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. You can scroll through the messages that may have been sent at the same time. The DIC is continuously updated with the vehicle performance status.

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. 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.

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 is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message stays on for a few seconds after the system stops adjusting brake pressure. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) for more information.

ACTIVE HANDLING

This message displays when the Active Handling System is operating. The Active Handling System is a computer controlled system that assists 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 message stays on for a few seconds following the active handling event. This is normal when the system is operating. See Active Handling System and Braking.

ACTIVE HANDLING READY

This message displays when the functional check of the Active Handling System has been completed. See Active Handling System for more information.

ATTACH TRUNK PARTITION

If the vehicle has a power convertible top, this message displays and a sound will be heard if the trunk partition is not in place. Open the hatch/trunk and make sure the trunk partition is secure and no objects are on the trunk partition. See Rear Storage Area for more information.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE

This message displays when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery saver system starts reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice. At the point that features are disabled, this message is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge in the battery. Turn off unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.

BUCKLE PASSENGER

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

This message displays and a sound will be heard 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 will not come on.

BUCKLE SEATBELT

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

This message displays and a sound will be heard 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 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 BRAKE PADS

On vehicles with electronic brake pad wear sensors, this message will be displayed when the pads are worn. See your dealer/retailer for service.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

This message displays when the life of the engine oil has expired. See Scheduled Maintenance. After an oil change, the engine oil life system must be reset. See "Engine Oil Life" under DIC Operation and Displays. Also, see Engine Oil and Engine Oil Life System for more information.

CHECK BRAKE FLUID

This message displays, a sound will be heard, and the brake system warning light on the instrument panel cluster turns on if the ignition is on to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low. See Brake System Warning Light. Have the brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. See Brakes.

CHECK COOLANT LEVEL

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

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. Once tightened, it takes at least one overnight park to reset or clear this message. If both the CHECK GAS CAP message and the malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument panel cluster are on, you may need to see your dealer/retailer for service. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

CHECK OIL LEVEL

On some vehicles, this message displays and two chimes sound if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Once the vehicle senses a change in the engine oil level, the light remains off.

If this message appears after starting the engine, the engine oil level may be too low. You may need to add oil. See Engine Overheating.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until this condition changes.

CLOSE TRUNK TO MOVE TOP

This message displays and a sound will be heard if the trunk is open while you are trying to operate the convertible top. Make sure the trunk is closed before operating the convertible top. See Convertible Top.

COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE

This message displays and a sound will be heard when the Competitive Driving mode is selected. The instrument panel cluster light will be on when the Competitive Driving mode is selected. The Traction Control System (TCS) will not be operating while in the Competitive Driving mode. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Racing or Other Competitive Driving for more information.

COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE

This message displays and a sound will be heard if the engine coolant exceeds 255°F (124°C). If you have been operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the 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 temperature gage on the instrument panel cluster. See Engine Overheating , DIC Operation and Displays , and Engine Coolant Temperature Gage.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message and sound will come back on until this condition changes. If you do not press the RESET button, the message remains on until the condition changes.

CRUISE DISENGAGED

This message displays briefly when you disengage the cruise control system by stepping on the brake on an automatic transmission vehicle or the clutch on a manual transmission vehicle, or by turning off the cruise control switch. See Cruise Control for more information.

ENGINE DRAG CONTROL ACTIVE

This message displays when engine drag control is active. When driving in a lower gear in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions and then letting up on the accelerator or downshifting, the rear wheels may begin to slip and this message displays. This message stays on for a few seconds following the engine drag control event.

ENGINE OVERHEATED - STOP ENGINE

This message displays and a sound will be heard when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. See Engine Overheating.

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM

This message displays if the engine oil temperature exceeds 320°F (160°C). Check the engine coolant temperature and engine oil level. If the engine is too hot, see Engine Overheating. The vehicle may need service, so see your dealer/retailer.

You can monitor the oil temperature with the gages button on the DIC. See DIC Operation and Displays.

Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed. This message remains displayed and active until the issue is resolved.

HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED

This message displays if it is dark enough outside and the headlamps and the 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.

HIGH TIRE PRESSURE

This message displays when one or more of the tires is over-inflated. This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire is affected. 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 the RESET button . 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 Run-Flat Tires , Loading the Vehicle , Inflation - Tire Pressure , and Tire Pressure Monitor System. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation and Displays.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. A message reappears every 10 minutes until the condition is corrected.

