, I'm hoping the reset button is functioning.
As for gaining access to the IP cluster, you need to lower the steering column. There are two nut under the column that hold it up. Once you gain access to those, loosen them, the steering column will sag down just over an inch which will allow you to remove the IP Cluster.

 

I wish the buttons were functioning! What to do if the buttons are not working?

 

Are you sure one of the buttons isn't stuck in? If you can't get them to work, of course you'll need to pull the IP Cluster out as you mentioned. Its not that hard to get out. Access as much under it as you can, remove those two nuts from under it that hold the column up. Tilt the steering wheel all the way down. Remove the cluster surround, then start removing it by tilting it towards you. If you have a HUD, there's a small ribbon cable at the top of the IP cluster to disconnect and the large connector on the left side of the cluster. The DIC buttons are connected via a small ribbon cable on the side, two screws holding the DIC controller onto the cluster.

 

Ah ok... all makes sense... I missed the two nuts that hold up the column... I'm wondering though if it is a grounding issue given that it is throwing a ton of messages... although would this make the buttons not work? Furthermore if the problem was the buttons plugging in the new set of buttons would have resulted in the dic clearing codes when I hit the reset button... oh well I guess I know what I'll be doing next weekend!

 

I agree with disconnecting the battery although it would be nice if you could get to those codes. Worse comes to worse, do as suggested and disconnect it anyway then see what codes come back and we can go from there.

 

======================================== ==========
Are you sure you are using it correctly? All those are codes are not uncommon on a C5. Sometimes you have to hold the reset button for several seconds before it will clear. None of those codes would indicate a problem with the dic.

 

Nah, he can't even get to the codes...all he's seeing are the posted DIC messages and can't use the reset to clear them.

 

Ok so I tried once again to solve this problem.

1. Tried a new DIC switch which did not make a difference.
2. Checked fuses 19 and 25 they are ok.
3. Rattled the door jam accordians did not make a difference.
4. Cleaned the chasis grounding connection did not make a difference.
5. Disconnecting the battery does not clear the codes.

Any ideas?

 

You'll need someone smarter than me. I would check the serial data interface star connectors in the passenger footwell area near the bcm. There are two of them with a bunch of wires coming into gray(I think) connectors and a bridge across it, therefore shorting them all together. Make sure that bridge is seated and etc. Another thing you can do is to start disconnecting items from those till things start working to isolate the problem. Bill Curlee or Lucky has that diagrams for those or use the search function as they've been posted many times. Once you identify the source of the issue, then you can proceed from there or take it to someone with a Tech2 scan tool.