GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Messages are displayed on the 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. Multiple messages may appear one after another.

The text messages are the same for both the base audio and Navigation systems unless otherwise indicated.

Some messages may not require immediate action, but you can press the reset button to acknowledge that you received the messages and to clear them from the display.

Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC display because they are more urgent. These messages require action before they can be cleared. 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.

ADVISORY: XXX MPH (KM/H)

This message displays when the Speed Alert has been turned on through the DIC Information Menu and the vehicle is at or above the advised speed. See DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

AUTOMATIC LIGHTS OFF

This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned off. See Headlamps for more information.

AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON

This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned on. See Headlamps for more information.

BATTERY NOT CHARGING SERVICE CHARGING SYS (System)


Object Number: 812700  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when a problem with the charging system has been detected. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE

This message displays when the system detects that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable level. The battery saver system starts reducing certain features of the vehicle that may be noticeable. 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. To monitor battery voltage on the DIC, press the information button until BATTERY VOLTS displays.

BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH


Object Number: 812700  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the electrical charging system is overcharging the battery. When the system detects that the battery voltage is above an estimated 16 volts, this message displays.

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.
    • Turn the rear window defogger on.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running. To monitor battery voltage on the DIC, press the information button until BATTERY VOLTS displays.

BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW


Object Number: 812700  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the electrical system is charging less than 10 volts or 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 to boost the battery after returning home or to a final destination. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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

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

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. To monitor battery voltage on the DIC, press the information button until BATTERY VOLTS displays.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON

This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed. See your dealer/retailer. See Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

After resetting the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message by clearing it from the display, reset the engine oil life system separately. For more information on resetting the engine oil life system, see Engine Oil Life System.

CHECK BRAKE FLUID

This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. See Brake System Warning Lightfor more information.

CHECK GAS CAP

This message displays when the fuel cap has not been fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it is on and tightened properly.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

This message displays when the pressure in one or more of the vehicle's tires needs to be checked. If a tire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to those shown on the Tire Loading Information label. See Tires , Loading the Vehicle , and Inflation - Tire Pressure. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation and Displays. If the tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light comes on. See Tire Pressure Light.

CHECK WASHER FLUID


Object Number: 829962  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the windshield washer fluid is low. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible. See Windshield Washer Fluid for more information.

CLEAN RADAR

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control system is disabled because the radar is blocked and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean the system, see "Cleaning the System" under Adaptive Cruise Control.

COMPETITIVE DRIVING (STS-V Only)

This message displays when the competitive driving mode is turned on with the TC (traction control) button. The TC (traction control) light comes on when the competitive driving mode is on. The Traction Control System (TCS) will not operate while in competitive driving mode. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Competitive Driving Mode for more information.

DRIVER DOOR AJAR


Object Number: 1411457  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the driver door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT IDLE ENGINE

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.


Object Number: 812823  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it cools down. See Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light.

See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

ENGINE HOT - AC (Air Conditioning) OFF

This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage. 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 turns back on. You can continue to drive your vehicle.

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

ENGINE POWER REDUCED

This message displays when the engine power is being reduced to protect the engine from damage. There could be several malfunctions that might cause this message. 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, take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCED RPM'S (Revolutions Per Minute)

This message displays when your vehicle is in an overheated engine operating mode. If this message appears, the vehicle has determined that continued operation at the existing engine speed may lead to engine overheating. The vehicle automatically limits engine RPMs to prevent engine overheating. You may notice the vehicle upshifting early or reduced speeds while this message is displayed. When the engine oil returns to a safe operating temperature, this message clears from the DIC and the vehicle returns to normal operation. Your vehicle does not require service when this message is displayed.

FUEL LEVEL LOW


Object Number: 812212  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. See Fuel Gage and Fuel for more information.

HOOD AJAR


Object Number: 1411447  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the hood is not closed completely. Make sure that the hood is closed completely. See Hood Release.

ICE POSSIBLE

This message displays when the outside temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly.

KEY FOB BATTERY LOW

This message displays when the battery in the keyless access transmitter is low. Replace the battery in the transmitter. See "Battery Replacement" under Keyless Access System Operation.

LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE

If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this message may display if the LDW system does not activate due to a temporary condition. See the Index in the Navigation manual for more information.

