2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV Warning and Indicator Lights

A group of warning and indicator lights in the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV are an important part of the car’s overall safety and tracking system. These lights are meant to give the driver important information, like warnings about possible problems or malfunctions or updates on the state of different vehicle systems. These warning and indicator lights are like the car’s silent talkers. They let drivers know what’s going on with the car and give them early signs, which makes driving safer and more reliable overall. This guide will explain the different warning and indicator lights that may appear on the dashboard of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV and how to properly respond to them. This will help you understand and respond to these signs correctly for a worry-free trip.

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

Instrument Cluster

1. Driver Information Center (DIC)
2. Fuel Gauge
3. Speedometer
4. Tachometer

Reconfigurable Instrument Cluster
If equipped with a diesel engine, refer to the Duramax Diesel Supplement. The cluster display layout can be changed.
There are three selectable views:

Gauge: Displays information zones to the left and right of the speedometer.
Map: Displays a navigation map.
AR Camera: If equipped, displays a camera view in front of the vehicle.
Night Vision: If equipped, display the Night Vision camera onto the instrument cluster.

To change the cluster configuration, touch on the touchscreen to the left of the instrument cluster. Select the desired option from the list. The cluster layout can also be selected using the infotainment display.

Touchscreen Display

There is a touchscreen to the left of the instrument cluster. Use it for the following:

Trip Information
Touch to view the distance and average fuel economy for the current trip. View other trip information by swiping right or left on the touchscreen. Touch and hold to reset the current trip.

Instrument Cluster Layout
Touch to view and select the available instrument cluster layouts.

Head-Up Display (HUD)
Touch HUD to select the height and brightness of the head-up display.

Augmented Reality Camera (AR)
If equipped, while navigating touch to start Augmented Reality. This displays route guidance and upcoming turns as graphics on top of the front camera image that appears on the cluster display. If there is no active navigation, then the camera image will display without navigation overlays.

Night Vision
If equipped, touch to select the sharpness and brightness of the night vision system.

Speed Information
The following options can be turned on or off using the infotainment display.

Digital Speedometer
The speedometer shows how fast the vehicle is moving in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The speedometer cannot be reset.

Speed Sign
Shows sign information, which comes from a roadway database in the onboard navigation if equipped. The sign will show “− −” when there is no detected speed limit or the system is unavailable.

Speed Warning
The overspeeding area within the analog gauge is shown in red. In the digital speedometer, the digital number is shown in red.

Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.

Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Fuel Gauge

When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates how much fuel is left in the tank. There is an arrow near the fuel gauge
pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. When the indicator is empty, the low fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon. The fuel gauge may:

• Take a little more, or less fuel to fill up than it indicates. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank is half full, but it actually will take a little more, or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
• Moves a little while turning a corner, speeding up, or braking.
• Take a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off. These are normal conditions, none of which indicate a problem with the fuel gauge.

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

The engine oil pressure gauge shows the engine oil pressure in kPa (kilopascals) or psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running. This gauge is displayed on the infotainment display. If show in cluster is selected a digital value is shown on the instrument cluster in the left zone. Oil pressure can vary with engine speed, outside temperature, coolant temperature, and oil viscosity. On some models, the oil pump will vary engine oil pressure according to engine needs. Oil pressure may change quickly as the engine speed or load varies. This is normal. If the oil pressure warning light or Driver Information Center (DIC) message indicates oil pressure outside the normal operating range, check the vehicle’s oil as soon as possible.
Caution: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

The engine coolant temperature gauge measures the temperature of the vehicle’s engine. This gauge is displayed on the infotainment display. If show in cluster is selected a digital value is shown on the instrument cluster in the left zone. While driving under normal operating conditions, if the needle moves into the red area, the engine is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Transmission Temperature Gauge
The transmission temperature gauge shows the transmission fluid temperature. If the gauge is reading in the red area and/or a message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC), the vehicle must be stopped and the cause checked. One possible cause is a low fluid level in the transmission. This gauge is displayed on the infotainment display. If show in cluster is selected a digital value is shown on the instrument cluster in the left zone.
Caution: Do not drive the vehicle while the transmission fluid is overheating, or the transmission can be damaged. This could lead to costly repairs that would not be covered by the warranty.

Voltmeter Gauge

When the ignition is on, the voltmeter gauge indicates the battery voltage. This gauge is displayed on the infotainment display. If show in cluster is selected a digital value is shown on the instrument cluster in the left zone. When the engine is running, this gauge shows the condition of the charging system. The gauge can transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher reading. This is normal. If the vehicle is operating outside the normal operating range, the charging system light comes on. The voltmeter gauge may also read lower when in fuel economy mode. This is normal. Readings outside the normal operating range can also occur when a large number of electrical accessories are operating in the vehicle and the engine is left idling for an extended period. This condition is normal since the charging system is not able to provide full power at the engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds allow the charging system to create maximum power. The vehicle can only be driven for a short time with the readings outside the normal operating range. If the vehicle must be driven, turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. Readings outside the normal operating range indicate a possible problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the center stack, below the infotainment screen. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.

Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
The vehicle may have a front passenger seat belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belts. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may come on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.

Second and Third Row Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
The vehicle may have second and third-row passenger seat belt reminder lights. When the vehicle is started, these lights come on solid to remind rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. Then each light may stay on solid or flash, and a chime may come on if the rear passenger remains unbuckled, or becomes unbuckled when the vehicle is moving. An X indicates the seat belt is not buckled. A check mark indicates the seat belt is buckled. If all rear passenger seat belts are buckled, neither the chime nor the lights come on. For information on the front seat belt reminder lights, see “Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light” and “Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light” listed previously. The rear passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may come on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.

Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. It is located on the center stack, below the infotainment screen. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.
Warning: If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also come on.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator. When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, and the symbols for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, and the symbol for on or off, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag. If the word ON, and the on symbol, are lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag is allowed to inflate. If the word OFF, and the off symbol, are lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag. If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, if there are no lights at all, or if the airbag readiness light is on, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service right away.
Warning: If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away.

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. It should go out when the engine is started. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery. When this light comes on or is flashing, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a safe place to stop the vehicle.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the Duramax Diesel Supplement. This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. It is located on the center stack, below the infotainment screen. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is in Service Mode. Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution

• If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
• Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire specifications, can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an emissions inspection or maintenance test.
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If the light is flashing
A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.

If the light is on steady
A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required.

Check the following:

• If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless fuel funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank 0 303. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light.
• Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If the light remains on, see your dealer.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an emissions inspection or maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC). The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation. The vehicle may not pass inspection if:

1. The light is on when the engine is running.
2. The light does not come on when the ignition is in Service Mode.
3. Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle will not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced. See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.

Brake System Warning Light

This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light comes on and stays on, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away? This light may come on if the brake fluid is low. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake system has an electric brake boost. Vehicle speed may be limited when the brake system warning light comes on. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service?
Warning: The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.

Electric Parking Brake Light
This light comes on when the parking brake is applied. If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system. A message may also be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC). If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Service Electric Parking Brake Light
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If this light stays on or comes on while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible. In addition to the parking brake, other safety functions that utilize the EPB may also be degraded. A message may also be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. It is located on the center stack, below the infotainment screen. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the ABS warning light stays on or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning. If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.

Four-Wheel-Drive Light
If equipped, the four-wheel-drive light displays what mode the vehicle is in. The light will show each mode: 2WD, 4HI, AUTO (all transfer cases); 4LOW, and N (two-speed transfer case only). The light will flash when a shift is in progress. Once the shift is complete the light will be steady. If the light turns amber, there may be a malfunction with the four-wheel-drive system. See your dealer.

Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) Light
This light comes on when AVH is actively holding the vehicle.

Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
If equipped, the Lane Keep Assist Light may display the following colors:

• Blank: LKA is disabled.
• White: Appears when the vehicle starts. A steady white light indicates that LKA is not ready to assist.
• Green: Appears when LKA is turned on and ready to assist. LKA will gently turn the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking.
• Amber: This appears when LKA is active. The light flashes amber as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert to indicate that the lane marking has been unintentionally crossed. If the system detects you are steering intentionally (to pass or change lanes), the LDW alert may not display.

LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal is active in the direction of lane departure, or if LKA detects that you are accelerating, braking, or actively steering.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Disabled Light
This indicator displays when you turn off Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) or Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB). This indicator will also display if AEB or FPB is unavailable due to malfunction, weather conditions, or if the windshield is not clean.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.

Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber when a nearby pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle.

Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. To turn TCS and ESC off and on, see Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control. If TCS is off, wheel slip during acceleration is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.

StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. It is located on the center stack, below the infotainment screen. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. This light comes on when the StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. To turn ESC off and on, see Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control. If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do not
assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust driving accordingly.

Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system are not fully operational and may not assist in maintaining control. Adjust driving accordingly. If the condition persists, see your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may be displayed. The light flashes when the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off.
Caution: The engine coolant temperature warning light indicates that the vehicle has overheated. Driving with this light on can damage the engine and it may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on when the engine has overheated. If this happens, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Driver Mode Control Light

• This light comes on when Sport Mode is selected.
• This light comes on when Snow Mode is selected.
• This light comes on when Terrain Mode is selected.
• This light comes on when the Off-Road Mode is selected.
• This light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode is selected.
• This light comes on when V Mode is selected.
• This light comes on when My Mode is selected.

Four Corner Air Suspension Light

• This light comes on when the air suspension is raised to maximum ground clearance height.
• This light comes on when the air suspension is raised to increased ground clearance height.
• This light displays green when the vehicle is changing to a higher ride height.
• This light comes on when the air suspension is lowered for easy entry and exit from the vehicle.
• This light comes on when the vehicle is lowered in ride height. It displays green when the vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.
• This light comes on when the air suspension is in Service Mode or Alignment Mode.

Tire Pressure Light

If equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the vehicle is started. It is located on the center stack, below the infotainment screen. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.

When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also be displayed. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.

When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on every time the vehicle is started.

Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution: Driving the vehicle with low engine oil pressure can damage the engine and the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If the engine oil pressure light comes on while driving:

1. Stop in a safe location and turn off the engine.
2. Check the oil level.
3. Add oil if the oil level is below the normal operating range.
4. Restart the vehicle. If the engine oil pressure light stays on for more than 10 seconds, turn the vehicle back off. Do not restart the vehicle. See your dealer for service.

This light should come on briefly when the engine starts. When the engine is off and the vehicle is on, the light should remain illuminated. If it does not come on under either condition, contact your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on when the engine is running, it may not have adequate oil pressure. The oil level may be low or there may be some other oil system problem. Turn the engine off when it is safe to do so and contact your dealer.

Low Fuel Warning LightA Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator is empty. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.

Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.

High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.

IntelliBeam Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled.

Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light
This light comes on solid when there is a problem with the AFL system.

Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are active.

Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active.

Adaptive Cruise Control Light
This light is white when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, if equipped) is on and ready, and turns green when the ACC is set and active.

Curve Speed Control Light
If equipped, this light may illuminate green when ACC is actively controlling the vehicle speed and detects a sharp curve on the road ahead. ACC automatically slows the vehicle down while navigating the curve and may increase speed out of the curve, but will not exceed the set speed.

Super Cruise Light
This light comes on to show the status of Super Cruise.

Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.

FAQ’s