Driver info center has gone nuts !!!

[timespy]

I own a 2002 STS which I love, and is a pleasure to drive. I am however having issues with the driver informatin center giving me all kinds of crazy info. At times (not always) when i shut the car down, the service stability system message will appear, along with traction contol, air bag. When this happens it somehow disables my door remote, and i cannot set the alarm. The doors will lock, but the horn doesnt sound. What I have had to do to correct this, is to turn the lights to the off position, the back to center where I usually keep it. Unfortunatly like many caddilacs, the fuel gauge isnt accurate despite using the stuff gm recommends putting in the tank. I rely on the fuel used display to tell me what ive used. Turning the lights to the off position, then back again however resets the DIC, so unless i remember how much fuel ive used, im back to not knowing.

Does anyone know how to correct this problem with the dic acting goofy like this? I am not sure how or why the system is affected by the headlite switch. Any help is greatly appreciated, this is really becoming an issue for me.

[BodybyFisher]

Your Cadillac has an on-diagnostic system. It runs a miriad of tests and any tests that fail set a DTC code in your PCM.

Go to this link, follow the directions for your year, retrieve the codes and post them here, it sounds like you have a NETWORK problem, also have your battery load tested and check to ensure that your battery connections are clean and tight

http://www.caddyinfo.com/readingcodes.html

[timespy]

Your Cadillac has an on-diagnostic system. It runs a miriad of tests and any tests that fail set a DTC code in your PCM.

Go to this link, follow the directions for your year, retrieve the codes and post them here, it sounds like you have a NETWORK problem, also have your battery load tested and check to ensure that your battery connections are clean and tight

http://www.caddyinfo.com/readingcodes.html

Thanks, ill do that once I get home. I just replaced the battery, and the terminals are all good and tight. Someone had mentioned that it could be a comm problem, but I have no way of testing it. I will pull the codes later. Is the DIC in some way tied to the headlite switch? It seems odd that when I shut the lites off it resets itself. Possibly a problem with the sensor on the dash?

[BodybyFisher]

If you have a network communication problem we will see it in DTC codes. The codes should be informative in a problem like this. I am not sure why messing with the headlight switch would appear to reset your problem but lets see what the problem is first. I dont think the action you are getting from the light switch is evidence of anything specific.

It also seems that you might be getting multiple codes

When did this problem begin?

Are you 100% sure the positive cable is clean, there are two cables there that have a lead lug (Pb) between them, if there is corrosion, the connection will be intermittant. Its important to clean it every six months or as you see needed. Always disconnect the negative cable first as its dangerous to work on the positive cable with the negative connected. My friend fried his finger when his gold ring contacted grounding the positive, very dangerous current. These cars are dependent on strong uninterrpted power or it will set codes randomly. I am not saying this is your problem, I just want to eliminate it totally

Lets see the codes, after retrieving the codes, you might disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes, I am not sure when the problem began but sometimes 'rebooting' the system clears up DIC weirdness

[timespy]

If you have a network communication problem we will see it in DTC codes. The codes should be informative in a problem like this. I am not sure why messing with the headlight switch would appear to reset your problem but lets see what the problem is first. I dont think the action you are getting from the light switch is evidence of anything specific.

It also seems that you might be getting multiple codes

When did this problem begin?

Are you 100% sure the positive cable is clean, there are two cables there that have a lead lug (Pb) between them, if there is corrosion, the connection will be intermittant. Its important to clean it every six months or as you see needed. Always disconnect the negative cable first as its dangerous to work on the positive cable with the negative connected. My friend fried his finger when his gold ring contacted grounding the positive, very dangerous current. These cars are dependent on strong uninterrpted power or it will set codes randomly. I am not saying this is your problem, I just want to eliminate it totally

Lets see the codes, after retrieving the codes, you might disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes, I am not sure when the problem began but sometimes 'rebooting' the system clears up DIC weirdness

The problem started about 6 months ago, and everytime i do the liteswitch thing, it resets. It used to clear up when I would cover the solar sensor on the dash, but that fix isnt working anymore.

[BodybyFisher]

Explain what you mean by "clear up"?, what cleared up

Have you attempted any 'custom' settings in the DIC?

Is this a US model vehicle?

[timespy]

Explain what you mean by "clear up"?, what cleared up

Have you attempted any 'custom' settings in the DIC?

Is this a US model vehicle?