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR


Object Number: 1411461  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the driver side rear door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

NO FOBS DETECTED

This message displays if the vehicle does not detect the presence of a keyless access transmitter when you have attempted to start the vehicle or a vehicle door has just closed. The following conditions may cause this message to appear:

    • Driver-added equipment plugged into the accessory power outlet on the center console is causing interference. Examples of these devices are cell phones and cell phone chargers, two-way radios, power inverters, or similar items. Try moving the keyless access transmitter away from these devices when starting the vehicle. In addition, PDA devices and remote garage and gate openers may also generate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) that may interfere with the keyless access transmitter. Do not carry the keyless access transmitter in the same pocket or bag as these devices.
    • The vehicle is experiencing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Some locations, such as airports, automatic toll booths, and some gas stations, have EMI fields which may interfere with the keyless access transmitter.

Object Number: 1828066  Size: A3

If moving the transmitter to different locations within the vehicle does not help, place the transmitter in the center console transmitter pocket with the buttons facing forward and then press the START button.

    • The vehicle's battery voltage is low. The battery voltage must be above 10 volts for the keyless access transmitter to be detected properly.

NO FOB OFF OR RUN?

This message displays when the keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying to turn the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong radio antenna signal causing the keyless access system to be jammed. The vehicle remains in ACCESSORY until OFF or START has been pressed or 10 minutes has expired. If you turn the ignition off and you cannot find the keyless access transmitter, you will not be able to restart the vehicle. The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of the vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. See Starting the Engine for more information.

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.

This message displays when the vehicle's engine oil pressure is low.

A multiple chime sounds when this message is displayed. See Engine Oil for more information.

Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible when this message is displayed.

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR


Object Number: 1411462  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the passenger side front door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

PRESS START AND BRAKE TO START ENGINE

This message displays when you need to press down on the brake pedal while pressing the start button on the electronic keyless ignition when trying to start your vehicle. See Starting the Engine for more information.

RADAR CRUISE NOT READY

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control system is not activating due to a temporary condition. Your vehicle does not require service. This message also displays when either of the following conditions occur:

    • The driver turns off the head-up display (HUD) while the Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged.
    • The driver attempts to engage the Adaptive Cruise Control while the HUD is off.

If this message appears when attempting to activate the system, continue driving for several minutes and then try activating the system again.

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR


Object Number: 1411464  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the passenger side rear door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

SERVICE AC (Air Conditioning) SYSTEM

This message displays when the electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and heating systems are no longer working. Have the climate control system serviced by your dealer/retailer if a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency is noticeable.

SERVICE AIR BAG

This message displays if there is a problem with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately. See Airbag Readiness Light for more information.

SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST

This message displays when a problem with the panic brake assist system has been detected. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this message may display to indicate that the LDW system is not working properly. If this message remains on after continued driving, the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer. See the Index in the Navigation manual for more information.

SERVICE RADAR CRUISE

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control system is disabled and needs service. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system and this message displays, both SBZA displays will remain on indicating there is a problem with the SBZA system. If these displays remain on after continued driving, the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer. See the Index in the Navigation manual for more information.

SERVICE STABILITY SYS (System)

Your vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak®. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle with the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option have a stability enhancement system called Enhanced StabiliTrak.

This message displays if there has been a problem detected with the stability system.

If this message comes on while 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 this message still stays on or comes back on again while driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the stability system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. See StabiliTrak® Systemor Enhanced StabiliTrak® for more information.

For vehicles with the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option, in some cases when the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message is displayed, a larger degree of steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree of steering wheel input at higher vehicle speeds may be required.

SERVICE STEERING SYS (System)

Your vehicle has a speed variable assist steering system. Your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle may have the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option. See "Active Steering" under Steering.

This message displays if a problem is detected with the speed variable assist steering system or the Active 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. See Steering for more information. Have the steering system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

If the SERVICE STEERING SYS message appears because the Active Steering system needs service, normal power steering is still operational. However, compared to Active Steering, normal power steering requires a larger degree of steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree of steering wheel input at high vehicle speeds. The center position of the steering wheel may be different. You may continue to drive your vehicle with normal power steering, but have the steering system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

If the Active Steering system needs service, the system may be operating in the Stability Secure Mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will display. See Enhanced StabiliTrak®.

When certain steering faults are present, the vehicle speed may be limited. If vehicle speed is limited, the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX message will display. See "Active Steering" under Steering.

SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)

This message displays when the suspension system is not operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option and the suspension system needs service, the Enhanced StabiliTrak system may be operating in the Stability Secure Mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will display. See Enhanced StabiliTrak®.

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR

This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire pressure light also flashes and then remains on during the same ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Light. Several conditions may cause this message to appear. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation for more information. If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM

This message displays when there is a problem with the hood open and closed switches. The switches may need to be replaced. When this message is displayed, the theft-deterrent system will still be protecting the interior of the vehicle, however, the hood area will not be protected at this time. Also, the remote start function will not work when this message appears. See your dealer/retailer for service.

SERVICE TRANSMISSION

This message displays when there is a problem with the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON

This message displays when a non-emissions related malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF

If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this message displays when the SBZA system has been turned off. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) and DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE

If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this message displays when the SBZA system is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This message may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray. Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaning instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) for more information.

SPEED LIMIT: XXX MPH (KM/H)

This message displays when the Speed Alert has been turned on through the DIC Information Menu and the vehicle is at or above the speed limit. See DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

SPEED LIMITED TO XXX

This message displays when the vehicle speed is limited to XXX, mph in English mode and km/h in Metric mode, because the vehicle detects a problem in the steering, stability control, or suspension system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE

If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option, this message displays when the Competitive Mode for stability control has been turned on using the TC (traction control) button. See Enhanced StabiliTrak® for more information. When the Enhanced StabiliTrak Competitive Mode has been activated, traction control operates in competitive mode and cannot be turned off. Also, the Active Steering and the Magnetic Ride Control systems operate in the Performance Mode. For more information, see "Active Steering and Magnetic Ride Control" in the Index in the Navigation manual.

STABILITY SECURE MODE

If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option, this message displays when the stability control system is in the secure mode. Stability Secure Mode is set automatically when certain system faults or vehicle conditions are detected. When the Stability Secure Mode is activated, the stability control system will not respond to driver requests to change the stability mode until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle condition or fault is returned to normal. See Enhanced StabiliTrak®for more information.

STABILITY SYS (System) ACTIVE

This message displays any time the StabiliTrak system or Enhanced StabiliTrak system is actively assisting 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 with directional control of the vehicle. See StabiliTrak® System or Enhanced StabiliTrak®for more information.

STABILITY SYS (System) NOT READY

This message displays if the StabiliTrak system is not ready. Two conditions may cause this message to display:

    • The vehicle needs to be driven in a straight line until the sensors are centered. Once the sensors are centered, the StabiliTrak system is ready and the STABILITY SYS READY message displays.
    • The system needs to warm up. This may occur when first starting your vehicle and driving away during cold winter weather. This is normal. To acknowledge this message, press the reset button.

The StabiliTrak performance is affected until the STABILITY SYS READY message is displayed in the DIC. See StabiliTrak® Systemfor more information.

STABILITY SYS (System) OFF

This message displays any time StabiliTrak or Enhanced StabiliTrak is turned off using the TC (traction control) on/off button. See Traction Control System (TCS) and "Enhanced StabiliTrak and Traction Control Mode Selection" under Enhanced StabiliTrak® for more information. When this message has been displayed, StabiliTrak or Enhanced StabiliTrak is no longer available to assist with directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See StabiliTrak® System or Enhanced StabiliTrak® for more information.

STABILITY SYS (System) READY

This message displays any time StabiliTrak is turned back on 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 with directional control of the vehicle, if needed. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

STABILITY TOURING MODE

If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option, this message displays when the Stability Touring Mode is re-activated by using the traction control button after:

    • Driving in the Stability Competitive Mode.
    • The stability control system is turned off by the driver.

This message may also display after exiting STABILITY SECURE MODE when certain system faults or vehicle conditions have been cleared. See Enhanced StabiliTrak®.

STARTING DISABLED THEFT PROBLEM

This message displays when incorrect conditions exist within the theft-deterrent system. See your dealer/retailer for service.

STARTING DISABLED THROTTLE PROBLEM

This message displays when your vehicle's throttle system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

THEFT ATTEMPTED


Object Number: 822610  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

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

TRACTION ACTIVE

This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message stays on for a few seconds after the TCS stops limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) 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.

This message displays when 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.

TRUNK OPEN


Object Number: 1411452  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the trunk is not closed completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed completely.

TURN SIGNAL ON

This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn signal is left on for about 1 mile (1.6 km). Turn off the turn signal.