HOT ENGINE AIR CONDITIONING OFF

This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the A/C operation automatically resumes. You can continue to drive the vehicle. If this message continues to appear, 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.

LOW FUEL

This message displays when the fuel tank is less than 10 percent full and the display is turned off. A sound will be heard when this message is displayed. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible. See Fuel Gage.

LOW OIL PRESSURE

This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur. If this message appears while the engine is running, stop the engine and do not operate it until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine can result. A sound will be heard when this message is displayed. See Engine Oil.

LOW TIRE PRESSURE

Caution: When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is displayed on the Driver Information Center, your vehicle's handling capabilities will be reduced during severe maneuvers. The active handling system will be affected. See Active Handling System. If you drive too fast, you could lose control of your vehicle. You or others could be injured. Do not drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures as soon as you can.

This message displays when one or more of the tires is under-inflated. This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire is affected. Multiple chimes sound and the tire pressure light on the instrument panel cluster turns on when this message is displayed. See Tire Pressure Light. 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 the RESET button. 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 Run-Flat Tires , Loading the Vehicle , Inflation - Tire Pressure , and Tire Pressure Monitor System. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation and Displays.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. A message reappears every 10 minutes until the condition is corrected.

MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h)

This message displays when a malfunction is present in the Selective Ride Control system. The vehicle speed will be limited to a value determined by the vehicle when the shock absorber system has failed and the shocks are in their full soft mode. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until this condition changes.

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: 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 the keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying to turn the ignition off. The 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.

OPTIONS UNAVAILABLE

This message displays for a few seconds if a keyless access transmitter that is not labelled 1 or 2 is used and you try to personalize the features on the vehicle by pressing the OPTION button. The personalization system will not recognize the transmitter and the DIC will not display the current driver number or the menus used to set personalizations. The personalization features will then be set to the default states. See DIC Vehicle Personalization for more information.

PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE (Automatic Transmission Only)

This message displays if you try to start the engine by pressing the keyless ignition start button without having the brake pressed. The brake needs to be pressed when starting the engine. See Ignition Positions for more information.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER

If this message displays 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 your dealer/retailer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message reappears every five minutes until this condition changes.

If the REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed in combination with the COOLANT OVER TEMPERATURE message, see Engine Overheating.

SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM

This message displays if there is a problem with the Active Handling System and the vehicle needs service. The active handling system light on the instrument panel cluster also turns on and a sound will be heard. See your dealer/retailer. When this message is displayed, the system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Active Handling System for more information.

SERVICE AIR CONDITIONING

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 ANTILOCK BRAKES

If this message displays while 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, the vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer. If the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light is on and the regular brake system warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but do not have ABS. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you do not have ABS and there is a problem with the brakes. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light and Brake System Warning Light.

If this message is displayed, the Traction Control System (TCS) and the Active Handling System will also be disabled. The DIC will scroll three messages: SERVICE ANTILOCK BRAKES, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, and SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, and the instrument panel cluster lights will come on along with a sound. When the service message is displayed, the computer controlled systems will not assist the driver. Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.

To acknowledge these messages, press the RESET button.

SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM

If this message displays while you are driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. It could mean that there is a loose or broken drive belt or that there is another electrical problem. Have the vehicle checked right away by your dealer/retailer. Driving while this message is on could drain the battery.

If you must drive a short distance with the message on, be certain to turn off the vehicle's accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

Multiple chimes sound when this message is displayed.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until this condition changes.

SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM

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

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL

This message displays when the Selective Ride Control system has detected a malfunction and the system must be serviced. See your dealer/retailer. If a fault is present in the Selective Ride Control system which causes the shocks to be in their full soft condition, the messages SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 km/h) will display together. See Selective Ride Control for more information.

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 TRACTION SYSTEM

If this message displays when you are driving, there is a problem with the Traction Control System (TCS) and the vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer. When this message is displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The traction control system (TCS) warning light on the instrument panel cluster will also turn on and a sound will be heard.

When this message is displayed, the computer controlled systems will not assist the driver in controlling the vehicle. Have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.

SERVICE TRANSMISSION

This message displays when there is a problem with the transmission. See your dealer/retailer for service.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON

This message displays and a sound will be heard when there may be an electrical or another system problem with the vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by your dealer/retailer if this message keeps appearing.

SET PARK BRAKE FOR SEAT RECALL

If the vehicle has a manual transmission, this message displays if you try to recall the memory positions when the ignition is on and the parking brake is not set. If the vehicle is on, you must set the parking brake in order for the memory positions to recall. See Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel for more information.

