Someone asked the question about what is included in Engineering Mode but I can't find the thread to reply to, but I found the answer:

(Hold the enter button when turning the key on)

Software Version
GM Part Number (could either one of these be associated with GM being able to tell if a non-stock program is in the computer? by the part number or the version number?)
Battery Voltage
Battery Charge (%)
Remaining Fuel (gal)
Instant Fuel (gal/hr)
Coolant Temp
Speed
Tach
Tire Pressure
Engine Oil Life (%)
Parking Lights (on/off)
Switch Voltage (reads 4.86 ???)
Current Gear
Active Fuel Management
Throttle Position
Trans Sump Temp

And my favorite of them all :

Self Test ( go ahead and push the Enter button - I dare you )

Tom

What does "Self Test" do?

That's like the 3rd person to say try it but not explain... for all of us that don't have one yet, please.

That's like the 3rd person to say try it but not explain... for all of us that don't have one yet, please.
It turned my 6.0L into a Suzuki 3 cylinder! Dammit! :eek2:

It turned my 6.0L into a Suzuki 3 cylinder! Dammit! :eek2:

Meaning what exactly?:huh:

Just try it, you'll be enlightened!

Pretty cool!

I want a G8 even more so I can self test :P

I'll have to try it on a dealer car tomorrow.

I'll have to try it on a dealer car tomorrow.

Let us know what happens

:popcorn2:

All it does is test the gauges. You hear the chime sound, the DIC turns red, and the needles in the gauges all go to the halfway point. Pushing enter again stops it.

yeah, an it lights up all the warning lights on the daskboard :)

Makes it look like you just hit the JACKPOT !

:p

subscribing

hmm I guess a lot like the gto.

Is there anything you can normally get to that you can't when in Engineering mode?

Can anyone tell me how to get into engineering mode on a GTO?

Hold the computer info button on the dash when you turn the car on. (for GTO)

The engineering mode it pretty cool. I like being able to see when the car is using AFM. I wish it had the instant MPG like the GTO had. It has instant fuel use but it GPH which is useless.

I played with Engineering Mode today, for the first time. Pretty cool.
I set to monitor AFM and was surprised at how many times it deactivates around town. I noticed that it will deactivate 1/2 the cylinders at speeds as low as 25 mph.
I wanted to see when this was happening because I wanted to see if I could "feel" any difference.
Knowing when all are active vs not, I thought I would be able to feel something.
Nada, nothing. Totally transparent.
Pretty awesome feature, if you ask me.

mac

guess i'm going to have to play w/ this tomorrow!

When in that mode did anyone notice an icon with 1-4 on it? I'm curious if this icon was to light when in AFM.

I thought I would be able to feel something.
Nada, nothing.

mac

I can feel when it kicks in on the highway. Gives the car a slight vibration that can only be felt in the pedals (or rather, that area at least). There is a slight difference in the steering wheel too, but I'm super sensitive to such things. Paranoia is more like it.

I can feel when it kicks in on the highway. Gives the car a slight vibration that can only be felt in the pedals (or rather, that area at least). There is a slight difference in the steering wheel too, but I'm super sensitive to such things. Paranoia is more like it.

The only thing I noticed was that the oil pressure indicator dropped, by 1 bar, when in V4 mode.

I probably don't feel the vibration cause the stereo is thumping the bass! :wink2:

mac

When in that mode did anyone notice an icon with 1-4 on it? I'm curious if this icon was to light when in AFM.

I didn't see that. Where is that?

mac

I can feel when it kicks in on the highway. Gives the car a slight vibration that can only be felt in the pedals (or rather, that area at least). There is a slight difference in the steering wheel too, but I'm super sensitive to such things. Paranoia is more like it.

I got my car yesterday (I'm in love). Averaging 19.6 MPG right off the bat. When the AFM kicks in, it just feels like it shifted into a 7th gear IMO. Nothing that the average driver would even knotice.

I thought my White Diamond DTS turned heads, My GT is giving people wiplash!

I got my car yesterday (I'm in love). Averaging 19.6 MPG right off the bat. When the AFM kicks in, it just feels like it shifted into a 7th gear IMO. Nothing that the average driver would even knotice.

