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. The messages are displayed for several 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 messages and to clear them from the display. Each message must be acknowledged individually.

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 only makes 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 displays 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. This message displays along with the ENG HOT message.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) FAULT

This message displays if there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Check the ABS as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your 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 display.

BRAKES

This message displays if there is a problem with the brakes. Check the brakes as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your 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 display.

CHANGE OIL

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

DOORS

This message displays when one or more of the doors is ajar. Check all the doors on your vehicle to make sure they are closed. The message clears from the display after all of the doors are closed.

ENG (Engine) HOT

This message displays when the engine coolant temperature is hot. Check the engine coolant temperature gage. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage . Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer as soon as possible if you suspect the engine is overheating. See Engine Overheating for more information.

FLUID

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

FUEL CAP

This message displays if the vehicle's fuel cap is either off or loose. Pull over as soon as possible and check to see if the fuel cap is secure. You may also see the check engine light on the instrument panel cluster. If the check engine light does come on when the fuel cap was loose, it may take a few driving trips before the light turns off. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information if the light still remains on. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

LOW FUEL

This message displays if the level of fuel in the vehicle is low. Also check the fuel gage. See Fuel Gage for more information. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible.

LOW TIRE

This message displays if a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle's tires. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display. The message appears at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure. See Tires and Inflation - Tire Pressure for more information on tires and the correct inflation pressures.

LOW TRAC (Traction)

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays 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 display.

OIL

This message displays when the oil pressure is low. See Oil Pressure Light and Engine Oil for more information.

PARK BRK (Brake)

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

REDUCED POWER

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

SERV (Service) TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor)

This message displays if any of the tire monitor sensors have malfunctioned, if the tire monitor sensors have not been programmed, or if the recommended tire pressures are not programmed. The tire pressure light also flashes for one minute and then turns on solid until the condition goes away or the system is serviced. See Tire Pressure Light . Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display. This message appears at each ignition cycle until the system is serviced. See your dealer for service.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System for more information.

SERV (Service) VEH (Vehicle)

This message displays if your vehicle needs service. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.

SERVICE CHARG (Charge) SYS (System)

This message displays if there is a problem with the battery charging system. Under certain conditions, the battery warning light may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. See Battery Warning Light . The battery will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is safe to drive, however have the electrical system checked by your dealer. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.

TRACTION FAULT

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

TURN SIGNAL

This message displays when the turn signal is on for about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) of travel. Press and release the reset stem to acknowledge the message and clear it from the display.