GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

These messages appear if there is a problem detected in one of your vehicle's systems. You must then press 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 RESET button will only make the message disappear, not the problem.

DIC messages can also be displayed in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

ABS (Antilock Brake System) ACTIVE

This message displays when the Antilock Brake System (ABS) is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid.

Slippery road conditions may exist if this message displays, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message may stay on for a few seconds after the system stops adjusting brake pressure.

BUCKLE PASSENGER

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

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

The 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 safety belt is already buckled, this message and chime will not come on.

BUCKLE SEAT BELT

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

This message displays and a chime sounds when the ignition is on, the driver's safety belt is unbuckled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your safety 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 safety 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 Reminders for more information.

CHANGE OIL NOW

This message displays when the life of the engine oil has expired. See Scheduled Maintenance . After an oil change, the Oil Life Indicator must be reset. See Oil Life Indicator and Engine Oil Life System .

CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT

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

CHECK GAS CAP

This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully tightened. Check the fuel cap to make sure that it is on properly.

CLEAN RADAR CRUISE

If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 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 Adaptive Cruise Control .

CLOSE CARGO DIVIDER

This message displays if the cargo divider is not in place. Open the trunk and make sure the cargo divider is secure and no objects are on the divider. See Rear Storage Area for more information.

COOLANT OVER TEMP (Temperature)

This message displays when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. 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 your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer before driving it again. Severe engine damage can result from an overheated engine. See Engine Overheating .

CRUISE NOT READY

This message indicates that the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will not activate due to a temporary condition. Your vehicle does not require service. If this message displays when you attempt to activate the system, continue driving for several minutes, then try to activate the system again.

DRIVER NO. X (1 OR 2)

This message displays when the vehicle is started or when there is a change of driver. The message shows which driver is activating the personalization feature. It will only stay on for five seconds.

ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE

This message displays when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. See Engine Overheating . A multiple chime also sounds when this message displays.

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM

If this message displays, the control system has determined that continued operation at the existing engine speed may lead to engine overheating. Lower the engine speed by upshifting the transmission or drive at a lower speed.

HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED

This message displays if it is dark enough outside and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel® controls are off. This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended. It has become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps. This message also displays if the optional Rainsense™ wiping feature is on and the Twilight Sentinel® is off.

HIGH TRANS (Transmission) TEMP (Temperature)

This message displays when the transmission fluid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools down or until this message is removed.

HIGH VOLTAGE

This message displays when the electrical charging system is overcharging. To avoid being stranded, have the electrical system checked by your dealer/retailer. 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 information button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running.

HOT ENGINE-A/C OFF

This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature. You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message continues to display, have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible to avoid compressor damage.

ICE POSSIBLE

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

LEFT DOOR AJAR

This message displays anytime the engine is running, the transmission is not in PARK (P), and the driver door is open or ajar. A chime sounds when the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

LOW BRAKE FLUID

This message displays if the engine is running 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 Fluid" under Brakes .

LOW COOLANT

This message displays when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. See Engine Coolant .

LOW FUEL

This message displays when the fuel supply is less than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is turned off. A single chime also sounds when this message is displayed.

LOW OIL LEVEL

For correct operation of the low oil sensing system, your vehicle should be on a level surface. A false LOW OIL LEVEL message may display 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 LOW OIL LEVEL message displays, 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, make 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 .

LOW OIL PRESSURE

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 this message displays while the engine is running, stop the engine and do not operate the vehicle until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine can result. A multiple chime sounds when this message is displayed.

LOW VOLTAGE

This message displays when the electrical system is charging less than 10 volts or if the battery has been drained. If this message displays 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 to boost the battery after returning home or to a final destination. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. If this message displays while driving or after starting your vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately by your dealer/retailer 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.

LOW WASHER FLUID

This message displays when the windshield washer fluid is low. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Also, see Windshield Washer Fluid for more information.

MAX (Maximum) SPEED XX MPH (XX KM/H)

This message displays when a failure in the magnetic ride control system has occurred. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines the speed to which your vehicle is limited. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer if this message appears.

NO FOB 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 your keyless access transmitter.