Thats exactly what it feels like. It feels like when I'm driving a stick and forget to downshift...

I thought my White Diamond DTS turned heads, My GT is giving people wiplash!

I get a LOT of attention when I get onto the highway and go WOT into the fast lane. Turns a LOT of heads. Even though the exhaust is quiet, its loud enough to let people know you are boogieing.

Thats exactly what it feels like. It feels like when I'm driving a stick and forget to downshift...



I get a LOT of attention when I get onto the highway and go WOT into the fast lane. Turns a LOT of heads. Even though the exhaust is quiet, its loud enough to let people know you are boogieing.

I'm amazed at how many people are craning their necks to get a look at mine. I actually see people slow down as they drive past my house. One of them actually stopped in and asked about the car! I was at the store yesterday, and came out and there was a Monte Carlo next to me (the Lumina based one) and the folks in the car were all looking and telling me how hot the car is!

mac

I'm amazed at how many people are craning their necks to get a look at mine. I actually see people slow down as they drive past my house. One of them actually stopped in and asked about the car! I was at the store yesterday, and came out and there was a Monte Carlo next to me (the Lumina based one) and the folks in the car were all looking and telling me how hot the car is!

mac

I'm getting more attention from the BMW and Mercedes crowd, then the domestic crowd. Although, the domestic crowd does check the car out a lot.

I went to an inspection station to get my inspection sticker (don't ask, the dealership is full of morons), and the inspector asked me what size engine the car had. I told him "6 liter". He comes back with "No, what size motor...". I said 6 liter again. He says "Pop the hood... oooooh wow... thats a big motor."

Then he was surprised that I was going to daily drive such an "expensive car". I told him the sticker and I thought he was going to pass out. I think I made yet another sale for GM. I've convinced 3 people thusfar to buy one.

What does "Self Test" do?

See that's the problem with a "self test", because it grades it's own papers... You should be able to quiz the computer.

"Open the pod bay door, HAL..."

:eek:

I'm getting more attention from the BMW and Mercedes crowd, then the domestic crowd. Although, the domestic crowd does check the car out a lot.

I went to an inspection station to get my inspection sticker (don't ask, the dealership is full of morons), and the inspector asked me what size engine the car had. I told him "6 liter". He comes back with "No, what size motor...". I said 6 liter again. He says "Pop the hood... oooooh wow... thats a big motor."

Then he was surprised that I was going to daily drive such an "expensive car". I told him the sticker and I thought he was going to pass out. I think I made yet another sale for GM. I've convinced 3 people thusfar to buy one.

One nice thing...it's really attracting people in their 20s...people who own VWs or Acuras....just the thing for GM to rebuild its market share. One guy in his 20 asked me who makes Pontiacs....didn't even know it was GM..

Bob Lutz, this is music to your ears.

Interesting, in the self test mode there's an icon for a rear fog light. Wonder if it would be possible to fit one and wire it up with the existing harness? I know the Vauxhall has a rear fog light, does the Holden have one? Any Aussies want to chime in?

For those that don't know what I'm talking about, it's the red light in the center of the bottom diffuser:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/vauxhall_vxr8_rear-with-stop-light.jpg

guess i'm going to have to play w/ this tomorrow!
Remember, playing with your DIC in public may have unfortunate consequenses.

:p :p

Remember, playing with your DIC in public may have unfortunate consequenses.

:p :p

Fortunately, there is lots of room in the G8 for playing with your DIC!
:wink2:

mac :driving:

I set to monitor AFM and was surprised at how many times it deactivates around town. I noticed that it will deactivate 1/2 the cylinders at speeds as low as 25 mph.
I wanted to see when this was happening because I wanted to see if I could "feel" any difference.
Knowing when all are active vs not, I thought I would be able to feel something.
Nada, nothing. Totally transparent.
Pretty awesome feature, if you ask me.

mac

Did this on the way to work this morning. I can definitely feel when it's in Half Active mode. A very small vibration. While the engine goes to Half Active a lot in "stop and go" driving, it rarely activated once I got on the highway. Set the cruise at 65 and the only time it went to Half Active was on the down side of an overpass. I'm very disappointed at this. Wish you could manually deactivate the cylinders. AFM = :bs:

So did I do something wrong??? when I pushed the "self test button" I get this voice saying "BILLY MAYS HERE - KABOOM!!!!"