What I mean by "clear up" is that the dic would reset without clearing the fuel used value.

I have not done anything to the car other than turn the key to start it. No custom settings of any kind that im aware of, and yes it is a us car.

[BodybyFisher]

Explain what you mean by "clear up"?, what cleared up

Have you attempted any 'custom' settings in the DIC?

Is this a US model vehicle?

What I mean by "clear up" is that the dic would reset without clearing the fuel used value.

I have not done anything to the car other than turn the key to start it. No custom settings of any kind that im aware of, and yes it is a us car.

You have me a little confusing here. You said this:

Unfortunatly like many caddilacs, the fuel gauge isnt accurate despite using the stuff gm recommends putting in the tank. I rely on the fuel used display to tell me what ive used. Turning the lights to the off position, then back again however resets the DIC, so unless i remember how much fuel ive used, im back to not knowing

Just above you said this:

What I mean by "clear up" is that the dic would reset without clearing the fuel used value

But you said this

Turning the lights to the off position, then back again however resets the DIC, so unless i remember how much fuel ive used, im back to not knowing.

We can only help you when you are very clear and communicate the problem in detail, so that we know what is going on and so that we can see any common issues.

Do me a favor, you say DIC explain what you see and when you see it on it. Why cant you see fuel used? Are other messages up that stop you from seeing what you want to see?

Have you tried pushing the INFO/RESET button on your dash, if you do, you may be able to cancel the trouble messages, see this description

INFO (Information) RESET: Pressing this button will

reset the MPG AVG, GAL FUEL USED, AVG MPH,

TIMER, ENGINE OIL LIFE and TRANS FLUID LIFE.

For more information about the trip odometer, see

“Odometer” in the Index

[BodybyFisher]

I was correct, here is more info on your INFO/RESET button out of your drivers manual from the glove compartment

Driver Information Center (DIC) Messages

These messages will appear if there is a problem sensed in

one of your vehicle’s systems. Vehicles that are first sold

in Canada will have a number after each message. This

number helps to identify the problem. You must then press

INFO or INFO RESET to clear the display screen for

further use. However, be sure to take any message that

appears on the display screen seriously and remember that

pressing the INFO or INFO RESET button will only make

the message disappear, not the problem.

[timespy]

I was correct, here is more info on your INFO/RESET button out of your drivers manual from the glove compartment

Driver Information Center (DIC) Messages

These messages will appear if there is a problem sensed in

one of your vehicle’s systems. Vehicles that are first sold

in Canada will have a number after each message. This

number helps to identify the problem. You must then press

INFO or INFO RESET to clear the display screen for

further use. However, be sure to take any message that

appears on the display screen seriously and remember that

pressing the INFO or INFO RESET button will only make

the message disappear, not the problem.

What I said was that the current way I reset the dic is by turning the lites to the off position then back to the center. This also however resets the fuel used value that I rely on to let me know I have fuel in my car. The gas gauge is funky on cadillacs, as I am sure others have noticed. The way I "used" to reset the dic was by covering the solar sensor on the dashboard. The latter method did not clear the fuel used value. That only zeros out when the problem occurs, and I turn the lites to off, then back on. Covering the solar sensor no longer produces any result.

What I see when the dic is going goofy is this....traction active, service stability system, service air bag. This only happens some of the time, and only after I shut the car down. Also when this occurs, the alarm cant be set until I clear the problem by turning the lites to the off position, and then back to center. I have not noticed any set pattern as to what might be causing this to happen. It can be day, nite, rain, snow, or bright sunshine.

[BodybyFisher]

PS, the gas gage is not funky on just Cadillacs, it spreads wider than that, it has to do with high sulfur gas. Try changing the fuel you are using. What did you put into the gas tank to fix the gage? Are you sure its related to the gas or could you have a gas gage problem? My 02 Chevy has a non working gas gage, its not related to sulfur.

Here is the bulletin:

Repeat Inaccurate or Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation on 96-05 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks - Runs Out of Gas - contaminated contamination control crank engine empty fill gas inoperative IPC low #PIP3074 - (Jul 21, 2004)

Repeat Inaccurate or Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation on 96-05 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks - Runs Out of Gas .

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom described in the PI.

Condition/Concern:

Some vehicles may run out of fuel while the fuel gauge still indicates that there is fuel in the tank. Due to different reactive sulfur levels in gasoline, this may be noticed more in certain areas of the country than others.

