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.

A message will clear when the vehicle's condition is no longer present. To acknowledge a message and clear it from the display, press and hold any of the DIC buttons. If the condition is still present, the warning message will come back on the next time the vehicle is turned off and back on. With most messages, a warning chime sounds when the message displays. Your vehicle may have other warning messages.

AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF

This message displays if the automatic headlamp system is disabled with the headlamp switch.

AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON

This message displays if the automatic headlamp system is enabled with the headlamp switch.

BRAKE FLUID

This message displays to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low while the ignition is on. The brake system warning light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on. See Brake System Warning Light for more information. Have the brake system serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.

CHANGE OIL SOON

This message displays when the life of the engine oil has expired and it should be changed.

When you acknowledge the CHANGE OIL SOON message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the engine oil life system separately. See Engine Oil Life System and Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services for more information.

CHECK GAS CAP

This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the message off.

COMPETITIVE MODE

If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays when the Competitive Driving mode is selected. The Traction Control System (TCS) will not be operating while in the Competitive Driving mode and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster will be on solid. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

CRUISE ENGAGED

This message displays when the cruise control system is active. See Cruise Control for more information.

DOOR AJAR

This message displays if one or more of the vehicle's doors are not closed properly. When this message displays, make sure that the door(s) are closed completely.

ENGINE DISABLED

This message displays if the starting of the engine is disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer immediately.

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE

If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster flashes when ESC is assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. You may feel or hear the system working and see this message displayed in the DIC. Slippery road conditions may exist when this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. This message may stay on for a few seconds after ESC stops assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. This is normal when the system is operating. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF

If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when ESC is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW

This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in the transmitter. See "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation .

LOW TRACTION

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster flashes when the system is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. This message stays on for a few seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

PARKING BRAKE

This message displays if the parking brake is left engaged. See Parking Brake for more information.

SERVICE AIR BAG

This message displays when there is a problem with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer immediately.

SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)

If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this message displays and a chime sounds if there has been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. This light stays on solid as long as the detected problem remains present. When this message displays, the system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

If this message turns 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 and then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer as soon as possible.

SERVICE TRACTION

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays and a chime sounds when the system is not functioning properly. The ESC/TCS light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. This light stays on solid as long as the detected problem remains present. When this message displays, the system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information. Have the TCS serviced by your dealer as soon as possible.

TRACTION OFF

If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when the TCS is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light for more information.

TRUNK AJAR

This message displays when the trunk lid is not closed completely. Make sure that the trunk lid is closed completely. See Trunk and Trunk Ajar Light .