RRM

So did I do something wrong??? when I pushed the "self test button" I get this voice saying "BILLY MAYS HERE - KABOOM!!!!"

RRM

:slap:

:gr_jest::gr_jest::gr_jest::gr_jest:

mac:driving:

Im actually pretty suprised about the DIC. I thought it was going to show a limited number of info, compared to the DIC in the Grand Prix, but it actually shows more! I thought this because the brochure mentions only about 6 things the DIC shows, whereas the GP brochure mentions everything the DIC shows.

And before someone asks; yes, its that big of a deal.

Im actually pretty suprised about the DIC. I thought it was going to show a limited number of info, compared to the DIC in the Grand Prix, but it actually shows more! I thought this because the brochure mentions only about 6 things the DIC shows, whereas the GP brochure mentions everything the DIC shows.

And before someone asks; yes, its that big of a deal.
Getting more out of your DIC than you expected is always a big deal.:wink2:

i luv my DIC, ive shown it to the wifey several times while in the car:wink2:

Good god!

i luv my DIC, ive shown it to the wifey several times while in the car:wink2:

Just as long as you don't go showing your DIC to other female (or male) passengers it's all good.

A "key-on" event is the only way to enter engineering mode? In my truck (GMT900) I can access most of that info all the time... if I had to turn the key off and on to get the info I think I would go nuts. LOL

What happens when you start your car?

What happens when you start your car?

You can drive around with Engineering Mode on. It's kind of neat to have something like AFM monitoring, throttle position or instant fuel consumption up while you're putting around.

I guess I wasn't clear enough. I was responding to the previous poster.
:)

I guess I wasn't clear enough. I was responding to the previous poster.
:)

:(

And I felt so useful.

What happens when you start your car?

Me? I have a 5.3L Avalanche with AFM. All functions on the DIC are available at any time... you don't have to press anything while turning the key on to enter a special mode. That seems more logical to me... unless they are worried about added distractions while driving??

I meant to pass off my post to you as humor. Fail. LOL

Someone asked the question about what is included in Engineering Mode but I can't find the thread to reply to, but I found the answer:

(Hold the enter button when turning the key on)

Software Version
GM Part Number (could either one of these be associated with GM being able to tell if a non-stock program is in the computer? by the part number or the version number?)
Battery Voltage
Battery Charge (%)
Remaining Fuel (gal)
Instant Fuel (gal/hr)
Coolant Temp
Speed
Tach
Tire Pressure
Engine Oil Life (%)
Parking Lights (on/off)
Switch Voltage (reads 4.86 ???)
Current Gear
Active Fuel Management
Throttle Position
Trans Sump Temp

And my favorite of them all :

Self Test ( go ahead and push the Enter button - I dare you )

Tom

So when the DIC isnt in engineering mode, what does it show(besides miles and trip computer)?

I didn't see that. Where is that?

mac

When in that mode did anyone notice an icon with 1-4 on it? I'm curious if this icon was to light when in AFM.

It's on the Tachometer side in yellow. I saw it too while in Self Test and was wondering what that means. Anyone? I haven't driven yet in Engineering Mode.

I need to try this out.

Just one problem..................

How do I get the car from my wife?

When in that mode did anyone notice an icon with 1-4 on it? I'm curious if this icon was to light when in AFM.

1-4 is most likely the skip shift indicator on this car, if it had a manual.

1-4 is most likely the skip shift indicator on this car, if it had a manual.

Makes sense. I drove the car in today in Engineering Mode and didn't see that light, light up.

I need to try this out.

Just one problem..................

How do I get the car from my wife?

That was easy! The Check engine light came on.

I tried the engine mode. None of that info helped.

Unfortunately I have all sorts of problems now. Off to the dealer.

Makes sense. I drove the car in today in Engineering Mode and didn't see that light, light up.It only comes on when in "self test" mode. Funny, in self test, the check engine light does not come on, so it does not turn on all indicator lights like I would think it should.

That was easy! The Check engine light came on.

I tried the engine mode. None of that info helped.

Unfortunately I have all sorts of problems now. Off to the dealer.Sorry that your CEL light came on.

