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. 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.

DIC messages can also be displayed in French, German, Spanish and Japanese. Contact your GM dealer to have the language display adjusted for your vehicle.

BATTERY NOT CHARGING - 7: This message will appear if the battery is not being charged. Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer at your earliest convenience.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE - 27: This message is displayed when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery saver system will start reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may not be able to notice. At the point that features are disabled, this message is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge in the battery. Turn off unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.

BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH - 8: This message shows that the electrical charging system is overcharging (more than 16 volts). To avoid being stranded, have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer. You can reduce the charging overload by using the accessories. Turn on the lamps and radio, set the climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on HI, and turn the rear window defogger on. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running.

BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW - 6: 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, 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 immediately by your GM dealer 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. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL - 82: This means that the life of the engine oil has expired. See Scheduled Maintenance . After an oil change, the oil life indicator must be reset. See Engine Oil Life System . See Engine Oil and Oil Life Indicator for more information.

CHANGE TRANS FLUID - 47: This message will appear when it is time to change the transaxle fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance for the proper fluid and change intervals. After the transaxle fluid has been changed, the transaxle fluid change indicator must be reset. See "How to Reset the Transaxle Fluid Indicator" under Automatic Transaxle Fluid .

CHECK BRAKE FLUID - 37: 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 and Parking Brake Indicator Light .

CHECK COOLANT LEVEL - 2: 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 .

CHECK FUEL GAGE - 50: (Analog Cluster) This message will appear when the fuel supply is less than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is turned off. A single chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

CHECK GAS CAP - 61: This message will appear if the gas cap has not been fully tightened. You should recheck your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.

CHECK OIL LEVEL - 36: For correct operation of the low oil sensing system, your vehicle should be on a level surface. A false CHECK OIL LEVEL message may appear if the vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil level sensing system does not check for actual oil level if the engine has been off for a short period of time, and the oil level is never checked while the engine is running. If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears, and your vehicle has been parked on level ground with the engine off for at least 30 minutes, the oil level should be checked by observing the oil dipstick. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure the engine has been off for a few minutes and your vehicle is on a level surface. Then check the dipstick and add oil if necessary. See Engine Oil .

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE - 144: This message is displayed when the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system detects a low or high tire pressure condition in one or more of the road tires. By pressing the INFO button up or down, the DIC display will show which tire or tires do not have the correct inflation pressure. The system will display the air pressure, the tire location (LF, RF, RR or LR), and LOW TIRE if the air pressure is low or HIGH TIRE if the air pressure is high. The tire pressure information is available in English or metric measurements. For example, a driver's side front tire that is low may be shown as: 22 PSI LF TIRE LOW. The correct tire inflation pressure should be set to those shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Loading the Vehicle for the location of this label. For more information regarding proper tire inflation, see Inflation - Tire Pressure . If a tire is low, you should stop as soon as possible and inspect your tire(s) for damage. If a tire is flat, see If a Tire Goes Flat . Once the TPM system detects the low or high tire pressure condition, the message CHECK TIRE PRESSURE will be displayed whenever you start the engine. To remove or clear the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message, you will need to set the tire(s) to the proper tire pressure. See Inflation - Tire Pressure . See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation for more information.

Caution: When the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and the tire pressure is low, your vehicle's handling capabilities will be reduced during severe maneuvers. If you drive too fast, you could lose control of your vehicle. You or others could be injured. Don't drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the tire pressure is low. Drive cautiously and correct the tire pressure as soon as you can.

CHECK WASHER FLUID - 25: This message means that your vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid. See Windshield Washer Fluid .

DRIVER DOOR AJAR - 140: This message will display anytime the key is in ON, the transaxle is not in PARK (P) and the driver's door is open or ajar. A chime will sound when the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).

DRIVE NO. X (1 or 2): This message will be displayed with the key in ON and while entering FEATURE PROGRAMMING, but only if the vehicle is equipped with memory seats. The message will show which driver is activating the personalization feature. It will only stay on for five seconds. This message can be customized for you by your GM dealer.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE ENGINE - 44: This message will appear when the engine coolant temperature is over 262°F (128°C). Stop and allow your vehicle to idle in PARK (P) until it cools down and the message is removed. Do not increase engine speed above a normal idle. If it does not cool down, turn off the engine and have it serviced by your GM dealer before driving it again. Severe engine damage can result from an overheated engine. See Engine Overheating .

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 HOT-AC OFF - 16: 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 A/C operation will automatically resume. 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 compressor damage.

ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE - 42:  This message will appear when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. See Engine Overheating . A multiple chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

ENGINE POWER REDUCED - 41: This message informs you that the vehicle is reducing engine power because the transaxle is being placed in gear under conditions that may cause damage to the vehicle's engine, transaxle or ability to accelerate.

FUEL LEVEL LOW - 11: This message serves as a warning that the fuel level in the tank is critically low. Stop for fuel soon. A single chime will sound when this message is displayed.

HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED - 23: If it is dark enough outside and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel® controls are off, this message will display on the DIC. This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended even though the DRL are still illuminated. It has become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps. This message will also appear if the optional Rainsenseā„¢ wiping feature is on and the Twilight Sentinel® is off.

ICE POSSIBLE - 13: This message appears when the outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions.

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR - 142: The left rear door is open or ajar when this message appears. The ignition must be in ON and the transaxle not in PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE - 35: If this message appears while the engine is running, stop the engine and do not operate it until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine can result. A multiple chime will sound when this message is displayed.

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR - 141: The right front passenger's door is open or ajar when this message appears. The ignition must be in ON and the transaxle not in PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR - 143: The right rear door is open or ajar when this message appears. The ignition must be in ON and the transaxle not in PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

SERVICE AC SYSTEM - 14: 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 - 83: There is a problem with the airbag system when this message appears. Let only a qualified technician work on your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer immediately.

SERVICE CHARGING SYS - 102: This message will display when a problem with the charging system has been detected. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYS - 106: 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 - 101: 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 - 107: A problem with the idle control has occurred when this message displays. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE STABILITY SYS - 54: If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message, it means there may be a problem with your stability enhancement system. If you see this message, try to reset the system (stop, turn off the engine, then start the engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your GM dealer for service. Reduce your speed and drive accordingly. A single chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

SERVICE STEERING - 127: This message is displayed when a problem has been detected in the magnetic speed variable assist steering system. If this message comes on, service is required. See your GM dealer.

SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS - 84: This message is displayed to indicate that the suspension system is not operating properly. To correct this problem, have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM - 34: This message means there is a problem with the PASS-Key ® III system. 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 GM dealer before turning off the engine.

SERVICE TPM SYSTEM - 51: When this message is displayed, the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is not working properly. See your GM dealer for service.

SERVICE TRANSMISSION - 100: See your GM dealer for repair.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON - 3: This message is displayed when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.

SPEED LIMIT TO 90 - 113: A failure in the suspension control system has occurred when this message appears. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines the speed to which your vehicle is limited. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer if this message appears.

STABILITY SYS ENGAGED - 55: You may see the STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message on the Driver Information Center. It means that an advanced, computer-controlled system has come on to help your vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you are steering. This stability enhancement system activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. When the STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message is on, you should continue to steer in the direction you want to go. The system is designed to help you in bad weather or other difficult driving situations by making the most of whatever road conditions will permit. If the STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message comes on, you will know that something has caused your vehicle to start to spin, so you should consider slowing down. A single chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY - 33: This message will appear when the PASS-Key® III 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 see your GM dealer for service.

THEFT ATTEMPTED - 40: This message is displayed if the theft system has detected a break-in attempt while you were away from your vehicle.

TOP SPEED FUEL CUT-OFF - 111: This message will appear when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the maximum speed for your vehicle has been reached. The speed of your vehicle will surge as the fuel supply is cut off. 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 - 91: When your traction control system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION ENGAGED message will be displayed. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. This message will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control system stops limited wheel spin.

TRACTION OFF - 89: This message will be displayed after the traction control system has been turned off using the TRAC ON/OFF button on the center console.

TRACTION READY - 90: This message informs the driver that the traction control system is available. Pressing the TRAC ON/OFF button on the center console once turns the traction control system off. Pressing the button again turns the system back on. This message will automatically disappear from the display after five seconds.

TRACTION SUSPENDED - 56: This message displays when the traction control system has been temporarily shut off because your vehicle's brakes have overheated. This message does not indicate a problem with your vehicle's traction control system. After a few minutes, the traction control system will be available again and the TRACTION READY message will appear.

TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE - 112: This message indicates that the transaxle fluid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools down or until this message is removed.

TRUNK OPEN - 24: This message indicates that the trunk is open when the ignition is on.

TURN SIGNAL ON - 20: If you drive your vehicle for more than a mile 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.

VEHICLE OVERSPEED - 52: This message is displayed when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain limit as required by some export countries. A continuous chime will sound when this message is displayed.