SET PARK BRAKE TO MOVE TOP

If the vehicle has a manual transmission, this message displays and a sound will be heard if you try to operate the power convertible top without first setting the parking brake. Set the parking brake before trying to operate the power convertible top. See Convertible Top for more information.

SHIFT TO PARK

If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, this message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park) when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in ACCESSORY Once the shift lever is moved to P (Park), the vehicle will turn off.

The vehicle will remain in ACCESSORY, without the 20 minute time-out period, until the shift lever is moved to P (Park) or until the driver presses the pushbutton to restart the vehicle. See Ignition Positions for more information.

SHIFT TO PARK OR SET PARK BRAKE FOR TOP

If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, this message displays and a sound will be heard if you try to operate the power convertible top without first shifting into P (Park) or setting the parking brake. Either shift the vehicle into P (Park) or set the parking brake before trying to operate the power convertible top. See Convertible Top for more information.

SHOCKS INOPERATIVE

This message displays when 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 the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until this condition changes.

TIRE FLAT

Caution: When the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT 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. Do not drive over 55 mph (90 km/h) when the LOW TIRE PRESSURE or TIRE FLAT message is displayed. Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures as soon as you can.

This message displays when one or more of the tires is flat. This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire is affected. Multiple chimes sound and the tire pressure light on the instrument panel cluster comes on when this message is displayed. See Tire Pressure Light.

This message is followed by the MAXIMUM SPEED 55 MPH (90 km/h) message, and then by the REDUCED HANDLING message. The Active Handling System will intervene more quickly when a flat tire has been detected. Adjust your driving accordingly.

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 the RESET button. 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 Run-Flat Tires , Loading the Vehicle , Inflation - Tire Pressure, and Tire Pressure Monitor System. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation and Displays.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. A message reappears every 10 minutes until the condition is corrected.

TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP

This message displays and a sound will be heard when the power convertible top button is pressed and the power convertible top pump motor temperature is below -4°F (-20°C). Wait for the power convertible top pump motor to warm up before using the power convertible top.

TOP MOTOR OVER TEMPERATURE

This message displays and a sound will be heard when the power convertible top button is pressed and the power convertible top pump motor temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the power convertible top pump motor to cool down before using the power convertible top.

TOP NOT SECURE

This message displays and a sound will be heard when the power convertible top button is released before the top open or close operation is complete or if the top is closed without the header latch engaged. Press and hold the convertible top button to fully open or close the top, and make sure that the header latch is engaged after the top is closed.

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. The message stays on for a few seconds after the TCS stops limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING - OFF

This message displays, the instrument panel cluster light turns on, and a sound will be heard when the Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Handling System are turned off by pressing the Active Handling System button on the console for five seconds. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) remains on with the TCS and Active Handling System off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Handling System for more information.

To acknowledge this message, press the RESET button.

TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING - ON

If the Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Handling System are off, this message displays briefly, the instrument panel cluster light turns off, and a sound will be heard when the TCS and Active Handling System are turned on by briefly pressing the Active Handling System button on the console. See Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Handling System for more information.

TRACTION SYSTEM - OFF

This message displays and stays on, a sound will be heard, and the traction control system (TCS) warning light on the instrument panel cluster turns on when the TCS is turned off by pressing the Active Handling System button on the console. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button.

TRACTION SYSTEM - ON

This message displays and a sound will be heard when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned on by pressing the Active Handling System button on the console. This message automatically clears from the DIC display on its own. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE

This message displays and four chimes sound if the transmission fluid temperature rises above 270°F (132°C) or rises rapidly. 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. 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 DIC Operation and Displays and Automatic Transmission Fluid. Also check the engine coolant temperature. If it is also hot, see Engine Overheating.

If this message is displayed during normal vehicle operation on flat roads, the vehicle may need service. See your dealer/retailer for an inspection.

If driving in a performance or competitive manner, the use of (S) Sport Automatic Mode or (S) Sport Manual Paddle Shift gear selection is recommended. See Automatic Transmission Operation for more information.

To acknowledge the message, press the RESET button. The message reappears every 10 minutes until this condition changes. If you do not press the RESET button, the message remains on the display until the condition changes.

TURN SIGNAL ON

This message displays and a sound will be heard if a turn signal is left on for three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position.

To acknowledge this message, press the RESET button.

UNLATCH HEADER TO MOVE TOP

This message displays and a sound will be heard if you try to lower the convertible top without first unlocking the top. Move the latch handle to unlock the convertible top. See Convertible Top.