GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Warning messages are displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) to notify the driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and that some action may be needed by the driver to correct the condition. If there is more than one message that needs to be displayed they will appear one after another. Some messages may not require immediate action, but you should press any of the four DIC buttons on the steering wheel or the trip odometer reset stem on the instrument panel cluster to acknowledge that you received the messages and to clear them from the display. Some messages cannot be cleared from the display because they are more urgent. These messages require action before they can be removed from the DIC display. You should take any messages that appear on the display seriously and remember that clearing the messages will only make the messages disappear, not correct the problem. The following are the possible messages that can be displayed and some information about them.

BATTERY NOT CHARGING

On some vehicles, if the battery is not charging during operation, this message will appear on the DIC. Driving with this problem could drain your battery. Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer as soon as possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will clear the message from the DIC display. See Charging System Light and Voltmeter Gage .

BUCKLE PASSENGER

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the passenger's seat belt. See Passenger Sensing System .

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.

This reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled 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.

Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

BUCKLE SEATBELT

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the driver's seat belt. See Passenger Sensing System .

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 .

Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to be changed and service is required for your vehicle. See Scheduled Maintenance and Engine Oil for more information. Also see Engine Oil Life System for information on how to reset the message. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE

On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the generator and battery charging system, this message will appear on the DIC, a chime will sound, and the charging system light on the instrument panel cluster will come on. See Charging System Light and Voltmeter Gage for more information. Driving with this problem could drain your battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer immediately.

CHECK OIL LEVEL

If the oil level in the vehicle is low, this message will appear on the DIC. Check the oil level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure this message will clear. Once the problem is corrected, pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will clear the message from the DIC display. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle. See Engine Oil for additional information.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

If a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle's tires, this message will appear on the DIC, along with a chime and a low tire pressure warning light. See Low Tire Pressure Warning Light . Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. It will appear at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System for more information on tires and the correct inflation pressures.

CHECK WASHER FLUID

If the washer fluid level is low, this message will appear on the DIC. Adding washer fluid to the windshield washer reservoir will clear the message. See Windshield Washer Fluid . Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.

DRIVER DOOR AJAR

If the driver's door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT

If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message will appear in the DIC. Turn off the air conditioning. If the message is still on, or if the engine coolant temperature gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over when it is safe to do so. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage for more information. Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P) for a few minutes to allow the coolant to reach a safe temperature. This message will clear when the coolant temperature drops to a safe operating temperature. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

ENGINE OVERHEATED

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.

If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for operation, this message will appear in the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message will clear when the engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.

FUEL LEVEL LOW

If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. It will also clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle. The low fuel light near the fuel gage will still remain on in either case. See Low Fuel Warning Light , Fuel Gage , and Fuel .

KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW

If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low, this message will appear on the DIC. The battery needs to be replaced in the transmitter. See "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR

If the driver's side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

OIL LIFE RESET

This message will appear on the display for about 10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil message. See "Engine Oil Life System" under DIC Operation and Displays and Engine Oil for more information.

OIL PRESSURE LOW

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 Driver Information Center (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.

If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR

If the passenger's door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

REAR ACCESS OPEN

If the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN, this message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a chime. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER

This message is displayed and you will hear a chime when the cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters the engine coolant protection mode. See Engine Overheating for further information.

You may also see this message when the vehicle determines a problem with the electronic throttle control. See your GM dealer for service.

This message will also display when the vehicle's engine power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to your GM dealer for service as soon as possible.

REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE

This message will be displayed if the liftgate lock malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more information on fuses, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers . If the message returns after replacing the fuse, see your GM dealer for service.

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR

If the passenger's side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE 4WD (Four-Wheel-Drive)

If you have all-wheel-drive and a problem occurs with the all-wheel-drive system, this message will appear on the DIC. If this message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the all-wheel-drive system needs service. See your GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE AIR BAG

If there is a problem with the airbag system, this message will be displayed on the DIC. Have your GM dealer inspect the system for problems. See Airbag Readiness Light and Airbag System . Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM

If a problem occurs with the brake system, this message will appear on the DIC. If this message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the brake system needs service. See your GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM

On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery charging system, this message will appear on the DIC. Under certain conditions, the charging system light may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. See Charging System Light . The battery will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL

If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this message will appear on the DIC. See your GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE STABILITY

If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it means there may be a problem with your StabiliTrak® 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 message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your GM dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, you do not have the benefit of StabiliTrak®, so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.

For more information on the StabiliTrak® system, see StabiliTrak® System .

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR

This message will be displayed if any of the tire monitor sensors have malfunctioned, if the tire monitor sensors have not been programmed or if the recommended tire pressures are not programmed. See your GM dealer for service. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

STABILITY SYS (System) ACTIVE

You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on the DIC. 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.

For more information on the StabiliTrak® system, see StabiliTrak® System .

STABILITY SYS (System) DISABLED

The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on when you press the StabiliTrak® button, or when the stability control has been automatically disabled.

There are four conditions that can cause this message to appear.

    • One condition is overheating, which could occur if StabiliTrak® activates continuously for an extended period of time.
    • The message will also be displayed if the brake system warning light is on. See Brake System Warning Light .
    • The message could be displayed if the stability system takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
    • Also, if an engine or vehicle related problem has been detected, and the vehicle needs service, the message will appear. See your GM dealer.

The message will turn off as soon as the conditions that caused the message to be displayed are no longer present.

For more information on the StabiliTrak® system, see StabiliTrak® System .

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP

If the vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened properly this message may appear along with the check engine light on the instrument panel. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp . Reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See Filling the Tank . The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light and message off.

TRACTION ACTIVE

When the traction control system has detected that any of the vehicle's wheels are slipping, the traction control system will activate and this message will appear on the DIC. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

TRACTION SYS (System) LIMITED

If the brake traction control system activates constantly or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed braking, brake traction control will be disabled and the TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed. The system will return to normal operation after the brakes have cooled. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the transmission fluid is overheating and the transmission temperature warning is displayed on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that would not be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated transmission fluid or while the transmission temperature warning is displayed.

If the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot, this message will appear on the DIC along with a continuous chime. Driving with the transmission fluid temperature high can cause damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This message will clear and the chime will stop when the fluid temperature reaches a safe level. See Transmission Temperature Gage .

TRANSMISSION HOT

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the transmission fluid is overheating and the transmission temperature warning is displayed on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that would not be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated transmission fluid or while the transmission temperature warning is displayed.

If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, this message will appear on the DIC display.

When the transmission enters the protection mode, you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns. When the transmission fluid temperature returns to normal, the display will turn off and the transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.

If the vehicle has the Tow/Haul mode, use this feature if the transmission is operating at higher temperatures and/or the following situations exist, which can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures:

    • Towing a trailer
    • Hot outside air temperatures
    • Hauling a large or heavy load
    • Over-loading
    • Low transmission fluid level
    • High transmission fluid level
    • Restricted air flow to the radiator

A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down. If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures on a frequent basis, see Scheduled Maintenance for the transmission your vehicle is equipped with for the proper transmission maintenance intervals. Also see Transmission Temperature Gage for more information.

TURN SIGNAL ON

If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.