GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

These messages will appear if there is a problem sensed in one of your vehicle's systems.

You must acknowledge a message to clear it from the screen for further use. To clear a message, press the CLR button.

Be sure to take any message that appears on the screen seriously and remember that clearing the message will only make the message disappear, not the problem.

Battery Not Charging

When this message appears on the display, there is a problem with the generator and battery charging systems. Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer as soon as possible.

Battery Saver Active

This message appears when the system detects that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable level. The battery saver system will start reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may not be able to notice. At the point that the features are disabled, this message is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge in the battery.

Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button until you find BATTERY VOLTS.

Battery Voltage High

This message indicates that the electrical charging system is overcharging the battery. When the system detects that the battery voltage is above approximately 16 volts, this message will be displayed.

To reduce the charging overload, use the vehicle's accessories. Turn on the exterior lamps and radio, set the climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on the highest setting, and turn the rear window defogger on.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button until you find BATTERY VOLTS.

Battery Voltage Low

This message will appear when the electrical system is charging less than 10 volts or if the battery has been drained.

If this message appears immediately after starting the engine, it is possible that the generator can still recharge the battery. The battery should recharge while driving but may take a few hours to do so. Consider using an auxiliary charger (be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions) to boost the battery after returning home or to a final destination.

If this message appears while driving or after starting your vehicle and stays on, have it checked by your GM dealer immediately to determine the cause of this problem.

To help the generator recharge the battery quickly, you can reduce the load on the electrical system by turning off the accessories.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button until you find BATTERY VOLTS.

Buckle Passenger

This message reminds you to buckle the passenger's seat belt.

This message will display and a chime will sound when the ignition is on, the driver's seat belt is buckled, the passenger's seat belt is unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled and the vehicle is in motion. You should have the passenger buckle their seat belt.

The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the vehicle is in motion, the driver is unbuckled and the passenger is still unbuckled and the passenger airbag is enabled. If the passenger's seat belt is already buckled, this message and chime will not come on.

Buckle Seat Belt

This message reminds you to buckle the driver's seat belt.

This message will display and a chime will sound when the ignition is on, the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your seat belt.

If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be repeated. If the driver's seat belt is already buckled, this message and chime will not come on.

This message is an additional reminder to the Safety Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster. See Safety Belt Reminder Light for more information.

Change Engine Oil

This message indicates that the life of the engine oil has expired and it should be changed and that your vehicle is due for service. See Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

When you reset the Change Engine Oil message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the engine oil life system separately. For more information on resetting the engine oil life system, see Engine Oil Life System .

Change Trans (Transmission) Fluid (Automatic Transmission)

This message indicates that the life of the transmission fluid has expired and it should be changed within 200 miles (320 km). See Scheduled Maintenance and Recommended Fluids and Lubricants for the proper fluid and change intervals.

When you reset the Change Trans Fluid message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the transmission fluid life monitor separately. For more information on resetting the transmission fluid life monitor, see Automatic Transmission Fluid .

Check Brake Fluid

This message will display if the ignition is in ON to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See Brake System Warning Light for more information.

Check Coolant Level

This message will appear when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See Engine Coolant for more information.

Check Gas Cap

When this message appears on the display, the gas cap has not been fully tightened. You should recheck the gas cap to ensure that it is on and tightened properly. See "If the Light Is On Steady" under Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

Check Washer Fluid

When this message appears on the display, it means that your vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid. You should refill the tank as soon as possible. See Windshield Washer Fluid for more information.

Competitive Driving (CTS-V)

When competitive driving mode is turned on with the traction control button, this message will be displayed on the DIC. The TC light will be on when the competitive driving mode is on. The traction control system will not operate while in competitive driving mode. You should adjust your driving accordingly. See the CTS-V portion of Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

Driver Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the driver's door was not closed completely. You should make sure that the driver's door is closed completely.

Engine Coolant Hot - Idle Engine

This message will appear when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it cools down.

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine is overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an overheat warning appears on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above normal idling speed. See Engine Overheating for more information.

Engine Coolant Hot - AC (Air Conditioning) Off

This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning compressor will turn back on. You can continue to drive your vehicle.

If this message continues to appear, have the system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine or transmission.

Engine Overheated - Stop Engine

This message will appear when the engine has overheated. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. See Engine Overheating . A chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine is overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If an overheat warning appears on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above normal idling speed. See Engine Overheating for more information.

Engine Power Reduced

This message informs you that the vehicle is reducing engine power to try to protect the engine or transmission from damage due to extreme operating conditions. This also can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate.

