2001 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 182

Message Center The message center is located on the left side of the instrument panel cluster. It gives you important safety and maintenance facts. When you turn the ignition on, the entire center lights up for just a few seconds. As needed, the message center will display one of the following messages. The message center is capable of alternating among different messages if needed. If the message stays on after starting the engine it could indicate a problem with the generator drive belt, or some other charging system problem. Have it checked right away. Driving with this message displayed could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with this message displayed, it helps to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and the air conditioner. Battery If this message is displayed when the engine is running, you may have a problem with your charging system. Trans Fluid Hot If you have an automatic transmission, you have a transmission temperature warning display contained in the message center. If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, the message center will display this message. The battery display will also stay on while the key is in RUN until the engine is started. 2-99