GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Driver warning messages are used to inform the driver of a vehicle concern or general status update. Most warning messages are acknowledgable, which allows the driver to prevent a message from being continuously displayed. Warning messages are acknowledged by pressing one of the DIC switches. The messages that are not acknowledgable will continue to be displayed until the condition is no longer present. When multiple messages are active, the DIC will continuously cycle through all messages until each one is acknowledged.

The DIC messages include single-frame and multiple-frame messages. When more than 1 message is being displayed, single-frame messages are displayed for 5 seconds with 0.5 seconds of blanking time in between messages. Each frame of the multiple-frame messages is displayed for 3 seconds with no blanking time in between. When the entire message is displayed, there is 0.5 seconds of blanking time before the next message is displayed.

The DIC messages may be displayed in any of the 5 following languages:

    • English
    • French
    • Spanish
    • German
    • Japanese

Export IDs

When the instrument cluster (IPC) is in an export mode, each message will have an export ID. The export ID is displayed on the DIC after the message with no blanking time following the message. In the following list, the export ID of the DIC message is shown in parentheses following the message.

BATTERY NOT CHARGING (7)

The powertrain control module (PCM) requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that there is a concern in the charging system.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE (27)

The dash integration module (DIM) requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the load management system has disabled or reduced performance on some vehicle systems to excessive current draw.

BATTERY VOLTS HIGH (8)

The DIM sends the system voltage status to the IPC via a class 2 serial data message. The IPC displays the message when the system voltage is greater than 16.2 volts for 30 seconds. The IPC also illuminates the battery charge indicator.

BATTERY VOLTS LOW (6)

The DIM sends the system voltage status to the IPC via a class 2 serial data message. The IPC displays the message when the system voltage is less than 10.5 volts for 30 seconds. The IPC also illuminates the battery charge indicator.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL (82)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has determined that the engine oil life index is zero.

CHANGE TRANS FLUID (47)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has determined that the transmission fluid life value is zero.

CHECK BRAKE FLUID (37)

The IPC receives a discrete input from the brake fluid level switch. When the IPC receives a low signal from the brake fluid level switch, the IPC displays the message. The IPC also illuminates the BRAKE indicator and sends a class 2 serial data message requesting a single chime to sound.

CHECK BRAKE PADS (125)

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that one of the brake pads is excessively worn.

CHECK COOLANT LEVEL (2)

The IPC receives a discrete input from the engine coolant level switch. The engine coolant level switch is normally closed. When the engine coolant is low, the engine coolant level switch opens. When the IPC receives an open signal from the engine coolant level switch, the IPC displays the message on the DIC.

CHECK FUEL GAGE (50) (Analog UY9)

The IPC receives the filtered fuel level status from the rear integration module (RIM) via class 2 serial data message. When the IPC is in the gauges OFF mode and the fuel level is less than 18.9 liters (5 gallons), the IPC displays the message. The message is cleared when the fuel is reported to be greater than 26.5 liters (7 gallons).

CHECK GAS CAP (61)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has detected a possible condition in the evaporative emissions system or the gas cap is not seated properly.

CHECK OIL LEVEL (36)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has detected low engine oil level in the oil pan.

CHECK WASHER FLUID (25)

The IPC receives a discrete input from the windshield washer fluid level switch. When the IPC receives a low signal from the windshield washer fluid level switch, the IPC displays the message.

DRIVER DOOR AJAR (140)

The driver door module (DDM) receives a discrete input from the driver door ajar switch.The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the status of the driver door from the DDM via class 2 serial data message. When the driver door is open and the vehicle is out of the PARK gear, the IPC displays the message. If the vehicle speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph) with the driver door open, the IPC displays the message and also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT/IDLE ENGINE (44)

The message is a multiple-frame message. The IPC receives the status of the engine coolant temperature from the (PCM) via class 2 serial data message. When the engine coolant temperature is greater than 128°C (262°F), the IPC displays the message. The IPC also illuminates the engine coolant temperature indicator and sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound. The message indicates that the engine should be idled to allow the engine coolant to cool down. The IPC will turn OFF the message and the indicator when the engine coolant temperature falls below 125°C (257°F).

ENGINE HOT - AC OFF (16)

The DIM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the engine is hot and the air conditioning should be turned OFF in order to allow the engine to cool down.

ENGINE OVERHEATED/STOP ENGINE (42)

The message is a multiple-frame message. The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the engine is hot and the should be turned OFF in order to cool down. The IPC also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

ENGINE POWER REDUCED (41)

The (PCM) requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the engine torque management system has reduced the engine torque output.

FUEL LEVEL LOW (11)

The IPC receives the filtered fuel level status from the rear integration module (RIM) via class 2 serial data message. When the fuel level is less than 11.4 liters (3 gallons), the IPC displays the message and sends a class 2 serial data message requesting the chime to sound. The message is cleared when the fuel is reported to be greater than 18.9 liters (5 gallons).

HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED (23)

The DIM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the ambient light conditions are low enough that headlamps should be used during driving.