Fuel Level Low

When this message appears on the display, it means that your vehicle is low on fuel. You should refill the tank as soon as possible. A single chime will sound when this message is displayed.

Headlamps Suggested

This message will appear when the amount of available light outside the vehicle is low and the exterior lamp control is off. This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended even though the daytime running lamps (DRL) are still illuminated and it has become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.

This message will also appear when the windshield wipers have been on for more than six seconds and the exterior lamp control is off or in the parking lamp position.

Ice Possible

This message appears when the outside temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions.

Left Rear Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the driver's side rear door was not closed completely. You should make sure that the door is closed completely.

Oil Pressure Low - Stop Engine

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. See Engine Oil for more information.

Passenger Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the passenger's side front door was not closed completely. You should make sure that the door is closed completely.

Right Rear Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, the right rear door it means that the passenger's side rear door was not closed completely. You should check to make sure that the door is closed completely.

Service AC (Air Conditioning) System

This message appears when the electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and heating systems are no longer working. Have the climate control system serviced by your GM dealer if you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.

Service Air Bag

There is a problem with the airbag system when this message appears. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer immediately. See Airbag Readiness Light for more information.

Service Charging System

This message will display when a problem with the charging system has been detected. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Service Electrical System

This message will display if an electrical problem has occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the ignition switch. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Service Fuel System

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel system when this message appears. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Service Idle Control

A problem with the idle control has occurred when this message displays. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Service Stability System Message

Your vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle stability enhancement system called Stabilitrak®.

See StabiliTrak® System . The Service Stability System message will be displayed if there has been a problem detected with Stabilitrak®.

If the Service Stability System message comes on while you are driving, pull off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off then back on. If the Service Stability System message still stays on or comes back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the Stabilitrak® System inspected by your GM dealer as soon as possible.

Stability System Engaged Message

The Stability System Engaged message will be displayed any time Stabilitrak® (if equipped) is actively assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. Slippery road conditions may exist when this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. This message may stay on for a few seconds after Stabilitrak® stops assisting you with directional control of the vehicle.

Stability System Off Message

The Stability System Off message will be displayed any time you turn off Stabilitrak® (if equipped) using the TC (traction control) on/off button. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information. When this message has been displayed, Stabilitrak® is no longer available to assist you with directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly.

Stability System Ready Message

The Stability System Ready message will be displayed any time you turn back on Stabilitrak® (if equipped) using the TC (traction control) on/off button. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information. When this message has been displayed, Stabilitrak® is ready to assist you with directional control of the vehicle if needed.

Service Steering System

Your vehicle may be equipped with a speed variable assist steering system. See Steering .

The Service Steering System message will be displayed if a problem is detected with the speed variable assist steering system. When this message is displayed, you may notice that the effort required to steer the vehicle increases or feels "heavier," but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.

Service Theft System

This message means there is a problem with the immobilizer. See Immobilizer for more information. A fault has been detected in the system which means that the system is disabled and is not protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts, however, you may want to take your vehicle to your dealer before turning off the engine.

Service Transmission

There is a problem with the transmission of your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Service Vehicle Soon

This message is displayed when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.

Starting Disabled - Remove Key

This message will appear when the vehicle theft-deterrent system detects that an improper ignition key is being used to try to start the vehicle. Check the ignition key for damage. If it is damaged, it may need to be replaced. If it is not damaged, remove the key and try to start the vehicle again. If it still does not start, try another ignition key or have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Starting Disabled - Throttle Problem

This message appears when your vehicle's throttle system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

Theft Attempted

This message is displayed if the content theft-deterrent system has detected a break-in attempt while you were away from your vehicle.

Top Speed - Fuel Cut Off

This message will appear when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the maximum speed for your vehicle has been reached. Your vehicle's top speed is based on the top speed rating of the tires. This ensures that your vehicle stays in a safe operating range for the tires.

Traction Engaged

This message will appear when the traction control system is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control system stops limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

Trans (Transmission) Hot - Idle Engine

This message indicates that the transmission fluid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle until the transmission cools down or until this message is removed. See also Transmission Fluid Hot Message for more information.

Trunk Open

When this message appears on the display, it means that the trunk lid of your vehicle was not closed completely. You should make sure that the trunk lid is closed completely.

Turn Signal On

If you drive your vehicle for more than about 1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on, this message will appear as a reminder to turn off the turn signal. A multiple chime will sound when this message is displayed.