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.

Some messages may not require immediate action, but you can press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge that you received the message and clear it from the DIC display.

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

If there are any active warning messages when the vehicle is turned off, two chimes sound and the DIC goes into a reminder mode. The reminder mode displays any active message. If there are multiple messages, the DIC displays each message for five seconds. After each active message is displayed once, the reminder mode turns off.

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.

A/C OFF FOR ENGINE PROTECTION

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.

This message comes on while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this warning message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on. If this message continues to appear, have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine.

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 you may be able to notice. 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. You can monitor the battery voltage by pressing the information button until BATTERY displays.

CHANGE OIL SOON

This message displays when service is required for the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer. See Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by acknowledging the message. The OIL LIFE screen under the gages menu on the DIC must also be reset. See "Oil Life" under DIC Operation and Displays and Engine Oil Life System .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE

This message displays when there is a problem with the generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by your dealer/retailer immediately.

This message displays and a chime sounds while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

CHECK GAS CAP

This message displays if the fuel cap is not on, or is not fully tightened. Check the fuel cap to ensure that it is on properly. See Filling the Tank for more information.

This message displays and a chime sounds while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

DELAYED LOCKING

This message displays to inform the driver that even though a door lock switch or the lock button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter has been pressed, that actual locking of the doors is being delayed because the delayed locking feature has been activated in the DIC. See "DELAYED LOCKING" under DIC Vehicle Personalization for more information.

This message appears and a chime sounds when the ignition is off.

This message cannot be acknowledged.

DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR

This message displays when the driver's door is not closed properly. When this message appears, make sure that the driver's door is closed completely.

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds when the ignition is shifted out of PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

DRIVER'S REAR DOOR AJAR

This message displays when the driver's side rear door is not closed properly. When this message appears, make sure that the driver's side rear door is closed completely.

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds when the ignition is shifted out of PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT

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.

This message displays when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. The engine coolant temperature warning light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage for more information.

To avoid added strain on the engine, turn off the air conditioner if it is on. When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air conditioner can be turned back on.

This message displays only when the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this message is displayed. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED

This message displays when the amount of available light outside of the vehicle is low, or the windshield wipers have been on for about 30 seconds, and the exterior lamps control is off or in the park lamps position. This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended. See Exterior Lamps for more information.

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

HOOD AJAR

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this message displays when the hood is not closed properly. When this message appears, make sure that the hood is closed completely. See Hood Release .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

KEY FOB BATTERY LOW

This message displays when the battery in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be replaced. To replace the battery, see "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

KEY IN IGNITION

This message displays and a chime sounds continuously when the driver's door is open and the key is in ACCESSORY or LOCK.

This message cannot be acknowledged.

This message disappears and the chiming stops when the key is removed from the ignition.

LEFT FRONT TURN LAMP OUT

This message displays when the left front turn signal bulb needs to be replaced. See Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

LEFT REAR TURN LAMP OUT

This message displays when the left rear turn signal bulb needs to be replaced. See Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

LIFT GATE AJAR

This message displays when the liftgate is not closed completely. Make sure that the liftgate is closed completely. See Liftgate .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds when the ignition is shifted out of PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

LOW BRAKE FLUID

This message displays when the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. See Brakes for proper fluid level.

The brake system warning light also appears on the instrument panel cluster when this message appears on the DIC. See Brake System Warning Light .

This message displays and a chime sounds only while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

LOW FUEL

This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible. See Fuel Gage and Filling the Tank for more information.

The message displays and a chime sounds while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

LOW OIL PRESSURE

Notice: If the LOW OIL PRESSURE warning message appears on the DIC display, stop the vehicle immediately. Do not drive the vehicle until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. Severe engine damage can result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. See Engine Oil for more information.

This message displays when the vehicle's engine oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. See Oil Pressure Light .

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.

This message displays only when the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this message is displayed.

This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared from the screen. This message re-displays for a few seconds if the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

PARKING BRAKE ON

This message displays to alert the driver when the vehicle's parking brake is on, the ignition is in RUN, and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). Release the parking brake before driving. See Parking Brake for more information.

The brake system warning light also appears on the instrument panel cluster when this message appears on the DIC. See Brake System Warning Light .

A chime sounds continuously while this message is displayed if driving above 5 mph (8 km/h). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

PARK LAMPS ON

This message displays to alert the driver when the headlamps or parking lamps are on while the ignition is off and the driver's door is opened. See Exterior Lamps for more information. A chime sounds continuously while this message is displayed.

Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

PASSENGER'S DOOR AJAR

This message displays when the front passenger's door is not closed properly. When this message appears, make sure that the front passenger's door is closed completely.

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds when the ignition is shifted out of PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

PASSENGER'S REAR DOOR AJAR

This message displays when the passenger's side rear door is not closed properly. When this message appears, make sure that the passenger's side rear door is closed completely.

