GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The following messages and warnings may appear in the DIC display. The DIC display area is located in the instrument panel cluster below the speedometer and tachometer, directly above the steering column. You may receive more than one message at a time. Messages will appear one behind the other. To acknowledge a message and remove it from the display, press RESET. You may scroll through the messages that may have been sent at the same time. The message center is continuously updated with the vehicle performance status.

ABS ACTIVE (Anti-Lock Brake System Active): When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, the ABS ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay on for a few seconds after the system stops adjusting brake pressure.

ACT HNDLG - WARMING UP: When you first start your vehicle (especially during cold winter weather), and begin to drive away (up to 6 mph (10 km/h)), the message ACT HNDLG - WARMING UP may be displayed in the DIC, the instrument panel cluster light will be on, and a chime will sound. This is normal. You can acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET button. The Active Handling System performance is affected until the next message WARM UP COMPLETE is displayed in the DIC. During hot or cold temperature conditions, this message may be displayed in the DIC after exceeding 12 mph (20 km/h) for 30 seconds. The Active Handling System is off until the WARM UP COMPLETE message is displayed.

ACTIVE HANDLING:  Your vehicle is equipped with a computer controlled system to assist the driver in controlling the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. You may feel or hear the system working and see the ACTIVE HANDLING message displayed in the DIC. This is normal when the system is operating. Also see Braking .

CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT: Press RESET to acknowledge that you have read the message and to remove it from the display. The message will reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. You will hear two chimes when this message is displayed. If this message comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose or broken drive belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the message on, be certain to turn off your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

COMPETITIVE DRIVING: When the Competitive Driving mode is selected, this message will be displayed in the DIC. The instrument panel cluster light will not be on when the Competitive Driving mode is selected. The Traction Control System will not be operating while in the Competitive Driving mode. You should adjust your driving accordingly.

COOLANT OVER TEMP: You will hear four chimes and the CHECK GAGES telltale will come on when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press the RESET button. After you press the RESET button, a message will be displayed and you will hear a chime every minute until this condition changes. If you do not press RESET, the message will remain on the digital display until the condition changes. If the engine coolant exceeds 255°F (124°C), this message is displayed. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. You can monitor the coolant temperature with the GAGES button on the DIC or the engine coolant gage on the instrument panel cluster. See Engine Overheating .

FLAT TIRE (Except Z06): You will hear two chimes when this message is displayed followed by the message MAX SPEED 55 MPH (90 km/h). If this message appears, do not drive your vehicle above this limit. The next message to appear is REDUCED HANDLING. Adjust your driving accordingly. To acknowledge these warnings, press RESET. After you press RESET, a message will reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. This message indicates that the pressure in one of your tires is lower than 5 psi (34 kPa). Next to the FLAT TIRE message, you can see either LF (left front), LR (left rear), RF (right front) or RR (right rear) to indicate to you which tire is flat. You can receive more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read other messages that may have been sent at the same time, press RESET. 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 your Tire Loading Information Label. See Extended Mobility Tires and Inflation - Tire Pressure .

Caution: When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or FLAT TIRE message is displayed on the Driver Information Center, 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 LOW TIRE PRESSURE or FLAT TIRE message is displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures as soon as you can.

HIGH TIRE PRESSURE - (LF, LR, RF, RR) (Except Z06): You will hear two chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press RESET. After you press RESET, a message will reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. This message indicates that the pressure in one of your tires is higher than 42 psi (290 kPa). Next to the HIGH TIRE PRESSURE message, you can see either LF (left front), LR (left rear), RF (right front) or RR (right rear) to indicate to you which tire is higher than 42 psi (290 kPa). You can receive more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read other messages that may have been sent at the same time, press RESET. 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 your Tire Loading Information Label. See Extended Mobility Tires and Inflation - Tire Pressure .

