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 only makes the message disappear, not the problem.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF

This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned off.

AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON

This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned on.

BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE

This message displays when the system detects that the battery voltage is dropping below expected levels. 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

When this message displays, it means that service is required for your vehicle. See your dealer. 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

If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system, this message displays when the tire pressure in one of the 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 display also shows the tire pressure values for the front and rear tires by pressing the vehicle information button. See DIC Controls and Displays . If the tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light comes on. See Tire Pressure Light .

CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)

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

DRIVER DOOR OPEN

This message displays when the driver's door is not closed completely. Make sure that the driver's 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 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 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 for service as soon as possible.

FUEL LEVEL LOW


Object Number: 812212  Size: A1

This symbol appears with this message.

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 .

ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE

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

LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN

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

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 may also appear 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 as soon as possible when this message is displayed.

PARKING ASSIST OFF

If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system, after the vehicle has been started, this message displays to reminder the driver that the URPA system has been turned off. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC display. To turn the URPA system back on, see "PARKING ASSIST" under DIC Controls and Displays . See Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) for more information.

PASSENGER DOOR OPEN

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

REAR ACCESS OPEN

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

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 Controls and Displays for more information.

REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY

This message displays when the battery in your 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

This message displays when the passenger's 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 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 if you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.

SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

This message displays when there is a problem with the generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this problem could drain the 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. Under certain conditions, the charging system light may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster. See Charging System Light for more information.

SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST

This message displays if there is a problem with the brake system. The brake system warning light and the anti-lock brake system warning light may also display 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 displays or appears again when you begin driving, the brake system needs service. See your dealer as soon as possible. See Brakes for more information.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM

This message displays, while the ignition is on, when the brake fluid level is low. 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.

SERVICE PARKING ASSIST

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

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 as soon as possible. See StabiliTrak® System for more information.

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.

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 before turning off the engine. See PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation for more information.

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM

If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system, this message displays if a part on the system is not working properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning comes on in about 10 minutes. A sensor 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 dealer.

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL

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

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON

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

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.

STABILITRAK NOT READY

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.

STABILITRAK OFF

This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak®, or when the stability control has been automatically disabled. To limit wheel spin and realize the full benefits of the stability enhancement system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak® on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak® off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and you want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you are driving in extreme off-road conditions and require more wheel spin. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow . To turn the StabiliTrak® system on or off, see StabiliTrak® System .

There are several conditions that can cause this message to appear.

    • One condition is overheating, which could occur if StabiliTrak® activates continuously for an extended period of time.
    • The message also displays if the brake system warning light is on. See Brake System Warning Light .
    • The message could display if the stability system takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
    • The message displays if an engine or vehicle related problem has been detected and the vehicle needs service. See your dealer.

The message turns off as soon as the conditions that caused the message to be displayed are no longer present.

STARTING DISABLED SERVICE THROTTLE

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

THEFT ATTEMPTED


Object Number: 822610  Size: A1

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

If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system, this message displays when the system is re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. See Tire Pressure Monitor System . The tire positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor. See Tire Inspection and Rotation 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

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.

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

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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.