GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

These messages will appear if there is a problem sensed in one of your vehicle's systems. You must then press RESET to clear the display screen for further use. However, be sure to take any message that appears on the display screen seriously and remember that pressing the RESET button will only make the message disappear, not the problem.

DIC messages can also be displayed in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

ABS ACTIVE: When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, the ABS ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message may stay on for a few seconds after the system stops adjusting brake pressure.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE: This message is displayed when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery saver system will start reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may not be able to notice. At the point that features are disabled, this message is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge in the battery. Turn off unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.

CHANGE OIL NOW: This means that the life of the engine oil has expired. See Scheduled Maintenance . After an oil change, the Oil Life Indicator must be reset. See Oil Life Indicator and Engine Oil Life System .

CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT: This message will display when a problem with the charging system has been detected. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

CHECK GAS CAP: This message will appear if the gas cap has not been fully tightened. You should recheck your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.

CLEAN RADAR CRUISE: This message indicates the ACC system is disabled because the radar is blocked and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean the system, see "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)" under Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .

CLOSE CARGO DIVIDER: This message indicates that the cargo divider is not in place. Open the trunk and make sure the cargo divider is secure and no objects are on the divider. See Rear Storage Area for more information.

COOLANT OVER TEMP: This message will appear when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle in PARK (P) until it cools down and the message is removed. Do not increase engine speed above a normal idle. If it does not cool down, turn off the engine and have it serviced by your GM dealer before driving it again. Severe engine damage can result from an overheated engine. See Engine Overheating .

CRUISE NOT READY: This message indicates that ACC will not activate due to a temporary condition. Your vehicle does not require service. If this message appears when you attempt to activate the system, continue driving for several minutes then try again to activate the system.

DRIVER NO. X (1 OR 2): This message will be displayed when the vehicle is started or when there is a change of driver. The message will show which driver is activating the personalization feature. It will only stay on for five seconds.

ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE: This message will appear when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. See Engine Overheating . A multiple chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM: If this message appears, the control system has determined that continued operation at the existing engine speed may lead to engine overheating. Therefore, you should lower the engine speed by upshifting the transmission or drive at a lower speed.

HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED: If it is dark enough outside and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel® controls are off, this message will display on the DIC. This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended. It has become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps. This message will also appear if the optional Rainsenseā„¢ wiping feature is on and the Twilight Sentinel® is off.

HIGH TRANS TEMP: This message indicates that the transaxle fluid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools down or until this message is removed.

HIGH VOLTAGE: This message shows that the electrical charging system is overcharging. To avoid being stranded, have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer. You can reduce the charging overload by using the accessories. Turn on the lamps and radio, set the climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on HI, and turn the rear window defogger on. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the information button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running.

HOT ENGINE-A/C OFF: This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the A/C operation will automatically resume. You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message continues to appear, have the system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as possible to avoid compressor damage.

ICE POSSIBLE: This message appears when the outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions.

LEFT DOOR AJAR: This message will display anytime the vehicle engine is running, the transmission is not in PARK (P) and the driver's door is open or ajar. A chime will sound when the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).

LOW BRAKE FLUID: This message will display if the vehicle is running to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See "Brake Fluid" under Brakes .

LOW COOLANT: This message will appear when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See Engine Coolant .

LOW FUEL: This message will appear when the fuel supply is less than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is turned off. A single chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

LOW OIL LEVEL: For correct operation of the low oil sensing system, your vehicle should be on a level surface. A false LOW OIL LEVEL message may appear if the vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil level sensing system does not check for actual oil level if the engine has been off for a short period of time, and the oil level is never checked while the engine is running. If the LOW OIL LEVEL message appears, and your vehicle has been parked on level ground with the engine off for at least 30 minutes, the oil level should be checked by observing the oil dipstick. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure the engine has been off for a few minutes and your vehicle is on a level surface. Then check the dipstick and add oil if necessary. See Engine Oil .

LOW OIL PRESSURE: If this message appears while the engine is running, stop the engine and do not operate it until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine can result. A multiple chime will sound when this message is displayed.

LOW VOLTAGE: This message will appear when the electrical system is charging less than 10 volts or if the battery has been drained. If this message appears immediately after starting, it is possible that the generator can still recharge the battery. The battery should recharge while driving but may take a few hours to do so. Consider using an auxiliary charger (be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions) to boost the battery after returning home or to a final destination. If this message appears while driving or after starting your vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately by your GM dealer to determine the cause of this problem. To help the generator recharge the battery quickly, you can reduce the load on the electrical system by turning off the accessories. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.

LOW WASHER FLUID: This message means that your vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid. See Windshield Washer Fluid .

MAX SPEED XX MPH (XX KM/H): A failure in the magnetic ride control system has occurred when this message appears. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines the speed to which your vehicle is limited. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer if this message appears.