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. A chime sounds when the ignition is shifted out of PARK (P). Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT FASTENED

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 unbuckled 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.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER

This message displays when the vehicle's engine power is reduced. This happens when driving conditions, such as climbing a steep hill, make the transaxle overwork in a gear that may cause damage to the vehicle's engine or transaxle. Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate.

This message displays and a chime sounds only when the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

REDUCED POWER STOP WHEN SAFE

This message displays when your vehicle is in an overheated engine operating mode. This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency. In this mode, you will notice a significant loss in power and engine performance. See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode for more information. Anytime this message is on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.

This message displays and a chime sounds only when the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

REMOTE START DISABLED

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this message displays if a remote start attempt is unsuccessful. This may be caused if any of the following conditions are true when a remote start attempt is made:

    • The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.
    • The key is in the ignition.
    • The hood or the doors are not closed.
    • There is an emission control system malfunction.
    • The engine coolant temperature is too high.
    • The oil pressure is low.
    • The hazard warning flashers are turned on.
    • The maximum number of remote starts or remote start attempts between ignition cycles has been reached.
    • The content theft-deterrent alarm is on while attempting to remote start the vehicle.

See "REMOTE START" under DIC Vehicle Personalization and "Remote Vehicle Start" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.

REMOTE START ON

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this message displays when a remote start is initiated. See "Remote Vehicle Start" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation for more information.

RIGHT FRONT TURN LAMP OUT

This message displays when the right front turn signal bulb needs to be replaced. See Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

RIGHT REAR TURN LAMP OUT

This message displays when the right rear turn signal bulb needs to be replaced. See Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps .

This message displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE ABS SYSTEM

This message displays when the vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is not functioning properly. Have the ABS serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

The ABS warning light also appears on the instrument panel cluster when this message appears on the DIC. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light .

This message only displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE AIR BAG

This message displays along with the airbag readiness light if there is a problem with the airbag system. Have your dealer/retailer inspect the system for problems. See Airbag Readiness Light and Airbag System for more information.

This message only displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM

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

The brake system warning light also appears on the instrument panel cluster when this message appears on the DIC. See Brake System Warning Light .

This message only displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE PARK LAMPS

This message displays when there is a problem with the park lamps. Check to see if the park lamp fuse is blown and replace the fuse if necessary. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers and Instrument Panel Fuse Block for more information. If changing the fuse does not correct the problem, see your dealer/retailer.

This message only displays while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays if there has been a problem detected with StabiliTrak®. See StabiliTrak® System .

If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the StabiliTrak® System inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

This message displays only while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays when the system is not functioning properly. A warning light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information. Have the TCS serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

This message displays only while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON

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

This message displays only while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVE

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays when StabiliTrak® is actively assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. Slippery road conditions may exist when this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. See StabiliTrak® System .

This message displays only while the ignition is in RUN. This message stays on until road conditions change and StabiliTrak® is not active.

This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared from the screen.

STABILITY CONTROL OFF

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message displays any time the system turns off. When this message has been displayed, StabiliTrak® is no longer available to assist you with directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See StabiliTrak® System .

This message displays only while the ignition is in RUN.

Any of the following conditions may cause the StabiliTrak® system to turn off:

    • The battery is low.
    • There is a StabiliTrak® system failure. See your dealer/retailer for service.

STARTING DISABLED

This message displays if the starting of the engine is disabled due to the electronic throttle control system or vehicle theft-deterrent system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately.

This message only appears while the ignition is in RUN and will not disappear until the problem is resolved.

This message cannot be acknowledged.

TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVE

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays when the system is on. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

This message only displays while the ignition is in RUN and will not disappear until driving conditions change and the TCS is no longer active.

This message cannot be acknowledged or cleared from the screen.

TRACTION CONTROL OFF

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays when the TCS turns off. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

This message only displays while the ignition is in RUN and disappears after two seconds.

Any of the following conditions may cause the TCS to turn off:

    • The TCS is turned off by pressing the traction control button located on the center of the instrument panel. See Traction Control System (TCS) .
    • The battery is low.
    • There is a TCS failure. See your dealer/retailer for service.

TRANSMISSION FLUID HOT

This message displays when the transaxle fluid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle until it cools down. If the warning message continues to display, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

This message displays and a chime sounds only while the ignition is in RUN. Press any of the DIC buttons to acknowledge this message and to clear it from the screen.

This message continues to display for two seconds if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also re-displays for two seconds if the message has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the engine is turned off.

If the condition still exists, the message re-appears when the engine is turned on.

TURN SIGNAL ON

This message displays as a reminder to turn off the turn signal if you drive your vehicle for more than about 0.75 mile (1.2 km) with a turn signal on. See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .

This message displays and a chime sounds only when the ignition is in RUN. This message clears from the DIC if the turn signal is manually turned off, a turn is completed, or the message is acknowledged.