HIGH TRANS TEMP (Automatic Transmission Only): You will hear four chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge this warning, press the RESET button. After you press the RESET button, the message will be displayed every 10 minutes until the condition changes. If you do not press RESET, the message remains on the display until the condition changes. If the transmission fluid temperature rises above 270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly, this message is displayed. The transmission may shift gears or apply the torque converter clutch to reduce the fluid temperature. Driving aggressively or driving on long hills can cause the transmission fluid temperature to be higher than normal. If this message appears, you may continue to drive at a slower speed. You should also monitor the transmission fluid temperature and allow it to cool to at least 230°F (110°C). The transmission fluid temperature can be monitored with the GAGES button on the DIC. See Automatic Transmission Fluid . You should also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is also hot, see Engine Overheating . If the HIGH TRANS TEMP message is displayed during normal vehicle operation on flat roads, your vehicle may need service. See your dealer for an inspection.

LOW OIL LEVEL: Press RESET to acknowledge that you have read the message and to remove it from the display. The message will reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. Once the vehicle senses a temperature change in the engine oil, the light will remain off. You will hear two chimes when this message is displayed. If this message appears after starting your engine, your engine oil level may be too low. You may need to add oil. See Engine Overheating .

LOW OIL PRESSURE: You will hear four chimes and the CHECK GAGES telltale will come on when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press the RESET button. After you press the RESET button, a message will be displayed and you will hear a chime every minute until the vehicle is serviced. If you do not press RESET, the message will remain on the digital display until the vehicle is serviced. Low oil pressure may be the result of a combination of low oil level and abrupt changes in the vehicle's direction. When this warning is displayed, you should not operate the engine at high rpm or make fast abrupt moves. As soon as possible, you should check the oil level. See Engine Oil .

LOW TIRE PRESSURE (Except Z06): You will hear two chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press RESET. After you press RESET, a message will appear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. This message indicates that the pressure in one of your tires is less than 25 psi (172 kPa). Next to the LOW TIRE PRESSURE message, you can see either LF (left front), LR (left rear), RF (right front) or RR (right rear) to indicate to you which tire is low on pressure. You can receive more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read other messages that may have been sent at the same time, press RESET. 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 your Tire Loading Information Label. See Extended Mobility Tires and Tire Pressure Monitor System .

Caution: When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or FLAT TIRE message is displayed on the Driver Information Center, 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 LOW TIRE PRESSURE or FLAT TIRE message is displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures as soon as you can.

MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h): You will hear four chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press RESET. After you press RESET, a message will reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. This message indicates that a malfunction is present in the selective real time damping system. The vehicle speed will be limited to 80 mph (129 km/h) when the shock absorber system has failed and the shocks are in their full soft mode. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

PULL KEY - WAIT 10 SEC (Manual Transmission Only): If this message comes on, the steering column lock system has detected a problem while disengaging the steering column lock. This message may occur when the ignition key is removed and reinserted before the steering column lock system fully locks or unlocks the steering column. To acknowledge that you have read this message, and to clear it from the display, remove the ignition key and wait 10 seconds before reinserting the key into the ignition. If you attempt to operate your vehicle without removing the key for 10 seconds, the vehicle's fuel system will shut off when you reach 1.5 mph (2.4 km/h). If the message stays on after removing the key and waiting 10 seconds, have your vehicle taken to an authorized dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER: You will hear chimes continuously when this message is displayed. To acknowledge that you have read the message and to remove it from the display, press RESET. The message will reappear every 15 seconds until this condition changes. If the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message and the CHECK ENGINE light comes on, a noticeable reduction in the vehicle's performance may occur. If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed 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 the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed, but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime the CHECK ENGINE light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair. Also, refer to Malfunction Indicator Lamp . If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER TEMP message, see Engine Overheating .