NO FOB DETECTED: This message is displayed if the vehicle does not detect the presence of a keyless access transmitter when you have attempted to start the vehicle or a vehicle door has just closed. The following conditions may cause this message to appear:

    • Driver-added equipment plugged into the accessory power outlet on the center console is causing interference. Examples of these devices are cell phones and cell phone chargers, two-way radios, power inverters, or similar items. Try moving the keyless access transmitter away from these devices when starting the vehicle. In addition, PDA devices and remote garage and gate openers may also generate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) that may interfere with the keyless access transmitter. Do not carry the keyless access transmitter in the same pocket or bag as these devices.
    • The vehicle is experiencing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Some locations, such as airports, automatic toll booths, and some gas stations, have EMI fields which may interfere with your keyless access transmitter. If moving the transmitter to different locations within the vehicle does not help, place the transmitter in the glove box transmitter pocket with the buttons facing to the right and then press the START button.
NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?: This message is displayed when you turn off the engine, but the vehicle does not detect a keyless access transmitter in the vehicle. The vehicle will remain in accessory mode until the engine has been turned off or started, or five minutes has expired. If you select OFF, the vehicle cannot be started again without a keyless access transmitter in the vehicle.

OVER SPEED WARNING: This message is displayed when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain limit as required by some export countries. A chime will sound when this message is displayed.

PRESS BRAKE TO START: The brake pedal must be applied to start the vehicle. Make sure you are pressing the brake pedal all the way down.

REDUCED ENGINE POWER : This message informs you that the vehicle is reducing engine power because the transmission is being placed in gear under conditions that may cause damage to the vehicle's engine, transmission or ability to accelerate.

RIGHT DOOR AJAR : The passenger's door is open or ajar when this message appears. The vehicle must be running and the transmission not in PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

SERVICE A/C: This message appears when the electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and heating systems are no longer working. Have the climate control system serviced by your GM dealer if you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.

SERVICE ABS: If the SERVICE ABS message is displayed when you are driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the message stays on, or comes back on again while you are driving, your vehicle is in need of service. See your GM dealer. If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your Traction Control System and StabiliTrak® System will also be disabled. The Driver Information Center will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYS and SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the anti-lock brake system and traction control warning lights on the instrument panel cluster will be illuminated. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light and Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . The driver can acknowledge these messages by pressing the RESET button three times. When the service message is displayed the computer controlled systems will not assist the driver and you should have the system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.

SERVICE ELECT SYSTEM: This message will display if an electrical problem has occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel system when this message appears. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. This message will also be displayed when the cluster is not getting fuel information from the PCM.

SERVICE RADAR CRUISE: This message indicates that the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is disabled and needs service. See your GM dealer.

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL: This message indicates there is a problem with the Magnetic Ride Control System. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE TRACTION SYS: This message indicates there is a problem with the Traction Control System (TCS). Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE STABILITRAK: If this message appears it means there may be a problem with your stability enhancement system. If you see this message, try to reset the system. Stop, turn off the engine, then start the engine again. If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your GM dealer for service. Reduce your speed and drive accordingly. A single chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

SERVICE TRANSMISSION: This message indicates that there is a problem with the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON: This message is displayed when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.

SHIFT TO PARK: This message indicates that the vehicle is not in PARK (P) when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in accessory mode. Once the shifter is moved to PARK (P), the vehicle will turn off.

STABILITRAK ACTIVE: You may see the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message on the Driver Information Center. It means that an advanced, computer-controlled system has come on to help your vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you are steering. This stability enhancement system 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 is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. When the STABILITRAK 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. If the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message comes on, you will know that something has caused your vehicle to start to spin, so you should consider slowing down. A single chime will also sound when this message is displayed.

STABILITRAK READY: If you receive this message and hear a chime, the system has completed the functional check of the StabiliTrak® System.

STABILITRAK WARMING: When you first start your vehicle and drive away, especially during cold winter weather, the STABILITRAK WARMING message may be displayed in the DIC along with a chime and the traction control warning light. This is normal. You can acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET button. The StabiliTrak® performance is affected until the STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC, which can take up to 15 minutes.

SVC TIRE MONITOR: If this message comes on, a part on the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is not working properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning will come on in approximately 10 minutes. If all four sensors are missing, the warning will come on in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. (All the sensors would be missing, for example, if you put different wheels on your vehicle without transferring the sensors.) If the warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPM. See your GM dealer.

TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP: This message will display when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is below -4°F (-20°C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up before using the retractable hardtop.

TOP INOP - VALET ON: This message will display when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the valet switch is on. Turn off the valet switch before using the retractable hardtop.

TOP INOP OUT OF PARK: This message will display if the retractable hardtop button is pressed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P).

TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP: This message will display when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor to cool down before using the retractable hardtop.

TOP NOT SECURE: This message will display when the retractable hardtop button is released before the top open or close operation is complete. Press and hold the retractable hardtop button to fully open or close the top.

TRAC SYSTEM ACTIVE: When your traction control system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. This message will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control system stops limited wheel spin.

TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF: This message indicates that both the Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak® are off. The message will remain until the systems are turned on again.

TRAC/STABILITRAK ON: This message indicates that both the Traction Control System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak® are on.

TRACTION SYSTEM OFF: This message indicates that the Traction Control System (TCS) is off but StabiliTrak® remains on.

TRACTION SYSTEM ON: This message indicates that the Traction Control System (TCS) is on, but StabiliTrak® is off.

TRUNK AJAR: This message indicates that the trunk is open while the vehicle is running and not in PARK (P).

WAIT FOR STABILITRAK: This message will be displayed after driving 19 mph (30 km/h) for 10 seconds if the steering is not centered. StabiliTrak® is not available until the steering centers itself and the STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC.