GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the status of many of your vehicle's systems. It is also used to display driver personalization features and warning/status messages. All messages will appear on the navigation system screen.

System Controls

To operate the DIC, briefly touch the blue vehicle information screen button in the upper right corner of the screen. Each touch of this screen button will scroll to the next available vehicle information item.

The Vehicle Information menu allows you to select the vehicle information to be displayed and allows you to reset or turn on or off certain information. You can access the Vehicle Information menu by doing one of the following:

    • Touch and hold the vehicle information screen button in the upper right corner of the screen for three seconds.
    • Press the Audio/Adjust hard key to the left of the screen to bring up the Main Audio menu and then touch the vehicle information screen button on the Main Audio menu.
        The icons for this key and screen button look like the following:
/ (Audio/Adjust): This is the audio/adjust hard key.

(Vehicle Information): This is the vehicle information screen button.

Status of Vehicle Systems

You can view the status of several vehicle systems using the DIC.

Vehicle Information Menu

To access the Vehicle Info menu, see "System Controls" listed previously.

The following menu will appear when Vehicle Info is selected. The tire pressure menu items are only available if your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) System:

    • Clock/Outside Air Temp
    • Trip Odometer A*
    • Trip Odometer B*
    • Fuel Range
    • Average Fuel Economy*
    • Instantaneous Fuel Economy
    • Fuel Used*
    • Average Vehicle Speed*
    • Timer*
    • Battery Voltage
    • Left Front Tire Pressure
    • Left Rear Tire Pressure
    • Right Front Tire Pressure
    • Right Rear Tire Pressure
    • Engine Oil Life*
    • Transmission Fluid Life*

*These items can be reset. Each one must be reset individually. For a detailed description of the menu items and how to reset them, see "Vehicle Information Menu Item Descriptions" following.

You can view any of these menu items at any time by touching the screen button next to the item. The currently selected item is displayed at the top of the screen. Only one item can be displayed at a time.

Vehicle Information Menu Item Descriptions

The following is a detailed description of each Vehicle Information menu item:

Clock/Outside Air Temp: If you select this item, the clock and outside temperature will be displayed at the top of the screen. The outside temperature will be displayed in either degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius depending upon whether the system is set for English or metric units.

Trip Odometer A and B: The trip odometer can record the number of miles or kilometers traveled for up to two trips.

  1. Press and hold the vehicle information button in the upper right corner of the screen for three seconds to access the Vehicle Information menu.
  2. Use the up and down arrows on the screen to bring TRIP A or TRIP B into view. Then press the button next to the trip you wish to be viewed.
  3. The selected trip odometer (A or B) will be displayed at the top of the screen with the accumulated mileage.

  4. Press the RETURN button to return to the previous page.
  5. Repeat the steps to view the other trip odometer.
Fuel Range: If you select this item, the approximate number of remaining miles or kilometers you can drive without refueling is displayed. This estimate is based on the current driving conditions and will change if the driving conditions change. For example, if you are driving in traffic making frequent stops, the display may read one number, but if you enter the freeway, the number may change even though you still have the same amount of gas in the gas tank. This is because different driving conditions produce different fuel economies. Generally, freeway driving produces better fuel economy than city driving. If your vehicle is low on fuel, the Low Fuel Level message will be displayed. See "Low Fuel Level Message" in your vehicle's owner manual.

Average Fuel Economy: If you select this item, the approximate average miles per gallon (mpg) or Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100km) is displayed. This number is calculated based on the number of mpg (L/100km) recorded since the last time this menu item was reset. To reset the Average Fuel Economy, touch and hold the vehicle information screen button to bring up the Vehicle Information menu. Use the up and down arrows on the screen to select Average Fuel Economy and then touch the RESET screen button. Touch the RETURN screen button to go back to the previous page.

Instantaneous Fuel Economy: If you select this item, the current fuel economy is displayed. This number reflects only the fuel economy that the vehicle has right now and will change frequently as driving conditions change. Unlike average fuel economy, this menu item cannot be reset.

Fuel Used: If you select this item, the number of gallons or liters of fuel used since the last reset of this menu item is displayed. To reset the Fuel Used, touch and hold the vehicle information screen button to bring up the Vehicle Information menu. Use the up and down arrows on the screen to select Fuel Used and then touch the RESET screen button. Touch the RETURN screen button to go back to the previous page.

Average Vehicle Speed: If you select this item, the average speed of the vehicle is displayed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). This average is calculated based on the various vehicle speeds recorded since the last reset of this menu item. To reset the Average Vehicle Speed, touch and hold the vehicle information screen button to bring up the Vehicle Information menu. Use the up and down arrows on the screen to select Average Vehicle Speed and then touch the RESET screen button. Touch the RETURN screen button to go back to the previous page.

Timer: If you select this item, a timing feature is displayed. The timer functions like a stopwatch in that you can record the time it takes to travel from one point to another. To turn on the timer, touch and hold the vehicle information screen button to bring up the Vehicle Information menu. Use the up and down arrows on the screen to select Timer and then press the ON screen button. Touch the RETURN screen button to go back to the previous page. To reset the timer, touch and hold the vehicle information screen button to bring up the Vehicle Information menu. Use the up and down arrows on the screen to select Timer and then touch the RESET screen button. Touch the RETURN screen button to go back to the previous page.

Battery Voltage: If you select this item, the current battery voltage is displayed. If the voltage is in the normal range, the display will have OK after it. For example, the display may read 13.2 Battery Volts OK. If there is a problem with the battery charging system, there are four possible DIC messages that may be displayed. See "DIC Warnings and Messages" later in this section for more information.

Left Front Tire Pressure: If you select this item, the driver's side front tire pressure will be displayed. If the tire pressure is low, LOW will be displayed with this item. The pressure can be displayed in PSI or KPA.

Right Front Tire Pressure: If you select this item, the passenger's side front tire pressure will be displayed. If the tire pressure is low, LOW will be displayed with this item. The pressure can be displayed in PSI or KPA.

Right Rear Tire Pressure: If you select this item, the passenger's side rear tire pressure will be displayed. If the tire pressure is low, LOW will be displayed with this item. The pressure can be displayed in PSI or KPA.

Left Rear Tire Pressure: If you select this item, the driver's side rear tire pressure will be displayed. If the tire pressure is low, LOW will be displayed with this item. The pressure can be displayed in PSI or KPA.

Engine Oil Life: If you select this item, the percentage of remaining oil life is displayed. If you see 99% Oil Life on the display, that means that 99% of the current oil life remains. When the oil life is depleted, the Change Engine Oil message will appear on the display. See your dealer for service. In addition to the Engine Oil Life System monitoring the oil life, additional maintenance is recommended. See "Engine Oil Life System" and "Maintenance Schedule" in your vehicle's owner manual. Press the display button to acknowledge the Change Engine Oil message. This will clear the message from the display and reset it. When you reset the Change Engine Oil message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the engine oil life monitor separately.

To reset the oil life indicator, use the following steps:

  1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine running.
  2. Turn the system on by pressing the PWR/VOL knob located to the lower left of the DIC display screen.
  3. Press and hold the vehicle information display button located in the upper right of the screen for 3 seconds to enter the vehicle information menu.
  4. Use the scroll up or down display keys to select Engine Oil Life.
  5. Press and hold the RESET button on the display.
  6. The percentage will return to 100, and the oil life indicator will be reset. Repeat the steps if the percentage does not return to 100.

  7. Press the RETURN button on the display to return to the main page.
  8. Turn the key to OFF.
Transmission Fluid Life: If you select this item, the percentage of remaining transmission fluid life is displayed. If you see 99% Trans Fluid Life on the display, that means that 99% of the current transmission fluid life remains. When the transmission fluid life is depleted, the Change Transmission Fluid message will appear on the display. You should change the transmission fluid as soon as possible within 200 miles (320 km). Be sure to keep a written record of the mileage and date of the fluid change so you will have it for future reference. When you reset the Change Transmission Fluid message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the transmission fluid life monitor separately.

To reset the transmission fluid life indicator, use the following steps:

  1. Turn the vehicle on with the ignition in RUN.
  2. Turn the Navigation system on by pressing the PWR/VOL knob.
  3. Press and hold the vehicle information button in the upper right corner of the screen for three seconds. This will bring up the Vehicle Information menu.
  4. Use the up and down arrows to scroll through the items until you get to Transmission Fluid Life.
  5. Press and hold the RESET button on the screen until the Transmission Fluid Life is reset to 100 percent.
  6. Repeat this procedure if the Transmission Fluid Life does not reset.