REDUCE ENGINE RPM:  You will hear four chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge the warning, press the RESET button. After you press the RESET button, a message will be displayed and you will hear a chime every minute until this condition changes. If you do not press RESET, the message will remain on the digital display until the condition changes. If the engine oil temperature exceeds 320°F (160°C), this message is displayed. You should check the engine coolant temperature and engine oil level. If your engine is too hot, see Engine Overheating . Your vehicle may need service, so see your dealer. You can monitor the oil temperature with the GAGES button on the DIC.

SERVICE ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System): If the SERVICE ABS message is displayed 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. If the regular brake system warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but do not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system light is also on, you do not have anti-lock brakes and there is a problem with your brakes. See Brake System Warning Light . If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your Traction Control System and the Active Handling System will also be disabled. The Driver Information Center will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYS and SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG, and the instrument cluster car icon will be illuminated. 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 as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.

SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING: If the SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG message is displayed, there is a problem with your Active Handling System and your vehicle needs service. The instrument cluster light will also be on and a chime will sound. When this message is displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.

SERVICE COLUMN LOCK (Manual Transmission Only): If the system that controls the locking and unlocking of the steering column does not work properly, have the vehicle towed to a dealer for service.

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL: This message is used to indicate to the driver that the Selective Ride Control system has detected a malfunction and that the system must be serviced. The SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message will always come on when a failure is detected by the Selective Ride Control system. If a fault is present in the Selective Ride Control system which causes the shocks to be in their full soft condition, the SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h) will display together. You will never get a SHOCKS INOPERATIVE and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h) message without a SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message.

SERVICE TIRE MON SYS (Except Z06): If this message comes on, a part on the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is not working properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning will come on in about 10 minutes. If all four sensors are missing, the warning will come on in about 15 to 20 minutes. All the sensors would be missing, for example, if you put different wheels on your vehicle without transferring the sensors. If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPM. See your dealer.

SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM:  If the SERVICE TRACTION SYS message is displayed when you are driving, there is a problem with your Traction Control System and your vehicle is in need of service. When this message is displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG message will also be displayed and the instrument cluster car icon will also be illuminated. The driver can acknowledge both messages by pressing the reset button two times which will also turn off the instrument cluster icon. When the service messages are displayed, the computer controlled systems will not assist the driver in controlling the vehicle. Have the system repaired as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON: If this message appears on the DIC, there may be an electrical or another system problem with your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by your dealer if this message keeps appearing.

SHOCKS INOPERATIVE: You will hear four chimes when this message is displayed. To acknowledge that you have read the message and to remove it from the display, press RESET. The message will reappear every 10 minutes until this condition changes. This message indicates that a malfunction is present in the Selective Ride Control system which is causing the shocks to be in their full soft mode. This is a warning to the driver that the vehicle handling may be affected. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

TRAC/ACT HNDLG - OFF: By pressing the Active Handling System console button briefly, the driver can turn the Traction Control and Active Handling Systems off. The message TRAC/ACT HNDLG - OFF will be displayed in the DIC, the instrument panel cluster light will be on and a chime will sound. You can acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET button. The anti-lock brake systems remains on with the Traction Control and Active Handling Systems off. You should adjust your driving accordingly.

TRAC/ACT HNDLG - ON: If the Traction Control and Active Handling Systems are off, pressing the Active Handling System console button momentarily will turn both systems on. The message TRAC/ACT HNDLG - ON will be displayed temporarily in the DIC, the instrument panel cluster light will be off and a chime will sound.

TRACTION SYS ACTIVE: When your Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION SYS ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay on for a few seconds after the Traction Control System stops limiting wheel spin.

TRACTION SYSTEM - OFF:  You will hear a single quick tone when this message is displayed. This message comes on and stays on when the Traction Control System button on the console is pressed to turn the system off. To acknowledge this message, press RESET.

TRACTION SYSTEM - ON: This message is displayed when you decide to turn on the Traction Control System by pressing the switch on the console. This message will shut off automatically on its own.

WARM UP COMPLETE: If you receive this message and hear a chime, the system has completed the functional check of the Active Handling System.