GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Warning messages are displayed on the Driver Information Center (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 any of the four DIC buttons on the steering wheel, if equipped, to acknowledge that you received the messages and clear them from the display. If your vehicle is not equipped with DIC buttons on the steering wheel, press the trip odometer reset stem located on the instrument panel cluster to acknowledge messages and 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. 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.

BATTERY NOT CHARGING

On some vehicles, 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 by your dealer as soon as possible. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. See Battery Warning Light and Voltmeter Gage .

BUCKLE PASSENGER

If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing system, this message reminds you to buckle the passenger's seat belt. See Passenger Sensing System .

This message will display and a chime will sound when the ignition is on, the driver's seat belt is buckled, the passenger's seat belt is unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled and the vehicle is in motion. You should have the passenger buckle their seat belt.

This reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the passenger is still unbuckled and the passenger airbag is enabled. If the passenger's seat belt is already buckled, this message and chime will not come on.

Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the 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 seat belt. See Passenger Sensing System .

This message will display and a chime will sound when the ignition is on, the driver's seat belt is unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your seat belt.

If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be repeated. If the driver's seat belt is already buckled, this message and chime will not come on.

This message is an additional reminder to the Safety Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster. See Safety Belt Reminder Light .

Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

This message is displayed for 10 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle when the engine oil needs to be changed.

When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message. See Engine Oil Life System , Engine Oil and Scheduled Maintenance for more information.

CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE

On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the generator and battery charging system, this message will appear on the DIC, a chime will sound and the battery warning light on the instrument panel cluster will come on. Driving with this problem could drain your 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. See Battery Warning Light and Voltmeter Gage for more information.

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. The message will be displayed for 10 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle when the oil needs to checked. Once the problem is corrected, pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

CHECK WASHER FLUID

If the washer fluid level is low, this message will appear on the DIC. Adding washer fluid will clear the message. See Windshield Washer Fluid . The message will be displayed for 10 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle when the washer fluid is low. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

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. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will 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. Also, pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

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.

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.

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. The message will be displayed for 10 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle when the fuel level is low. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. See Fuel Gage and Fuel .

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. See "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

OIL LIFE RESET

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

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 by your dealer.

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.

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. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will 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 more information.

SERVICE 4WD (Four-Wheel-Drive)

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. See your dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE AIRBAG

If there is a problem with the airbag system, this message will be displayed on the DIC. Have your dealer inspect the system for problems. See Airbag Readiness Light and Airbag System for more information. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER

If your vehicle has vacuum assist power brakes, this message will be displayed on the DIC when there is a problem with the Supplemental Brake Assist system. If the message is displayed immediately after starting the vehicle or the message appears while driving, your Supplemental Brake Assist system needs service. See your dealer. See Brake System Warning Light .

Caution: Your brake system may not be working properly if the SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER message is displayed.

If the brake system warning light is also on, you should have the vehicle towed for service. See Brake System Warning Light .

If the brake system warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but the supplemental brake assist system may not operate properly. In the event of a vacuum loss, you may not have vacuum power assist for braking. The brake pedal will be harder to push and it will take longer to stop. If you continue to drive with this message displayed it can lead to a crash. Have the brake system serviced as soon as possible.

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. See your dealer.

SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM

On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery charging system, this message will appear on the DIC. Under certain conditions, the battery warning light may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. See Battery Warning Light . The battery will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have the electrical system checked by your dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.

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 the light and message off.

TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE ENGINE

If the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot, this message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a chime. The chime will stop when the transmission fluid temperature is less that 265°F (129°C). 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 when the fluid temperature reaches a safe level. See Transmission Temperature Gage .

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.

TRANSMISSION HOT

If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, this message will appear on the DIC display.

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
    • Over-loading
    • 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. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the DIC display.