Is One of your Dashboard Indicator Lamps On?Â
Cadillac of South Charlotte Explains what all these different indicator lights mean for you.
For visuals, please skip down below to our Vehicle Symbols Chart!Â
Call a Service Advisor for more information about your Dashboard Light Warning Indicators Today!Â
Vehicle Dashboard Symbols Chart*
Engine Speed Limiter
This feature prevents the engine from operating at too many revolutions per minute (rpm). When the engine's rpms are too high, the throttle is closed to reduce speed. If this is not sufficient, then the fuel supply to the engine will be limited. When the rpms return to normal, the fuel supply will return to normal. This helps prevent damage to the engine.
For more information, call our Certified Service Technicians.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime will sound for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. This would only occur if the passenger airbag is enabled. The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, will come on and stay on for several seconds and then flash for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the passenger remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger's safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light will come on.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime will come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light will also come on and stay on for several seconds, then it will flash for several more.
This chime and light is repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver's belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
This light will come on when you start your vehicle, and it will flash for a few seconds. The light should go out and the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.
Antilock Brake System Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. That is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still stays on, or comes on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, your vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
Up-Shift Light
Your vehicle may have an up-shift light.
When this light comes on, you should shift to the next higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions allow you to.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is pided into two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.Â
Charging System Light
This light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition key, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also appear.
This light could indicate that there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine light comes on to indicate that there is an OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Tire Pressure Light
Your vehicle has a tire pressure light.
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started and provides information about tire pressures and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is Solid
This indicates that one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. A tire pressure message in the Driver Information Center (DIC), may accompany the light. Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the proper pressure.
When the Light Flashes First, Then is Solid
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light flashes for about a minute and stays on solid for the remainder of the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat with every ignition cycle.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning LightÂ
This light will come on when you first start the vehicle as a check to let you know that the light is working.
It will go out after a few seconds. If the light does not come on, see your dealer/retailer.
If the light does not go out or if the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, your vehicle may have a problem with the cooling system. You should stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible to avoid damage to the engine.
A warning chime will also sound when this light is on.
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak® Warning Light
The Traction Control System/StabiliTrak® warning light should come on briefly when the engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there may be a problem with your Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® and your vehicle may need service.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the traction control system warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
More details for the Check Engine Light & Recommendations for Proper Maintenance
Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, the emission controls might not work as well, your vehicle's fuel economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by your warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls and can cause this light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This could also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working, when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired. This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
- Light Flashing - A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.
- Light On Steady - An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.Â
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to your vehicle:
- Reduce vehicle speed.Â
- Avoid hard accelerationsÂ
- Avoid steep uphill grades.Â
- If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.Â
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see "If the Light Is On Steady" following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle. Turn the ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see "If the Light Is On Steady" following. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle's electrical system might be wet. The condition is usually corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration - these conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up. This will be detected by the system and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions, change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that might have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or might begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your vehicle pass an inspection:
- Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check engine light is on or not working properly.
- Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if you have recently replaced the battery or if the battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This can take several days of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your dealer/retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
VEHICLE AHEAD INDICATOR:
This light displays green when a vehicle is detected ahead and will display amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.
AUTOMATIC HIGH-BEAM LIGHT:
This light comes on when the automatic high-beam headlamps are in use.
CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT:
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with electrical charging system. Have it checked by the dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery.
SECURITY LIGHT:
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with he theft-deterrent system. Feel free to call us and see if we can help.
ADAPTIVE FORWARD LIGHTING (AFL) LIGHT:
This light comes on solid when there is a problem with the AFL system. It flashes when the system is switching between lighting modes.
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW) LIGHT:
This light comes on green when the system is on and ready to operate. When the system determines that the vehicle is leaving its lane without using the turn signal, this light will change to amber and flash.
STABILITRAK® OFF LIGHT:
This light comes on when the SabiliTrak® system is turned off.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT:
This light comes on when the adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped) is active.
Vehicle symbols chart comes from the 2019 Cadillac Escalade Owners Manual. Some symbols may be different for your specific cadillac model. Â
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Cadillac of South Charlotte
10725 PINEVILLE RD
PINEVILLE, NC 28134
- Sales: (980) 467-0144
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Disclaimer: It is highly advised to clarify any and all explanations of any warning lights with the certified experts. Feel free to call our Service Department to help you with anything that can make your Cadillac driving experience the best!Â