  7. Press the RETURN button on the screen to return to the main screen.

DIC Warnings and Messages

These messages will appear if there is a problem sensed 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, touch the Ok screen 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.

Battery Saver Active

This message appears when the system detects that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable level. The battery saver system will start reducing certain features of the vehicle that you may not 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 DIC by selecting Battery Volts from the Vehicle Information menu.

Battery Voltage High

This message indicates that the electrical charging system is overcharging the battery. When the system detects that the battery voltage is above approximately 16 volts, this message will be displayed.

To reduce the charging overload, use the vehicle's accessories. Turn on the exterior lamps and radio, set the climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on the highest setting, and turn the rear window defogger on.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by selecting Battery Volts from the Vehicle Information menu.

Battery Voltage Low

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 the engine, 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 to boost the battery after returning home or to a final destination. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If this message appears while driving or after starting your vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately 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.

The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by selecting Battery Volts from the Vehicle Information menu.

Check Tire Pressure

This message indicates that one or more of the vehicle's tires are low. See "Inflation -- Tire Pressure" in your vehicle's owner manual for information on checking your vehicle's tire pressures.

Check Oil Level

This message indicates that the oil level is low. See "Engine Oil" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information on checking you engine oil.

Change Engine Oil

When this message comes on, it means that service is required for your vehicle. See your dealer. See "Engine Oil" and "Maintenance Schedule" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

When you reset the Change Engine Oil message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the engine oil life monitor separately. For more information on resetting the engine oil life monitor, see "Vehicle Information Menu Item Descriptions" earlier in this section.

Change Trans (Transmission) Fluid

This message indicates that the life of the transmission fluid has expired and it should be changed within 200 miles. See "Automatic Transmission Fluid" and "Maintenance Schedule" in your vehicle's owner manual for the proper fluid and change intervals.

When you reset the Change Trans Fluid message by clearing it from the display, you still must reset the transmission fluid life monitor separately. For more information on resetting the transmission fluid life monitor, see "Vehicle Information Menu Item Descriptions" earlier in this section.

Check Brake Fluid

This message will display if the ignition is in ON to inform the driver that the brake fluid level is low. Have the brake system serviced by your dealer as soon as possible. See "Brakes" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Check Coolant Level

This message will appear when there is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by your dealer as soon as possible. See "Engine Coolant" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Notice: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See "Overheated Engine Protection Mode" in your vehicle's owner manual for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency.

Check Gas Cap

When this message appears on the display, the gas cap has not been fully tightened. You should recheck the gas cap to ensure that it's on and tightened properly. See "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Check Washer Fluid

When this message appears on the display, it means that your vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid. You should refill the tank as soon as possible. See "Windshield Washer Fluid" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Driver Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the driver's door was not closed completely. You should make sure that the driver's door is closed completely.

Engine Coolant Hot - Idle Engine

This message will appear when the engine coolant temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle until it cools down. See "Engine Overheating" in your vehicle's owner manual.

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" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Engine Coolant Hot - AC (Air Conditioning) 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 air conditioning compressor will turn back on. You can continue to drive your vehicle.

If this message continues to appear, have the system repaired as soon as possible to avoid compressor damage.

Engine Overheated - Stop Engine

This message will appear when the engine has overheated. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine damage. A chime will also sound when this message is displayed. See "Engine Overheating" in your vehicle's owner manual.

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" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Engine Power Reduced

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 or transmission. This also can affect the vehicle's ability to accelerate.

Fuel Level Low

When this message appears on the display, it means that your vehicle is low on fuel. You should refill the tank as soon as possible. A single chime will sound when this message is displayed.

Headlamps Suggested

This message will appear when the amount of available light outside the vehicle is low and the exterior lamp control is off. This message informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is recommended even though the DRL are still illuminated and it has become dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.

This message will also appear when the windshield wipers have been on for more than six seconds and the exterior lamp control is off or in the parking lamp position.

Ice Possible

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

Left Rear Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the driver's side rear door was not closed completely. You should make sure that the door is closed completely.

Lift Gate Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the liftgate was not closed completely. You should make sure that the liftgate is closed completely.

Oil Pressure Low - Stop Engine

A multiple chime will sound when this message is displayed. See "Engine Oil" in your vehicle's owner manual.

