GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The Driver Information Center (DIC) is located on the instrument panel above the steering wheel. The DIC comes on when the ignition is on.

If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear on the display. Pressing the select button or the set/reset button on the DIC buttons, or the trip odometer reset stem for vehicles without DIC steering wheel buttons, will acknowledge some current warning or service messages.

Some messages that your DURAMAX® diesel may show are:

CHANGE FUEL FILTER

This message will appear on the DIC for 10 seconds when a fuel filter change is required. See Fuel Filter Replacement for more information.

CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW

This message will appear on the DIC when an exhaust particulate filter cleaning is required. To clean the filter, drive the vehicle above 30 mph (50 km/h) until the warning message goes off. This will take about 20 minutes.

If the filter is not cleaned, this message will be displayed and a chime will also sound. Vehicle performance will be limited. See Diesel Particulate Filter for more information.

COOLANT LEVEL LOW ADD COOLANT

Notice: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See "Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode" in the Index of your owner's manual for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

If your vehicle has a low coolant level sensor, this message will appear on the DIC if the engine coolant level is low. Adding coolant to the coolant recovery tank will clear the message. See Cooling System in the owner's manual Index .

ELEVATED IDLE OFF

If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, this message will appear when the elevated idle/exhaust restrictor feature has been turned off. This feature can be turned on or off by pressing the pedals. For more information on the elevated idle/exhaust restrictor feature, see Starting the Diesel Engine .

If your vehicle has DIC buttons, this message will not be displayed. The Elevated Idle can be turned on or off using the customization menus. Press the customization button until ELEVATED IDLE appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to access the settings for this feature. Then press the customization button to scroll through the following settings: OFF, ON or NO CHANGE. Choose one of the available settings and press the set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to select it.

ELEVATED IDLE ON

If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, this message will appear when the elevated idle/exhaust restrictor feature has been turned on. This feature can be turned on or off by pressing the pedals. For more information on the elevated idle/exhaust restrictor feature, see Starting the Diesel Engine .

If your vehicle has DIC buttons, this message will not be displayed. The Elevated Idle can be turned on or off using the customization menus. Press the customization button until ELEVATED IDLE appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to access the settings for this feature. Then press the customization button to scroll through the following settings: OFF, ON or NO CHANGE. Choose one of the available settings and press the set/reset button while it is displayed on the DIC to select it.

ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL

If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the oil level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure this message clears.

This message clears itself after 10 seconds, until the next ignition cycle. See Engine Oil for additional information.

FAST IDLE ON

If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays when the fast idle feature is on. See "Fast Idle Control" under Starting the Diesel Engine .

###% FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING (Pickup Models)

To access this display, the vehicle must be in PARK (P). If your vehicle has DIC buttons, press the vehicle information button until FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING displays. If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, press the trip stem until FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate of the fuel filter's remaining useful life. If you see 90% FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING on the display, it means 90% of the current fuel filter life remains. The fuel filter life system will alert you to change your fuel filter on a schedule consistent with your driving conditions.

When the remaining fuel filter life is low, the CHANGE FUEL FILTER message will appear on the display. You should change your fuel filter as soon as you can.

FUEL FILTER LIFE RESET (Pickup Models)

You must reset the FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING display after each fuel filter change. It will not reset itself. Also, be careful not to reset the FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING display at any time other than when the fuel filter has just been changed because it cannot be reset accurately until the next fuel filter change. The fuel filter life will change to 100% when the system has been reset. To reset the system, press and hold the set/reset button, or the trip stem if there are no DIC buttons, for two seconds while ###% FUEL FILTER LIFE REMAINING is displayed on the DIC. For more information on DIC Vehicle Customization, see "Driver Information Center (DIC)" in your owner manual.

ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED

A computer monitors the operation of the electric accelerator. If the ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that your vehicle has a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service very soon.

SHIFT INHIBITED SELECT N TO RESET (Pickup Models)

If the transmission is unable to shift into a selected gear, this message will appear on the DIC. The electronic shift position indicator on the instrument panel cluster may blink when this occurs. To make the vehicle shift to the requested gear, you may have to shift back to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and re-select the desired gear.

