I am new to this forum and am glad I found it. I have a 2006 HHR, who has decided that it doesn't want to allow access to the DIC. The outside temp and odometer are on and working, but can't access anything else. Checked all fuses, no luck, unhooked battery, hoping this would reset it, no luck. Even went to our local Chevy dealer repair, and they said they haven't heard about any problems, and they have no idea what to do.
Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

I'd check the wiring and connectors in the steering wheel and steering column. Sounds to me like there's a break in the wiring somewhere. Do other buttons on the steering wheel work?

TomK
Mpls, MN

 

have you checked wiring connections in the steering wheel ? not sure of the full schematic to look at there-- dont know if this a CAN input to the module or actual input going back from the switch directly

 

The cruise control works, we don't have onstar or radio controls on steering wheel. We have the 5 speed manuel. Can DIC be reset somehow, through maybe the ignition?

 

I find it pretty sad that the dealer can't tell us what is wrong. And of course our warranty is up. Why would the cruise control work, it uses the + and - buttons, too. Maybe it's just the actual menu button that's not working. Hate the thoughts of taking it apart, ughhhh.

 

When you went to the dealership did they generate a repair order and have a technician look at it or did you only speak to a service advisor? A tech can plug in a Tech II scanner and it will tell him if the commands are being read by the DIC.

The DIC display for mileage and temperature is the default mode. The remaining information that can be obtained comes from the BCM. If you have a DVOM here is how to test the DIC switch. If the problem is not wiring then you have three choices; A) DIC Switch B) Instrument Panel Cluster or if both these parts pass the tests then it would be C) BCM.

1) Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the DIC switch assembly.
2) Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit and ground.
⇒ If greater than 1 ohm, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3) Ignition ON, verify all of the scan tool DIC Switch parameters are Inactive.
⇒ If any are not Inactive, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC

4) Ignition ON, install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and ground. Verify all of the scan tool DIC Switch parameters are Active.
⇒ If any are not Active, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the IPC.

5) If all the circuits test normal, test or replace the DIC switch assembly.

 

Thanks everyone for your reply. Will check out all suggestions. Please keep them coming in. When I went to dealership it was the service advisor that I spoke with. Will go back and have them scan it.

 

Everyone needs to understand that most people on this forum have more automotive knowledge than most service advisors. Good idea to let a tech check it.