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 to correct the condition. Multiple messages may appear one after another.

Some messages may not require immediate action. Press any of the DIC buttons on the steering wheel or the trip odometer reset stem on the instrument panel cluster to acknowledge that you received the messages and to clear them from the display.

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. 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.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed and service is required for your vehicle. See Scheduled Maintenance and Engine Oil for more information. Also see Engine Oil Life System for information on how to reset the message. This message clears itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this message displays when the pressure in one or more of the vehicle's tires needs to be checked. 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 Tires , Loading the Vehicle , and Inflation - Tire Pressure . The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See DIC Operation and Displays. If the tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light comes on. See Tire Pressure Light.

CHECK WASHER FLUID

This message displays if the washer fluid level is low. Adding washer fluid to the windshield washer fluid reservoir clears this message. See Windshield Washer Fluid . This message clears itself after 10 seconds, or you can manually clear it from the DIC display.

DRIVER DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver door is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT/ENGINE OVERHEATED

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 and a chime sounds if the cooling system temperature gets hot. See Engine Overheating for the proper course of action. This message clears when the coolant temperature drops to a safe operating temperature.

FUEL LEVEL LOW

This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. See Low Fuel Warning Light , Filling the Tank , and Fuel for more information.

ICE POSSIBLE

This message may display if the outside temperature reaches a level where ice could form on the roadway. Adjust your driving accordingly. If the temperature rises to a safe level, the message clears. This message clears itself after 10 seconds, or you can manually clear it from the DIC display.

KEY FOB # BATTERY LOW

This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in the transmitter. See "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation.

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver side rear door is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.

OIL PRESSURE LOW/STOP ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. See Engine Oil for more information.

This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. See Engine Oil.

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger door is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.

REAR ACCESS OPEN

This message displays and a chime sounds if the liftgate or liftglass is open while the ignition is in ON/RUN. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate and liftglass. See Liftgate/Liftglass. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger side rear door is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.

SERVICE AIR BAG

This message displays 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.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM

This message displays if a problem occurs with the brake system. If this message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed, or appears again when you begin driving, the brake system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE CHARGING SYS (System)

This message displays if there is a problem with the battery charging system. Under certain conditions, the charging system light may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. See Charging System 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 you should have the electrical system checked by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE STABILITRAK

If this message displays, it means there may be a problem with the StabiliTrak system. If this message appears, try to reset the system by performing the following: stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again. If this message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, you do not have the benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR

On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this message displays if a part on the 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.

STABILITRAK ACTIVE

This message displays anytime the StabiliTrak system activates to maintain vehicle stability. Any combination of engine speed management, brake traction control, and stability control displays this message.

STABILITRAK NOT READY

This message may display if driving conditions delay StabiliTrak system initialization. This is normal. Once the system initializes, this message will no longer be displayed on the DIC.

STABILITRAK OFF

This message displays when you press the StabiliTrak button for more than five seconds or when stability control has been automatically disabled. The StabiliTrak button is located on the transmission shift handle. To limit wheel spin and realize the full benefits of the stability enhancement system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you are driving in extreme off-road conditions and require more wheel spin. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow. To turn the StabiliTrak system back on, press the StabiliTrak button again.

There are several conditions that can cause this message to appear.

    • The message may display if the brake system warning light is on. See Brake System Warning Light.
    • The message displays if the vehicle is shifted into 4LO.

The message turns off as soon as the conditions that caused the message to be displayed are no longer present.

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP

This message may display and a chime may sound if the vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened properly. Fully reinstall the fuel cap. See Filling the Tank . The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. This message remains on until it is manually cleared from the DIC display. The DIC message is also cancelled if the ignition is turned off.

The DIC message and the Service Engine Soon light may come on again during a second trip if the fuel cap is still not tightened properly. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp for more information.

TRACTION CONTROL OFF

This message displays when you momentarily press the StabiliTrak button located on the transmission shift handle. In this mode, stability control and the brake-traction control are functional. Engine speed management will be modified and the driven wheels can spin more freely. For more details on this mode, see StabiliTrak® System .

TURN SIGNAL ON

This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position.