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. Press any of the DIC buttons on the steering wheel or the trip odometer reset stem located 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.

BATTERY NOT CHARGING

This message displays if the battery is not charging during operation. Driving with this problem could drain the battery. Have the electrical system checked as soon as possible by your dealer. See Charging System Light and Voltmeter Gage for more information. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed. See "Engine Oil Life System" under DIC Operation and Displays and Engine Oil Life System for information on how to reset the message. Also, see Engine Oil for more information. This message clears itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE

On some vehicles, this message displays, a chime sounds, and the charging system light on the instrument panel cluster comes on if there is a problem with the generator and battery charging system. See Charging System Light and Voltmeter Gage for more information. 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 immediately.

CHECK OIL LEVEL

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 make sure this message clears. Once the problem is corrected, press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. This message clears itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.

CHECK WASHER FLUID

This message displays if the windshield washer fluid level is low. Adding windshield washer fluid to the windshield washer fluid reservoir clears the message. See Windshield Washer Fluid for more information. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. This message clears itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition cycle.

DRIVER DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver's 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. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

ENGINE COOLANT HOT

This message displays if the cooling system temperature gets hot. Turn off the air conditioning. If the message is still on, or if the engine coolant temperature gage continues to rise, pull the vehicle over when it is safe to do so. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage for more information. Stop the vehicle and let the engine idle in PARK (P) for a few minutes to allow the coolant to reach a safe temperature. This message clears when the coolant temperature drops to a safe operating temperature. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

ENGINE OVERHEATED

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.

FUEL LEVEL LOW

This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. This message also clears itself after 10 seconds. The low fuel light near the fuel gage still remains on in either case. See Low Fuel Warning Light , Fuel Gage , and Fuel for more information.

KEYFOB X 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 . Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver's 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. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

OIL LIFE RESET

This message displays for about 10 seconds after resetting the change engine oil message. See Engine Oil and "Engine Oil Life System" under DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

OIL PRESSURE LOW

This message displays and a chime sounds 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.

PASSENGER DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger's 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. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

REAR ACCESS OPEN

On the SUV, this message displays and a chime sounds if the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.

On the SUT, this message displays if the midgate is open or one or both of the midgate latches are not fully closed. Turn off the vehicle and check that the midgate and the latches are closed. Restart the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.

Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER

This message displays 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 may also display when the vehicle determines that there is a problem with the electronic throttle control. See your dealer for service.

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 for service as soon as possible.

REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE (SUV)

This message displays if the liftgate lock malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more information on fuses, see Instrument Panel Fuse Block and Underhood Fuse Block .

If the message returns after replacing the fuse, see your dealer for service.

RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR

This message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger's 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. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE 4WD (Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive)

This message displays if a problem occurs with the Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive 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, there is a problem with the Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive system. See your dealer for service. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE AIR BAG

This message displays if there is a problem with the airbag system. Have your dealer inspect the system for problems. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. See Airbag Readiness Light and Airbag System for more information.

SERVICE AIR SUSPENSION

This message displays if a problem occurs with the suspension 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, there is a problem with the air suspension system. See your dealer for service.

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, there is a problem with the brake system. See your dealer for service. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.

TIGHTEN FUEL CAP

This message may display 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, making sure to fully install the 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. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light and message off.

TRACTION ACTIVE

This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is active. This happens when the TCS has detected that any of the vehicle's wheels are slipping. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

TRANS (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 and a continuous chime sounds 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. See Transmission Temperature Gage .

TRANSMISSION HOT

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 if the transmission fluid temperature becomes high.

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 turns off and the transmission shifting patterns return to normal.

If the vehicle has the Tow/Haul mode, use this feature if the transmission is operating at higher temperatures and/or the following situations exist, which can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures:

    • Towing a trailer
    • Hot outside air temperatures
    • Hauling a large or heavy load
    • Over-loading
    • Low transmission fluid level
    • High transmission fluid level
    • Restricted air flow to the radiator and the auxiliary transmission oil cooler, if your vehicle has this feature

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 for the transmission on your vehicle. Also see Transmission Temperature Gage for more information.

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. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display.