Warning 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. If there is more than one message that needs to be displayed they will appear one after another. Some messages may not require immediate action but you should press the select button to acknowledge that you received the message and clear it 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. The following are the possible messages that can be displayed and some information about them.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
If the battery is not charging during operation, this message will appear on the DIC. Driving with this problem could drain your battery. Have the electrical system checked as soon as possible. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the driver's and/or passenger's seatbelt. See Passenger Sensing System . The message will come on when the ignition is in RUN and the following conditions occur:
| • | The driver's seatbelt is unbuckled. |
| • | The driver's seatbelt is unbuckled and the passenger's seatbelt is unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled. |
Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
BUCKLE PASSENGER
If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the passenger's seatbelt. See Passenger Sensing System . This message will come on and a chime will sound when the ignition is in RUN and the driver's seatbelt is buckled and the passenger's seatbelt is unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled. Press the select button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to be changed. See GM Oil Life System previously in this section for information on how to reset the message. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle. See Scheduled Maintenance for more information.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitor system, and a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle's tires, this message will appear on the DIC. Press the select button, or reset stem, to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. It will appear at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer fluid level is low, this message will appear on the DIC. Adding washer fluid will clear the message. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
If the oil level in the vehicle is low, this message will appear on the DIC. 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 will clear. Once the problem is corrected, pressing the select button will clear this message from the DIC display. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver's door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message will appear in the DIC. Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P) to allow the coolant to reach a safe temperature. This message will clear when the coolant temperature drops to a safe operating temperature.
ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for operation, this message will appear in the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. This message will clear when the engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as possible. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message immediately and clear it from the DIC display. It will also clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle. The low fuel light near the fuel gage will still remain on in either case.
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low, this message will appear on the DIC. The battery needs to be replaced in the transmitter. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the driver's side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
If your vehicle is equipped with low coolant level sensor, this message will appear on the DIC if the engine coolant level is low. Adding coolant will clear the message.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the display for about 10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil message.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. 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 your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger's door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the passenger's side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
If the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN, this message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a chime. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed and you will hear a chime when the cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters the engine coolant protection mode.
See Engine Overheating for further information.
REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE
This message will be displayed if the liftgate lock malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more information on fuses, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers
If the message returns after replacing the fuse, see you dealer for service.
SERVICE AIR BAG
If there is a problem with the air bag system, this message will be displayed on the DIC. Have a qualified technician inspect the system for problems. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
If a problem occurs with the brake system, this message will appear on the DIC. 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.
SERVICE 4WD
If a problem occurs with the all-wheel drive system, this message will appear on the DIC. 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 four wheel drive system needs service.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this message will appear on the DIC. If this message appears, stop 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 suspension system needs service.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitor system, this message will be displayed if any of the tire monitor sensors have malfunctioned, or if all the tire monitor sensors have not been programmed successfully. Press the select button, or the reset stem, to clear it from the display. The message will appear at each ignition cycle until the system is serviced.
STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled system has come on to help your vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you're steering. Stabilitrak activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system activates, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. When the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message is on, you should continue to steer in the direction you want to go. The system is designed to help you in bad weather or other difficult driving situations by making the most of whatever road conditions will permit.
SERVICE STABILITY
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it means there may be a problem with your Stabilitrak system. If you see this message try to reset the system (stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, you do not have the benefit of Stabilitrak, so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
STABILITY SYS DISABLED
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on when you press the Stabilitrak button, 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 back on press the Stabilitrak button again. There are four 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 will also be displayed if the brake system warning light is on. See Brake System Warning Light . The message could be displayed if the stability system takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic checks due to driving conditions. Also, if an engine or vehicle related problem has been detected, and the vehicle needs service, the message will appear.
The message will turn off as soon as the conditions that caused the message to be displayed are no longer present.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened properly this message may appear along with the check engine light on the instrument panel. 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 will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn this light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that any of the vehicle's wheels are slipping, the traction control system will activate and this message will appear on the DIC. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.
TRACTION SYS LIMITED
If the brake traction-control system activates constantly or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed braking, brake traction-control will be displayed and the TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed. The system will return to normal operation after the brakes have cooled. See StabiliTrak® System .
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
If the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot, this message will appear on the DIC along with a continuous chime. 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 will clear and the chime will stop when the fluid temperature reaches a safe level.
TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, the message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns. When the transmission fluid temperature returns to normal, the display will turn off and the transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
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.
The following situations can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures:
| • | Towing a trailer |
| • | Hot outside air temperatures |
| • | Hauling a large or heavy load |
| • | Low transmission fluid level |
| • | High transmission fluid level |
| • | Restricted air flow to the radiator. |
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down. If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures on a frequent basis, see Scheduled Maintenance for the proper transmission maintenance intervals.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position. Pressing the select button will acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
Warning 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. If there is more than one message that needs to be displayed they will appear one after another. Some messages may not require immediate action but you should press the select button to acknowledge that you received the message and clear it 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. The following are the possible messages that can be displayed and some information about them.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
If the battery is not charging during operation, this message will appear on the DIC. Driving with this problem could drain your battery. Have the electrical system checked as soon as possible. Press the select button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
BUCKLE SEATBELT
If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the driver's and/or passenger's seatbelt. See Passenger Sensing System . The message will come on when the ignition is in RUN and the following conditions occur:
| • | The driver's seatbelt is unbuckled. |
| • | The driver's seatbelt is unbuckled and the passenger's seatbelt is unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled. |
Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
BUCKLE PASSENGER
If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the passenger's seatbelt. See Passenger Sensing System . This message will come on and a chime will sound when the ignition is in RUN and the driver's seatbelt is buckled and the passenger's seatbelt is unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled. Press the select button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle, or until the message is reset. See Control of a Vehicle for more information.