WATER IN FUEL SERVICE REQUIRED

This message will come on to warn you if there is water in the diesel fuel system. For more information on how this message works, see Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System .

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 on the instrument panel 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.

If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF

This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned off. See Exterior Lamps for more information.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON

This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned on. See Exterior Lamps for more information.

CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES

This message displays when calibrating the compass. Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the calibration. See DIC Compass for more information.

CALIBRATION COMPLETE

This message displays when the compass calibration is complete. See DIC Compass for more information.

CARGO DOOR OPEN

This message displays and a chime sounds if the cargo door is open while the ignition is in ON/RUN. Turn off the vehicle and check the cargo door. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON

This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed. When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message. See Engine Oil Life System for information on how to reset the message. See Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

If your vehicle has 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. This message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs to be checked. You can receive more than one tire pressure message at a time. To read the other messages that may have been sent at the same time, press the set/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 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 .

DRIVER DOOR OPEN

This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. 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 HOT A/C (Air Conditioning) OFF

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 automatically turns off. When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning compressor turns back on. You can continue to drive your vehicle.

If this message continues to appear, have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine.

ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL

If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the oil level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure this message clears. See Engine Oil for additional information.

ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE

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. See Engine Overheating for more information.

This message displays when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it cools down. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage .

ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE

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. See Engine Overheating for more information.

This message displays and a chime sounds if the engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for operation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message clears when the engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.

ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED

This message displays and a chime sounds when the cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters the engine coolant protection mode. See Engine Overheating for further information.

This message also 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/retailer for service as soon as possible.

FUEL LEVEL LOW

This message displays if the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. See Fuel Gage and Fuel for more information.

ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE

This message displays when the outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly.

LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN

On some vehicles, this message displays and a chime sounds if the driver side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. 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 OPEN

This message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. 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.

REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE

This message displays while you are matching a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle. See "Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation and DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY

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

RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN

On some vehicles, this message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. 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 A/C SYSTEM

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 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 BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

On some vehicles, 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 . Driving with this problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Have the electrical system checked as soon as possible. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM

This message displays along with the brake system warning light if there is a problem with the brake system. See Brake System Warning Light . 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 as soon as possible. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE STABILITRAK

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak® and this message displays, it means there may be a problem with the StabiliTrak system. If you see this message, try to reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least 15 seconds; 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 THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM

This message displays when there is a problem with the theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may not restart so you may want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer before turning off the engine. See PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation for more information.

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this message displays if a part on the system 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 CONTROL

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays when there is a problem with the Traction Control System (TCS). When this message displays, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. See your dealer/retailer for service. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

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

STABILITRAK NOT READY

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may display and the StabiliTrak indicator light on the instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the vehicle and exceeding 20 mph (32 km/h) for 30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is not functional until the light has turned off. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

STABILITRAK OFF

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak, or when the stability control has been automatically disabled. 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 on or off, see StabiliTrak® System .

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

    • One condition is overheating, which could occur if StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended period of time.
    • The message also displays if the brake system warning light is on. See Brake System Warning Light .
    • The message could display if the stability system takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
    • The message displays if an engine or vehicle related problem has been detected and the vehicle needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
    •  The message also 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.

STARTING DISABLED SERVICE THROTTLE

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

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

This message cannot be acknowledged.

TIGHTEN GAS CAP

This message may display and a chime may be heard along with the check engine light on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened properly. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp . Reinstall the fuel cap fully. 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. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn this light and message off.

TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE

If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this message displays when the system is re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. See DIC Operation and Displays for more information. The tire positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor. See Tire Inspection and Rotation , Tire Pressure Monitor System , and Inflation - Tire Pressure for more information.

TRACTION CONTROL OFF

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the transmission fluid is overheating and the transmission temperature warning is displayed on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that would not be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated transmission fluid or while the transmission temperature warning is displayed.

This message displays along with a chime if the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the transmission fluid temperature high can cause damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This message clears and the chime stops when the fluid temperature reaches a safe level.

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.

WAIT TO START

This message displays briefly when the theft-deterrent system has initially found incorrect conditions within the vehicle and is making a double check. If your vehicle does not start soon after, try to start it again. If it still does not start, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.