Object Number: 1828068  Size: B2
    • If moving the transmitter to different locations within the vehicle does not help, place the transmitter in the glove box transmitter pocket with the buttons facing to the right 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 a 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 will remain in ACCESSORY until the vehicle is turned off or is restarted, or five 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.

OVER SPEED WARNING

This message displays when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain limit as required by some export countries. A chime sounds when this message is displayed.

PRESS BRAKE TO START

This message displays to inform you that the brake pedal must be applied to start the vehicle. Make sure you are pressing the brake pedal all the way down.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER

This message displays when the vehicle is reducing engine power because the transmission is being placed in gear under conditions that may cause damage to the vehicle's engine, transmission, or ability to accelerate. 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 dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.

RIGHT DOOR AJAR

This message displays anytime the engine is running, the transmission is not in PARK (P), and the passenger door is open or ajar. A chime sounds if the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

SERVICE A/C

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 you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.

SERVICE ABS (Antilock Brake System)

If this message displays when you are driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the message stays on, or comes back on again while you are driving, your vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer.

If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, the Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak® System will also be disabled. The Driver Information Center will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYS, and SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the antilock brake system and traction control warning lights on the instrument panel cluster will be illuminated. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light and Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . The driver can acknowledge these messages by pressing the RESET button three times. When the service message is displayed, the computer controlled systems will not assist the driver and you should have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.

SERVICE AFS (Adaptive Forward Lighting System) LAMPS

This message displays when the Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFS) is disabled and needs service. See your dealer/retailer. See Adaptive Forward Lighting System for more information.

SERVICE ELECT (Electrical) SYSTEM

This message displays if an electrical problem has occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM

This message displays when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. This message will also be displayed when the cluster is not getting fuel information from the PCM.

SERVICE RADAR CRUISE

If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is disabled and needs service. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL

This message displays when there is a problem with the Magnetic Ride Control System. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE TRACTION SYS (System)

This message displays when there is a problem with the Traction Control System (TCS). Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE STABILITRAK

If this message displays, it means there may be a problem with the stability enhancement system. If you see this message, try to reset the system. Stop, turn off the engine, then start the engine again. If this message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer/retailer for service. Reduce your speed and drive accordingly. A single chime also sounds when this message is displayed.

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 powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

SHIFT TO PARK

This message displays if the vehicle is not in PARK (P) when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in accessory mode. Once the shift lever is moved to PARK (P), the vehicle will turn off.

STABILITRAK ACTIVE

You may see this 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. 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 this message is on, 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 this message comes on, you will know that something has caused your vehicle to start to spin, so consider slowing down. A single chime also sounds when this message is displayed.

STABILITRAK READY

If this message displays and a chime sounds, the system has completed the functional check of the StabiliTrak® System.

STABILITRAK WARMING

When you first start your vehicle and drive away, especially during cold winter weather, this message may display along with a chime and the traction control warning light. This is normal. You can acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET button. The StabiliTrak® System performance is affected until the STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC, which can take up to 15 minutes.

SVC (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.

TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP

This message displays when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is below -4°F (-20°C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up before using the retractable hardtop.

TOP INOP (Inoperative) - VALET ON

This message displays when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the valet switch is on. Turn off the valet switch before using the retractable hardtop.

TOP INOP (Inoperative) OUT OF PARK

This message displays if the retractable hardtop button is pressed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P).

TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP (Temperature)

This message displays when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor to cool down before using the retractable hardtop.

TOP NOT SECURE

This message displays when the retractable hardtop button is released before the top open or close operation is complete. Press and hold the retractable hardtop button to fully open or close the top.

TRAC (Traction) SYSTEM ACTIVE

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

TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK OFF

This message displays when both the Traction Control System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak® System are off. This message will remain until the systems are turned on again.

TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK ON

This message displays when both the Traction Control System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak® System are on.

TRACTION SYSTEM OFF

This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is off, but the StabiliTrak® System remains on.

TRACTION SYSTEM ON

This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is on.

TRUNK AJAR

This message displays when the trunk is open while the vehicle is running and is not in PARK (P).

WAIT FOR STABILITRAK

This message displays after driving 19 mph (30 km/h) for 10 seconds if the steering is not centered. The StabiliTrak® System is not available until the steering centers itself and the STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC.