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. More than one message may appear at one time. They will appear one after the other. The messages are displayed for four seconds each. Some messages may not require immediate action but you should press and release the trip odometer reset stem to acknowledge that you received the message and clear it from the display. Each message must be acknowledged individually. 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.

AC (Air Conditioning) OFF

This message will be displayed when the engine coolant temperature is too high and the air conditioning in your vehicle needs to be turned off. See Engine Overheating and Climate Control System for more information. It will be displayed along with the ENG HOT message.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)

This message will be displayed if there is a problem with your anti-lock brake system. Check your anti-lock brake system as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. See Brakes and Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light for more information. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

BATTERY

This message will be displayed when there is a problem with your vehicle's battery. See Battery and Battery Warning Light for more information.

BRAKES

This message will be displayed if there is a problem with your brakes. Check your brakes as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. See Brakes and Brake System Warning Light for more information. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

CHANGE OIL

This message will be displayed when the oil needs to be changed. Check the oil in your vehicle as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. See Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information. Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

DOORS

This message will be displayed on your DIC when one or more of your doors is ajar. You should check all the doors on your vehicle to make sure they are closed. The message will clear from the display after all of the doors are closed.

ENG (Engine) HOT

This message will be displayed when your engine coolant temperature is hot. Check your engine coolant temperature gage. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage for more information. You should have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible if you suspect your engine is overheating. See Engine Overheating for more information.

FLUID

This message will be displayed if your brake fluid is low. Check the brake fluid as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. See Brakes for more information. Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

FUEL CAP

This message will be displayed if your vehicle's fuel cap is either off or loose. You should pull over and check to see if your vehicle's fuel cap is secure as soon as possible. You may also see the check engine light on the instrument panel cluster. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information. Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

LOW FUEL

This message will be displayed if the level of fuel in your vehicle is low. You should also check your fuel gage. See Fuel Gage for more information. You should fill your vehicle's tank as soon as possible.

LOW TRAC (Traction)

If you have the Traction Control System (TCS), you will see this message when a low traction condition is detected. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

OIL

This message will be displayed when your oil pressure is low. See Oil Pressure Light and Engine Oil for more information.

PARK BRK (Brake)

This message will be displayed when the parking brake is set. See Parking Brake and Brake System Warning Light for more information. The message will clear from the display after the parking brake is released or by pressing and releasing the reset stem.

REDUCED POWER

This message will be displayed 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. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

SERV (Service) 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)

This message will be displayed when there is a problem with your transfer case control system. Check the transfer case on your vehicle and have it serviced by your GM dealer. See Four-Wheel Drive for more information about your transfer case. Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

TRACTION FAULT

If you have the Traction Control System (TCS), you may see this message if there is a problem with your Traction Control System (TCS). Check your TCS as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information. Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)

This message will be displayed if your vehicle needs service. You should have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.

TURN SIGNAL

This message will be displayed when your turn signal is on for approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.