ICE POSSIBLE (13)

The IPC receives the outside air temperature status from the instrument panel integration module (IPM) via class 2 serial data message. When the outside air temperature is less than 2.2°C (36°F), the IPC displays the message. The message is displayed again when the outside air temperature rises above 5.6°C (42°F) and then drops below 2.2°C (36°F) during the same ignition cycle.

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR (142)

The LH rear door module (LRDM) receives a discrete input from the LH rear door ajar switch and sends the status to the driver door module (DDM) via the power door serial data circuit. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the status of the LH rear door from the DDM via class 2 serial data message. When the LH rear door is open and the vehicle is out of the PARK gear, the IPC displays the message. If the vehicle speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph) with the left rear door open, the IPC displays the message and also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

OIL PRESSURE LOW/STOP ENGINE (35)

The message is a multiple-frame message. The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The IPC also illuminates the engine oil pressure indicator and sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR (141)

The front passenger door module (PDM) receives a discrete input from the front passenger door ajar switch and sends the status to the driver door module (DDM) via the power door serial data circuit. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the status of the front passenger door from the DDM via class 2 serial data message. When the front passenger door is open and the vehicle is out of the PARK gear, the IPC displays the message. If the vehicle speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph) with the front passenger door open, the IPC displays the message and also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR (143)

The RH rear door module (RRDM) receives a discrete input from the RH rear door ajar switch and sends the status to the driver door module (DDM) via the power door serial data circuit. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives the status of the RH rear door from the DDM via class 2 serial data message. When the RH rear door is open and the vehicle is out of the PARK gear, the IPC displays the message. If the vehicle speed is greater than 4.8 km/h (3 mph) with the right rear door open, the IPC displays the message and also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

SERVICE AC SYSTEM (34)

The IPM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the air conditioning system has set a DTC.

SERVICE AIR BAG (83)

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the SIR system has set a DTC. The IPC also illuminates the AIR BAG indicator.

SERVICE CHARGING SYS (102)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has detected a concern in the charging system.

SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYS (106)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has set a DTC relating to the electrical system.

SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM (101)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has detected a concern in the fuel system.

SERVICE IDLE CONTROL (107)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has detected a concern in the idle control system.

SERVICE STABILITY SYS (54)

The electronic brake control module (EBCM) requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the vehicle stability enhancement system (VSES) has set a DTC. The IPC also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting a single chime to sound.

SERVICE STEERING SYS (127)

The EBCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the variable effort system (VES) has set a DTC.

SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (84)

The electronic suspension control module requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the road sensing suspension system has set a DTC.

SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM (14)

The theft deterrent module requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the theft deterrent system has set a DTC.

SERVICE TRANSMISSION (100)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has detected a concern in the transmission system.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON (3)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has set a DTC in a system not related to emissions.

SNAPSHOT TAKEN (99)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM customer snapshot function has been activated. The snapshot allows the customer to record PCM data for diagnostic purposes. The snapshot data is retrieved by using a scan tool.

SPEED LIMITED TO XXX (113)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has limited the vehicle speed to one of the following:

    • Top speed
    • Reduced speed due to a concern in the road sensing suspension system.

The XXX will be replaced by the actual speed limit value and in the units currently displayed on the speedometer.

STABILITY SYS ENGAGED (55)

The EBCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the VSES is currently active.

STARTING DISABLED/REMOVE KEY (33)

The message is a multiple-frame message. The theft deterrent module requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the theft deterrent system has disabled the starting of the vehicle.

THEFT ATTEMPTED (40)

The theft deterrent module requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the theft deterrent system has detected a theft attempt.

TOP SPEED FUEL CUT-OFF (111)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the PCM has cut-off fuel to the engine due a vehicle speed threshold.

TRACTION ENGAGED (55)

The EBCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the traction control system is currently active.

TRACTION OFF (89)

The EBCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the traction control system has been disabled by driver via the selectable traction control switch.

TRACTION READY (90)

The EBCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the traction control system has been enabled by driver via the selectable traction control switch.

TRACTION SUSPENDED (56)

The EBCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the traction control system has been disabled by the EBCM due to overheated brake pads or engine.

TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE (112)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the transmission is hot and the engine should be idled in order to allow the transmission to cool down. The IPC also sends a class 2 serial data message requesting 5 chimes to sound.

TRUNK OPEN (24)

When the ignition is ON and the rear compartment lid ajar signal is active, the rear integration module (RIM) requests via class 2 serial data message that the instrument cluster (IPC) displays the message on the DIC. The message indicates that the rear compartment lid is ajar or open.

TURN SIGNAL ON

The IPC receives a discrete input from both turn signals. If the IPC determines that either turn signal remains ON for more than 1.6 km (1 mile), the IPC displays the message and sends a class 2 serial data message requesting the chime to sound.

VEHICLE OVERSPEED (52) (Gulf States only)

The PCM requests that the message be displayed via class 2 serial data message. The message indicates that the vehicle speed is greater than 120 km/h (74.5 MPH).