GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

These messages appear if there is a problem detected in one of your vehicle's systems.

You must acknowledge a message to clear it from the screen for further use. To clear a message, press the set/reset button.

Be sure to take any message that appears on the screen seriously and remember that clearing the message will only make the message disappear, not the problem.

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.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE

This message displays when the system detects that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable level. The battery saver system starts reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice. At the point that the features are disabled, this message is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge in the battery.

Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. You can monitor battery voltage on the Driver Information Center (DIC) by pressing the trip/fuel button until BATTERY VOLTAGE is displayed.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON

This message displays when service is required for your vehicle. See your dealer/retailer. See Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

When you reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the engine oil life system separately. For more information on resetting the engine oil life system, see Engine Oil Life System .

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

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 .

CLEAN RADAR

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) system are 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 "Cleaning the System" under Adaptive Cruise Control .

CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this message displays when the SBZA system is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This message may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray. It may also come on when driving in isolated areas with no guardrails, trees, or road signs and light traffic. Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaning instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle . See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) for more information.

CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)

This message displays whenever the cruise control is set. See Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control for more information.

If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), after a few seconds, this message clears and the message "SET SPD XX" displays at the bottom of the DIC. See "SET SPD (Speed)" later in this section.

DRIVER DOOR OPEN


Object Number: 1411457  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the driver door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

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 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. Do not increase the engine speed above normal idling speed. 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 Warning Light .

See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

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 when the engine has overheated. Immediately look for a safe place to pull your vehicle over and turn the engine off right away to avoid severe engine damage. See Engine Overheating and Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . A chime also sounds when this message is displayed.

ENGINE POWER REDUCED

This message displays when the engine power is being reduced to protect the engine from damage. There could be several malfunctions that might cause this message. 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.

FOLLOWING GAP


Object Number: 1615312  Size: B1

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If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), this message displays to show the follow distance that has been set. There are six follow distances to choose from. Each follow distance is shown on the DIC by displaying from one to six bars between two car symbols. See Adaptive Cruise Control for more information.

FUEL LEVEL LOW


Object Number: 812212  Size: A1

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This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible. A single chime sounds when this message is displayed. See Filling the Tank .

HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM OFF

This message displays when you manually turn off the heated washer fluid system or when the system automatically turns off. See "Heated Washer Fluid" under Windshield Washer for more information.

HEATING WASH (Washer) FLUID WASH (Washer) WIPES PENDING

This message displays when you turn on the heated washer fluid system. See "Heated Washer Fluid" under Windshield Washer for more information.

HOOD OPEN


Object Number: 1411447  Size: A1

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This message displays when the hood is not closed completely. Make sure that the hood is closed completely. See Hood Release .

ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE

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

LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE

If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this message may display if the LDW system does not activate due to a temporary condition. See Lane Departure Warning (LDW) for more information.

LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN


Object Number: 1411461  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the driver side rear door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

NO CRUISE BRAKING GAS PEDAL APPLIED

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is engaged and you are pressing the accelerator pedal enough to disable ACC automatic braking. See Adaptive Cruise Control for more information.

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 instrument panel cluster and/or 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 when the vehicle's engine oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. See Oil Pressure Light .

A multiple chime sounds when this message is displayed. See Engine Oil for more information.

Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible when this message is displayed.

PARKING ASSIST OFF

If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) system, after the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park), this message displays to remind the driver that the UFRPA system has been turned off. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. To turn the UFRPA system back on, see "PARKING ASSIST" under DIC Operation and Displays . See Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) for more information.

PASSENGER DOOR OPEN


Object Number: 1411462  Size: A1

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This message displays when the passenger side front door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

RADAR CRUISE NOT READY

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system 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 and then try activating the system again. See Adaptive Cruise Control for more information.

RAINSENSE WIPERS ACTIVE

If your vehicle has Rainsense™ II wipers, this message displays while this feature is active. See Rainsense™ II Wipers for more information.

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 when the battery in the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter needs to be replaced. To replace the battery, see "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation .

RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN


Object Number: 1411464  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the passenger side rear door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.

SERVICE AIR BAG

This message displays when there is a problem with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately. See Airbag Readiness Light for more information.

SERVICE A/C SYSTEM

This message displays when the air delivery mode door or 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 BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

This message displays when a problem with the charging system has been detected. The charging system light also displays on the instrument panel cluster. See Charging System Light for more information. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST

This message displays if there is a problem with the brake system. The brake system warning light and the antilock brake system warning light may also be displayed on the instrument panel cluster. See Brake System Warning Light and Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light for more information. If this happens, 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 displayed or appears again when you begin driving, the brake system needs service. See your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. See Brakes for more information.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM

This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this message may display to indicate that the LDW system is not working properly. If this message remains on after continued driving, the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer. See Lane Departure Warning (LDW) for more information.

SERVICE PARKING ASSIST

If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) system, this message displays if there is a problem with the UFRPA system. Do not use this system to help you park. See Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) for more information. See your dealer/retailer for service.

SERVICE POWER STEERING

Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering system. See Steering .

This message displays if a problem is detected with the speed variable assist steering system. When this message is displayed, you may notice that the effort required to steer the vehicle decreases or feels lighter, but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.

SERVICE RADAR CRUISE

This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) system are disabled and need service. See your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM

If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system and this message displays, both SBZA displays will remain on indicating there is a problem with the SBZA system. If these displays remain on after continued driving, the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) for more information.

SERVICE STABILITRAK

Your vehicle may have a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak®. See StabiliTrak® System .

This message displays if there has been a problem detected with the StabiliTrak system.

If this message comes on while you are driving, pull off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off then back on. If this message still stays on or comes back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the StabiliTrak system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.

SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)

This message displays when the magnetic ride control or automatic leveling control system is not operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM

This message displays when there is a problem with the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault has been detected in the system which means that the system is disabled and it is not protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, 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

This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure Monitor System (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.

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL

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

SERVICE TRANSMISSION

This message displays when there is a problem with the vehicle's transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON

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

SET SPD (Speed)

If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), this message displays whenever the cruise control is set. First, the "CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)" message appears. After a few seconds, the "CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)" message clears and the message "SET SPD XX" displays at the bottom of the DIC. See "CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)" earlier in this section and Adaptive Cruise Control for more information.

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF

If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this message displays when the SBZA system has been turned off. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) and DIC Operation and Displays for more information.

SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)

This message displays when your vehicle speed is limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle detects a problem in the speed variable assist steering, magnetic ride control, or automatic leveling control systems. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

STABILITRAK NOT READY

If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may display and the Traction Control System and StabiliTrak Warning Light on the instrument panel cluster may be on after first driving the vehicle and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is not functional until the light has turned off. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

STARTING DISABLED SERVICE THROTTLE

This message displays when your vehicle's throttle system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.

THEFT ATTEMPTED


Object Number: 822610  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays if the content theft-deterrent system has detected a break-in attempt while you were away from your vehicle. See Content Theft-Deterrent for more information.

TIGHTEN GAS CAP

This message displays when the fuel cap has not been fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it is on and tightened properly.

TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE

This message displays when the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. 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

This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) for more information.

TRACTION CONTROL ON

This message displays when the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned on. See Traction Control System (TCS) 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 when the transmission fluid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle until the transmission cools down or until this message is removed.

TRUNK OPEN


Object Number: 1411452  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when the trunk is not closed completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed completely.

TURN SIGNAL ON

This message displays as a reminder to turn off the turn signal if you drive your vehicle for more than about 1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on. A multiple chime sounds when this message is displayed.

WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID


Object Number: 829962  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

This message displays when your vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid. Refill the windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible. See Windshield Washer Fluid for more information.