It only comes on when in "self test" mode. Funny, in self test, the check engine light does not come on, so it does not turn on all indicator lights like I would think it should.

Sorry that your CEL light came on.

Yeah I know. Someone asked did it come on in Engineering mode when you the DOD kicks in. I think the individual that stated that is a "skip shift" light for the manual is probably correct.

Everybody always ignores me! :cry:

So when the DIC isnt in engineering mode, what does it show(besides miles and trip computer)?

Tire Pressures
Range left
Avg Speed/Avg MPG
Overspeed setting(So you don't accidently creep up over a certain mph)
There are some other settings I've never played with much. I just breezed through them once and left them alone. Stuff like setting how the car reacts to inputs from the key fob, i.e. number of beeps when locking the doors.

Tire Pressures
Range left
Avg Speed/Avg MPG
Overspeed setting(So you don't accidently creep up over a certain mph)
There are some other settings I've never played with much. I just breezed through them once and left them alone. Stuff like setting how the car reacts to inputs from the key fob, i.e. number of beeps when locking the doors.

Thanks for the info. Also why is it that on some pics of the G8 i see red letters wit black background on the dic and other pics i see red letters on light red background. Can you personalize that too?

P.S. sorry for bumping this old thread. I forgot all about it.

One is highlighted and the other is not. Highlighted one has the information to view at the bottom of the DIC.

One is highlighted and the other is not. Highlighted one has the information to view at the bottom of the DIC.

So....there any way one can keep it highlited all the time? Red on red is sexy! Looks a lil better than the red on red DIC in the GP.

i love self test. its like a bomb before it explodes!!! Pretty lights!

When in that mode did anyone notice an icon with 1-4 on it? I'm curious if this icon was to light when in AFM.

The 1-4 is the GM skip shift feature for 6 speed manuals.

I noticed it before, shows they had planned on a 6M being available at some time.
Dave

Engineering mode sounds great and I am about to go out and try it on my 09 GT. Does anyone know if you can trade some of the useless (like overspeed) modules with something more useful like oil pressure or digital water temp so they are visible in the normal mode?

Engineering mode sounds great and I am about to go out and try it on my 09 GT. Does anyone know if you can trade some of the useless (like overspeed) modules with something more useful like oil pressure or digital water temp so they are visible in the normal mode?



I actually think the overspeed feature/chime is pretty good.....you can get going pretty fast in a hurry. I'm using mine during the break-in period to remind me to stay below 70MPH....which is tough. BTW, I don't think the oil pressure and water temp are going to work....no dice.

I thought that you could program what to scroll through and what not to.

Hold the computer info button on the dash when you turn the car on. (for GTO)

The engineering mode it pretty cool. I like being able to see when the car is using AFM. I wish it had the instant MPG like the GTO had. It has instant fuel use but it GPH which is useless.

I am not sure if this has been posted before, but in engineering mode on my GXP, the Instant fuel economy does display MPG when the car is moving. At a stop is displays gal/hour.

I am not sure if this has been posted before, but in engineering mode on my GXP, the Instant fuel economy does display MPG when the car is moving. At a stop is displays gal/hour.

On the GTO, you don't need to be in engineering mode to get instant mpg on the display. That is one of the regular display options. However, when displaying instant mpg, if you come to a stop, it reverts to gph. In the G8, in engineering mode, the fuel consumption displays only gph, never mpg. If you are a math wiz, you can do the conversion in your head, but that seems a bit extreme.

mac

On the GTO, you don't need to be in engineering mode to get instant mpg on the display. That is one of the regular display options. However, when displaying instant mpg, if you come to a stop, it reverts to gph. In the G8, in engineering mode, the fuel consumption displays only gph, never mpg. If you are a math wiz, you can do the conversion in your head, but that seems a bit extreme.

mac

No, that is why I made this post. My 2009 G8 GXP does indeed display Instant MPG while moving and not GPH!!!!!!

It only shows GPH when stopped.

I can take pictures to prove it. If I recall my software level is 1.10.

No, that is why I made this post. My 2009 G8 GXP does indeed display Instant MPG while moving and not GPH!!!!!!

It only shows GPH when stopped.

I can take pictures to prove it. If I recall me software level is 1.10.

I'm not doubting you, that was not my intention. I was just pointing out the differences between the GTO and G8 display, as stated in the post you quoted.

mac

I have a comment and question about engineering mode on the G8.
I do like the engineering mode... the AFM monitor is quite interesting, to say the least. And I'm trying not to get tempted by that "Throttle Position Percentage" number that seems to be daring me to hit >65% more often than not.... :driving:

First of all, a comment: In case you didn't know this:


it WORKS with the remote start! :)

As in... if you remote start the car, then you unlock doors and get in, and now you hold down the enter button as you put the key into the ignition and twist to activate the car... it now is in engineering mode. At first, I thought that it had to be a "direct start" but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it worked both ways!

Secondly ... my question:


If you start the car with engineering mode and then accidentally exit the engineering mode 'home screen' by pressing the road-icon steering-wheel button for example, is there a way to get back to the engineering screen without stopping and restarting the car? Not that I'm clumsy, but sometimes I toggle through various screens and only realize after-the-fact that the engineering mode seems to go away after you switch off of that screen initially. :whine: Does anyone have a keypress or key-combination to get engineering mode back after switching to a different screen?

--zepcom

I have a comment and question about engineering mode on the G8.
I do like the engineering mode... the AFM monitor is quite interesting, to say the least. And I'm trying not to get tempted by that "Throttle Position Percentage" number that seems to be daring me to hit >65% more often than not.... :driving:

First of all, a comment: In case you didn't know this:


it WORKS with the remote start! :)

As in... if you remote start the car, then you unlock doors and get in, and now you hold down the enter button as you put the key into the ignition and twist to activate the car... it now is in engineering mode. At first, I thought that it had to be a "direct start" but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it worked both ways!

Secondly ... my question:


If you start the car with engineering mode and then accidentally exit the engineering mode 'home screen' by pressing the road-icon steering-wheel button for example, is there a way to get back to the engineering screen without stopping and restarting the car? Not that I'm clumsy, but sometimes I toggle through various screens and only realize after-the-fact that the engineering mode seems to go away after you switch off of that screen initially. :whine: Does anyone have a keypress or key-combination to get engineering mode back after switching to a different screen?

--zepcomUnfortunately no, there is no way to re-enter engineering mode that any of us have found yet, nor our Oz brothers.

No, that is why I made this post. My 2009 G8 GXP does indeed display Instant MPG while moving and not GPH!!!!!!

It only shows GPH when stopped.

I can take pictures to prove it. If I recall my software level is 1.10.

Good. GPH makes more sense when stopped and MPG when moving.

Hi:
My 2009 G8 GT only displays GPH even while moving.
Is there any way to make it switch to MPG like on the GXP ?
What is the software version and can it be loaded into a GT ?
I have been asking around for ways to change the average mpg to instant mpg in the standard mode .
ANYONE ? ? ?
Ed

Unfortunately no, there is no way to re-enter engineering mode that any of us have found yet, nor our Oz brothers.

yea, so i'm not sure how frowned upon thread bumping is here but oh well- i did however notice people yelling 'search search search' when nubbin users post new threads on already covered subjects though. so i searched.

Now, is there no way to add/subtract the items covered in the DIC when in normal operating mode? I see someone asked this question above but it was not answered.

I would love to get rid of the overspeed. If I am worried about speeding or lagging I would just use the cruise. Also, I don't care much about seeing my avg speed/fuel (this may change on a track day ofc). I don't even really care so much about the tire's psi as I know if there was a problem the car will tell me specifically.

I would definitely love to have the following accessible via the DIC while it is in normal operating mode:

battery voltage
battery charge
coolant temp
engine oil life
trans temp
current glares from envious bmw owners

Is there truly no way to customize the information in the DIC to cover these topics as well?

And since it has been several months since this was hit on, has there been no way found to get back into engineering mode after you exit?

A yes to either of these questions would be quite nice. thxu

Is there truly no way to customize the information in the DIC to cover these topics as well?

And since it has been several months since this was hit on, has there been no way found to get back into engineering mode after you exit?