Recommendation/Instructions:

This could be the result of reactive sulfur in the fuel, which can cause corrosive film build up on the fuel level sensor contacts. This film may change the resistance of the fuel level sensor and affect the fuel gauge operation.

If the fuel level sensor has been replaced for this condition, came back after a period of time with the same condition and the published diagnostics leads to fuel level sensor replacement again, the following may prevent a repeat occurrence:

Properly dispose of all fuel in the tank. Clean the inside of the fuel tank. (See the SI "fuel system cleaning" procedure.) Replace the fuel level sensor. Refill the fuel tank with fuel from a high quality, high volume filling station. Advise the customer to only use fuel from a high quality, high volume filling station.

Note: If the vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine, refer to bulletin 04-06-04-057 for installing a bottle of GM Fuel Injector Cleaner, part number 12345104, to the fuel system. In addition to cleaning fuel injectors, this may prevent future gas gauge concerns that are due to related to corrosive film build up on the fuel level sensor contacts.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance.

Models:

(96 - 05 All Passenger Cars) and (96 - 05 All Light Duty Trucks)

[BodybyFisher]

It is ODD that you see these messages when the key is turned OFF..... Is that what you are saying whne you say this?

only after I shut the car down

Explain only after I shut the car down

Also, try hitting INFO/RESET tonight and see if that gets the information you are looking for

[timespy]

PS, the gas gage is not funky on just Cadillacs, it spreads wider than that, it has to do with high sulfur gas. Try changing the fuel you are using. What did you put into the gas tank to fix the gage? Are you sure its related to the gas or could you have a gas gage problem? My 02 Chevy has a non working gas gage, its not related to sulfur.

Here is the bulletin:

Repeat Inaccurate or Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation on 96-05 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks - Runs Out of Gas - contaminated contamination control crank engine empty fill gas inoperative IPC low #PIP3074 - (Jul 21, 2004)

Repeat Inaccurate or Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation on 96-05 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks - Runs Out of Gas .

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom described in the PI.

Condition/Concern:

Some vehicles may run out of fuel while the fuel gauge still indicates that there is fuel in the tank. Due to different reactive sulfur levels in gasoline, this may be noticed more in certain areas of the country than others.

Recommendation/Instructions:

This could be the result of reactive sulfur in the fuel, which can cause corrosive film build up on the fuel level sensor contacts. This film may change the resistance of the fuel level sensor and affect the fuel gauge operation.

If the fuel level sensor has been replaced for this condition, came back after a period of time with the same condition and the published diagnostics leads to fuel level sensor replacement again, the following may prevent a repeat occurrence:

1. Properly dispose of all fuel in the tank. Clean the inside of the fuel tank. (See the SI "fuel system cleaning" procedure.) Replace the fuel level sensor. Refill the fuel tank with fuel from a high quality, high volume filling station. Advise the customer to only use fuel from a high quality, high volume filling station.

Note: If the vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine, refer to bulletin 04-06-04-057 for installing a bottle of GM Fuel Injector Cleaner, part number 12345104, to the fuel system. In addition to cleaning fuel injectors, this may prevent future gas gauge concerns that are due to related to corrosive film build up on the fuel level sensor contacts.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance.

Models:

(96 - 05 All Passenger Cars) and (96 - 05 All Light Duty Trucks)

I am sure this problem with the gas gauges isnt just with cadillacs. I have used the GM Fuel Injector Cleaner

as prescibed, and it helps for about a month. It is far too costly to take the car in and have the sending unit replaced, so I simply use the fuel used value on the DIC, and it is very accurate. With the DIC going crazy, and forcing me to reset it, I also lose the fuel used value. I am just trying to figure out what is causing the DIC to display false info. I have had the car looked over, and they tell me there is nothing wrong with any of the systems I am getting messages on. None of this affects the driveability of the car, it is more of a..... its broke, and I want it fixed kinda thing. Id also like to knowim not going to run out of gas on the highway.

[BodybyFisher]

It is important to know how the DIC works, please read the Drivers Information section in your owners manual.

For some reason, I get the feeling that the info might be there, but once the DIC is cleared you don't know how to get to it

When you turn your key on, it will report PROBLEMS, you need to CLEAR them to get other info. Are you sure you are toggling through the INFO button, and then at that point you see ZERO fuel used? Please try to explain

[BodybyFisher]

If the FUEL USED is ZEROing out, Ill look through the manual and see what could cause it

You might be able to get a mechanic to replace the fuel level sensor its not an expensiive part if its not working correct.

Try a bottle of Techron at each oil change into a full tank of gas and see what happens, it fixed mine, but you need to keep it up every oil change in a full tank and then change fuel stations. What kind of gas do you use?

[timespy]

Yes it is after the car is shut down, and the key has been removed from the ignition.

Resetting the dic with the reset button does nothing. It only resets when the key is in the ignition, and only after the orginal fault has first been cleared. For instance...I go to the store, burn a gallon of gas. I pull into the garage, and boom..crazy dic. I turn the lites to off, then back to center. Everything is reset. Now I go to the store, and burn a gallon of gas, pull into the garage..no problem. At this point I can use the reset button to reset the data stored in the DIC.

[timespy]

Yes it is after the car is shut down, and the key has been removed from the ignition.

Resetting the dic with the reset button does nothing. It only resets when the key is in the ignition, and only after the orginal fault has first been cleared. For instance...I go to the store, burn a gallon of gas. I pull into the garage, and boom..crazy dic. I turn the lites to off, then back to center. Everything is reset. Now I go to the store, and burn a gallon of gas, pull into the garage..no problem. At this point I can use the reset button to reset the data stored in the DIC.

[timespy]

If the FUEL USED is ZEROing out, Ill look through the manual and see what could cause it

You might be able to get a mechanic to replace the fuel level sensor its not an expensiive part if its not working correct.

Try a bottle of Techron at each oil change into a full tank of gas and see what happens, it fixed mine, but you need to keep it up every oil change in a full tank and then change fuel stations. What kind of gas do you use?

i burn nothing but premium in the car 93+ octane. I have been using the gm cleaner at every oil change. I have learned to live with the fuel sensor being erratic, but the dic going nuts is a bit hard to take. Thats ther eal issue I ma concerned with at this point.

[timespy]

If the FUEL USED is ZEROing out, Ill look through the manual and see what could cause it

You might be able to get a mechanic to replace the fuel level sensor its not an expensiive part if its not working correct.

Try a bottle of Techron at each oil change into a full tank of gas and see what happens, it fixed mine, but you need to keep it up every oil change in a full tank and then change fuel stations. What kind of gas do you use?

i burn nothing but premium in the car 93+ octane. I have been using the gm cleaner at every oil change. I have learned to live with the fuel sensor being erratic, but the dic going nuts is a bit hard to take. Thats ther eal issue I ma concerned with at this point.

Well I pulled all the codes, and there were wayyyy too many to write down. I saw everything from the doors to the dash cluster. I felt I would be better off clearing all he codes, and driving the car for a few days. This should allow only the things that are currently going on to throw a code.

Thanks for all the advice, I will let you know if I find anything out. I am sure whatever the problem is, it will resurface pretty soon.

[BodybyFisher]

That was a poor decision, the history codes are equally important, oh well

Lets see what resurfaces

[timespy]

So far after i reset the codes, the DIC hasnt given me a problem. Not sure if that was a fix or not, but being as the initial problem was random, it is likely it will show up again sometime down the line. now if I can only get the wiper fuses to stop blowing I will be in good shape.

[BodybyFisher]

My first two posts recommended making sure the cables were clean and tight. Just looking at the battery connections does not satisfy removing the cables and inspecting them, I even described how the positive cable sandwidged two wires together

Please answer this question >>>>> Did you remove the battery cables, clean the positive cable and make sure that the bolt does not bottom out before they are tight?

I also suggested LOAD testing the battery? Did you do that? Please answer these questions

[timespy]

My first two posts recommended making sure the cables were clean and tight. Just looking at the battery connections does not satisfy removing the cables and inspecting them, I even described how the positive cable sandwidged two wires together

Please answer this question >>>>> Did you remove the battery cables, clean the positive cable and make sure that the bolt does not bottom out before they are tight?

I also suggested LOAD testing the battery? Did you do that? Please answer these questions

Yes, I personally removed, inspected and cleaned the cables several weeks ago. The battery was load tested when I had the car in the shop, and they drained it down.

[BodybyFisher]

Just keep in mind that any intermittant power, either from the battery connections, relays, grounds, fuses or an internal short in the battery will cause intermittant problems