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" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Passenger Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the passenger's side front door was not closed completely. You should make sure that the door is closed completely.

Personalization Off/Driver Identification

When this message appears, the personalization features previously stored are turned off. If you want your customized settings to be automatically recalled when you use the remote keyless entry transmitter or when you remove the key from the ignition, you must enable them in the DIC. See Personalization for more information.

This message is also used to identify the driver (1, 2 or 3) on the navigation system.

Right Rear Door Ajar

When this message appears on the display, it means that the passenger's side rear door was not closed completely. You should check to make sure that the door is closed completely.

Service AC (Air Conditioning) System

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 dealer if you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.

Service Air Bag

There is a problem with the air bag system when this message appears. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer immediately. See "Airbag System" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Service Charging System

This message will display when a problem with the charging system has been detected. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Service Electrical System

This message will display if an electrical problem has occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the ignition switch. Have your vehicle serviced at your 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 at your dealer.

Service Idle Control

A problem with the idle control has occurred when this message displays. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Service Stability System Message

Your vehicle is equipped with a vehicle stability enhancement system called Stabilitrak®.

See "Stabilitrak® System" in your vehicle's owner manual. The Service Stability System message will be displayed if there has been a problem detected with Stabilitrak®.

If the Service Stability System 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 the Service Stability System message still stays on or comes back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the Stabilitrak® System inspected at your dealer as soon as possible.

Stability System Engaged Message

The Stability System Engaged message will be displayed any time Stabilitrak® is actively assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. 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 Stabilitrak® stops assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. See "Stabilitrak® System" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Stability System Off Message

The Stability System Off message will be displayed any time you turn off Stabilitrak® using the TC (traction control) on/off button. See "Traction Control System (TCS)" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information. When this message has been displayed, Stabilitrak® is no longer available to assist you with directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly.

Stability System Ready Message

The Stability System Ready message will be displayed any time you turn Stabilitrak® on again using the TC (traction control) on/off button. See "Traction Control System (TCS)" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information. When this message has been displayed, Stabilitrak® is ready to assist you with directional control of the vehicle if needed.

Service Steering System

Your vehicle may be equipped with a speed variable assist steering system. See "Steering" in your vehicle's owner manual.

The Service Steering System message will be displayed 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 increases or feels "heavier," but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.

Service Suspension System

This message is displayed to indicate that the suspension system is not operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Service Theft System

This message means there is a problem with the Immobilizer. See "Immobilizer" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information. A fault has been detected in the system which means that the system is disabled and is not protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts, however, you may want to take your vehicle to your dealer before turning off the engine.

Service Tire Monitor System

This message will appear if the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system is not working properly. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer as soon as possible. See "Tire Pressure Monitor System" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Service Transmission

There is a problem with the transmission of your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Service Vehicle Soon

This message is displayed when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer as soon as possible.

Speed Limited to XXX

This message indicates that your vehicle speed is limited to XXX (mph in English mode and km/h in Metric mode) because the vehicle detects a problem in the suspension system. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Starting Disabled - Remove Key

This message will appear when the vehicle theft-deterrent system detects that an improper ignition key is being used to try to start the vehicle. Check the ignition key for damage. If it is damaged, it may need to be replaced. If it is not damaged, remove the key and try to start the vehicle again. If it still does not start, try another ignition key or have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Starting Disabled - Throttle Problem

This message appears when your vehicle's throttle system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer.

Theft Attempted

This message is displayed if the content theft-deterrent system has detected a break-in attempt while you were away from your vehicle.

Top Speed - Fuel Cut Off

This message will appear when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the maximum speed for your vehicle has been reached. Your vehicle's top speed is based on the top speed rating of the tires. This ensures that your vehicle stays in a safe operating range for the tires.

Traction Engaged

This message will appear when the traction control system is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control system stops limiting wheel spin. See "Traction Control System (TCS)" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Traction Suspended

This message will appear when the traction control system has been temporarily shut off because your vehicle's brakes have overheated. This message does not indicate a problem with your vehicle's traction control system. See "Traction Control System (TCS)" in your vehicle's owner manual for more information.

Trans (Transmission) Hot - Idle Engine

This message indicates that 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.

Turn Signal On

If you drive your vehicle for more than about 1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on, this message will appear as a reminder to turn off the turn signal. A multiple chime will sound when this message is displayed.