CHECK OIL LEVEL
If your vehicle is equipped with an oil level sensor, and the oil level in the vehicle is low, this message will appear on the DIC. 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 will clear. The message will clear itself after 10 seconds, until the next ignition cycle. Once the problem is corrected, press the select button to clear the message from the DIC display.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor System, and a low tire pressure is detected in any of the vehicle's tires, this message will appear on the DIC, along with a chime. Press the select button, or reset stem, to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. It will appear at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer fluid level is low, this message will appear on the DIC. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. The message will clear itself after 10 seconds, or until the next ignition cycle. Adding washer fluid will clear the message.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver's door is not fully closed, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message will appear in the DIC. Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P) to allow the coolant to reach a safe temperature. This message will clear when the coolant temperature drops to safe operating temperature. To acknowledge this message press the select button
ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures for operation, this message will appear in the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe damage. The message will clear when the engine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as possible. Press the select button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low, this message will appear on the DIC. The battery needs to be replaced in the transmitter. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the driver's side rear door is not fully closed, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant level sensor, this message will appear on the DIC if the engine coolant level is low. Adding coolant will clear the message.
OIL LIFE RESET
This message will appear on the DIC display for about 10 seconds after the change engine oil message is reset.
OIL PRESSURE LOW
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. 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 your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
If the passenger's door is not fully closed, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
REAR ACCESS OPEN
If the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN, this message will appear on the DIC display and you will hear a chime. Turn the vehicle off and check the liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message is displayed when the cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters the engine coolant protection mode.
See Engine Overheating for further information.
REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE
This message will be displayed if the liftgate lock malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more information on fuses, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers .
If the message returns after replacing the fuse, see you dealer for service.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the passenger's side rear door is not fully closed, this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE AIRBAG
If there is a problem with the air bag system, this message will be displayed on the DIC. Have a qualified technician inspect the system for problems. Press the select button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
If there is a problem with the brake system, this message will be displayed on the DIC. 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. Press the select button to acknowledge the message.
SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER
If a problem occurs with the 4 Wheel Steer system, this message will appear on the DIC. If the 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 4 Wheel Steer system needs service. Press the select button to acknowledge the message.
SERVICE 4WD
If a problem occurs with the four wheel drive system this message will appear on the DIC. 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 four wheel drive system needs service. Press the select button to acknowledge the message.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this message will appear on the DIC. If the message appears 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 ride control needs service. Press the select button to acknowledge the message.
SERVICE STABILITY
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it means there may be a problem with your Stabilitrak system. If you see this message try to reset the system (stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, you do not have the benefit of Stabilitrak, so reduce your speed and drive accordingly. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor System, this message will be displayed if one or more of the tire monitor sensors have malfunctioned, or if all of the tire monitor sensors have not been programmed successfully. Press the select button or reset stem, to clear it from the display. The message will reappear at each ignition cycle until the system has been serviced.
STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled system has come on to help your vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you're steering. Stabilitrak activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system activates, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. When the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message is on, you should continue to steer in the direction you want to go. The system is designed to help you in bad weather or other difficult driving situations by making the most of whatever road conditions will permit.
STABILITY SYS DISABLED
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on when you press the Stabilitrak button, 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 back on press the Stabilitrak button again. 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 will also be displayed if the brake system warning light is on. See Brake System Warning Light . The message could be displayed if the stability system takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic checks due to driving conditions. If an engine or vehicle related problem has been detected, and the vehicle needs service, the message will appear. The message will also appear if the vehicle is shifted into 4LO.
The message will turn off as soon as the conditions that caused the message to be displayed are no longer present.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened properly this message may appear along with the check engine light on the instrument panel. Reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See Filling the Tank . The diganostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light and message off.
TRACTION ACTIVE
When the traction control system has detected that any of the vehicle's wheels are spinning, the traction control system will activate and this message will appear on the DIC. For more information see Traction Assist System (TAS)
TRACTION SYS LIMITED
If the brake traction-control system activates constantly or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed braking, brake traction-control will be displayed and the TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed. The system will return to normal operation after the brakes have cooled.
TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, the message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns. When the transmission fluid temperature returns to normal, the display will turn off and the transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
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.
The following situations can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures:
| • | Towing a trailer |
| • | Hot outside air temperatures |
| • | Hauling a large or heavy load |
| • | Low transmission fluid level |
| • | High transmission fluid level |
| • | Restricted air flow to the radiator and the auxiliary transmission oil cooler. |
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down. If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures on a frequent basis, see Scheduled Maintenance for the proper transmission maintenance intervals.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this message will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position. Press the select button to acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.