1. Nobody has ever found a way to customize what the DIC shows.

2. Once you're out of engineering mode, you need to turn the key off to get back in. The answer hasn't changed.

yea, so i'm not sure how frowned upon thread bumping is here but oh well- i did however notice people yelling 'search search search' when nubbin users post new threads on already covered subjects though. so i searched.

Now, is there no way to add/subtract the items covered in the DIC when in normal operating mode? I see someone asked this question above but it was not answered.

I would love to get rid of the overspeed. If I am worried about speeding or lagging I would just use the cruise. Also, I don't care much about seeing my avg speed/fuel (this may change on a track day ofc). I don't even really care so much about the tire's psi as I know if there was a problem the car will tell me specifically.

I would definitely love to have the following accessible via the DIC while it is in normal operating mode:

battery voltage
battery charge
coolant temp
engine oil life
trans temp
current glares from envious bmw owners

Is there truly no way to customize the information in the DIC to cover these topics as well?

And since it has been several months since this was hit on, has there been no way found to get back into engineering mode after you exit?

A yes to either of these questions would be quite nice. thxu

Thread bumping isn't and shouldn't be frowned upon at all. It keeps information in one place for people who are looking for it. :)

I'm sure you're aware, but overspeed can be disabled. I take it you mean getting rid of the page entirely.

Customizing the pages would have to be done as a programming change. I believe GTPprix (Chris White, a vendor here) was looking into reprogramming the DIC for us, but it was going to be a while.

And no, there still is no way to get back into it once you exit. That would have to be a programming change as well.

I'm sure you're aware, but overspeed can be disabled. I take it you mean getting rid of the page entirely.

Yes, I would rather not scroll through an option I do not care about at all.

I would love to see the DIC reprogrammed though. At the same time, it would be interesting to have a way some sort of storage device could connect to the computer and store the information gathered in a day's drive. I would be curious to know how readings and temps changed throughout a 50,000 mile ownership.

some of that information is kept in the ONSTAR E-Mail that is sent out each monh if you are currently enrolled with it . Also you can go to the Pontiac website and upload your service history anytime that you want. Has anyone been able to obtain the 09 numbers sent to the US by color like someone did for the 08? It would be nice to know also we NC and SC owners need to become active at the Automall at Lowes Speedway in the spring and fall show.

Yes I receive the onstar emails and they are handy. This may sound a little anal, but what I was thinking in my head was more of a precautionary measure.

If I had some sort of information as to exactly how my car acted at 10,000 miles on a Tuesday when I drove it to work and back, normally, then I could compare it to another reading from a Tuesday at 30,000 miles.

I would like to know if the AFM was engaging twice as much, half as much, and at what speeds. I would like to know if my fuel economy was acting up (down), or if the coolant/trans temps had changed, and how much.

There's enough information available that problems could be seen coming before they happened. And I've always had a better experience if I somehow manage to head-off these problems before they occured. I think having precise knowledge of how my car was acting at different times would help me to do that. I don't really trust any of the dealer's service in my area. They all seem to be quite lazy and crooked, and although I may be able to get them to give me this detailed information after a 12 pack bribe, I'd just assume do it myself. Plus, it would interest me to know.

So anyway, I hope some genius shows up who can show us how to manipulate the DIC/comp.

yes I see where you are coming from and I agree that it would be a nice thing to be able to obtain. Dealers are not the most trustworthy people in the world but most of the time is you ask some of your friends they will know someone who knows someone that works at a reliable dealership who can provide accurate information

Thanks for the info just tried it. Cool!

Hi:
Talking to people at the WOODWARD AVE CRUISE I found out that you CANNOT make the 2009 G8 display MPG only the 2009.5 G8 and the GXP can do this.
I understand that the dash cluster and the computer are integrated on the 2009 but seperate on the 2009.5 and the only way to change would be to replace the dash cluster , the wiring and the computer. They also say that there is no memory space to reprogram the 2009 dash to read MPG.
I guess that ends the discussion.
Ed

Hi:
Is there anyone in OZ that was involved in the development of the car and the BCM , ECM and the DIC that can shed some light on reprogramming the
DIC ?
Change color ? Change GPH to MPG ? Change average MPG to instant ?
How ?
What program ? Linux ?
Use the OBD port or some other access point ?
Please email me with any questions or ideas.
HELP ?
Ed