2012 Cadillac SRX Warning Indicators | Symbols Guide
The 2012 Cadillac SRX has several warning lights and icons that let drivers know what’s going on with the car and what problems might be happening. Understanding these warning lights is important for keeping the car safe and running well. Each sign, from warnings about low tire pressure to parking brake lights, is a way for the car and driver to talk to each other. By getting to know these symbols, you’ll be able to quickly react to any alerts and take the right steps to fix any problems. This guide will go over the different danger lights in the 2012 Cadillac SRX and give you useful information about what each one means and how to read them correctly.
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Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument panel cluster.
When the vehicle is started this light flashes and a chime comes on to remind drivers to fasten their safety belts. 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 driving while the vehicle is moving. If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the vehicle is started this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the front passenger to fasten their safety belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several times if the passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt reminder light and chime may turn 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 safety belt.
Second Row Passenger Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started and the Trip/Fuel display is chosen, three gray safety belt symbols come on and stay on for several seconds on the top of the Driver Information Center (DIC) to remind passengers to fasten their safety belts.
If the Vehicle Information is selected, a full-page screen displays at start-up the three safety belt symbols.
Once the passenger safety belt is buckled, the corresponding safety belt symbol in the DIC turns green. There are no seat position sensors in the seat, nor a safety belt reminder sensor pad. If a safety belt is not initially buckled, the cluster continues to show the gray safety belt icon.
While the vehicle is moving if a second-row passenger who was previously buckled becomes unbuckled, a full-screen warning displays with the corresponding safety belt indicator flashing red. A chime may sound. Acknowledge warning messages by pressing any of the DIC buttons.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on pages 3‑23.
The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have the vehicle 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.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑30 for important safety information. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. If you are using remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from a distance you may not see the system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the right front passenger frontal and seat‐mounted side impact airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted side impact airbag are enabled (may inflate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal and seat‐mounted side impact airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
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. See Airbag Readiness Light on pages 5‑16 for more information, including important safety information.
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. The light turns off when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. 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, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on pages 5‑32. 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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle to ensure emissions are at acceptable levels, to produce a cleaner environment. This light comes on when the vehicle is placed in Service Only Mode, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions on pages 9‑17.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and stays on while the engine is running, this indicates that there is an OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem becomes apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice: If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle 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 the vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission controls and can cause this light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also fail to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑4. This light 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 the vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
- Reduce vehicle speed.
- Avoid hard accelerations.
- Avoid steep uphill grades.
- If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, stop and park the vehicle. Turn the vehicle off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and see your dealer for service as soon as possible. Light On Steady: An emission control system malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.
The following may correct an emission system malfunction:
- Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank on page 9‑50. 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. - Check that good quality fuel is used. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed and may cause stalling after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occur, change the fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See Recommended Fuel on page 9‑46.
If none of the above has made the light turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle. The dealer 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 local governments may have programs to inspect the on-vehicle emission control equipment. For the inspection, the emission system test equipment is connected to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel on the outboard side of the steering wheel. See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The malfunction indicator lamp is on with the engine running, or if the vehicle is placed in Service Only Mode and the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on. See your dealer for assistance in verifying the proper operation of the malfunctioning indicator lamp.
- The OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or 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 this has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD II system readiness, your dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits.
If one circuit is not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal braking performance, both circuits need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
The brake indicator light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
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.
If the light comes on while driving, a chime sounds. Pull off the road and stop. The pedal might be harder to push or go closer to the floor. It might also take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service? See Towing the Vehicle on pages 10‑93.
Electric Parking Brake Light
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB), this light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. The parking brake status light comes on when the 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 SERVICE PARKING BRAKE message may also be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Brake System Messages on pages 5‑33 for more information.
If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.
For vehicles with the EPB, the parking brake warning light should come on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If this light comes on, there is a problem with a system on the vehicle that is causing the parking brake system to work at a reduced level. The vehicle can still be driven but should be taken to a dealer as soon as possible. See Parking Brake on pages 9‑30 for more information.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the ABS light comes on and stays on while driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Start the engine again to reset the system. If the light stays on after driving at a speed above 20 km/h (13 mph), see your dealer for service. A chime may also sound when the light comes on steady. If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System Warning Light on pages 5‑21.
See Brake System Messages on pages 5‑33 for all brake‐related DIC messages.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button This light and the StabiliTrak OFF light come on when StabiliTrak is turned off. If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. Adjust driving accordingly. See Traction Control System (TCS) on pages 9‑32 and StabiliTrak® System on pages 9‑34.
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
This light should come on briefly as the vehicle is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light comes on when the StabiliTrak system is turned off by pressing the StabiliTrak/TCS button. If the Traction Control System (TCS) is off, wheel spin is not limited. When the StabiliTrak system is off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Adjust driving accordingly. The warning light goes off when traction control and the StabiliTrak system are enabled. See Traction Control System (TCS) on pages 9‑32 and StabiliTrak® System on pages 9‑34 for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
The StabiliTrak or Traction Control System (TCS) indicator/warning light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light 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 is on and not flashing, the TCS, and potentially the StabiliTrak system have been disabled. A DIC the message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working. See StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑34 and Traction Control System (TCS) on page 9‑32.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. 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. See Tire Messages on page 5‑38. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure on page 10‑56.
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 at every ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on pages 10‑59.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Notice: 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.
The oil pressure 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 light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.
Fuel Economy Light
This light should come on briefly as the vehicle is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. For vehicles with the fuel economy mode light, it comes on when the eco (economy) button, located next to the shift lever, is pressed. Press the button again to turn off the light and exit the fuel economy mode. See Driving for Better Fuel Economy on pages 1‑24 and Fuel Economy Mode on pages 9‑28 for more information.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is located near the fuel gauge and comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The immobilizer 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. See Immobilizer Operation on page 2‑20.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 6‑2 for more information.
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light
This light should come on briefly as the vehicle is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on solid when there is a problem with the Adaptive Forward Lighting system and flashes when the system is switching between lighting modes. See Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) on page 6‑3.
Front Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light comes on when the fog lamps are in use.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off. See Front Fog Lamps on pages 6‑6 for more information.
Lamps On Reminder
For vehicles with lamps on reminder light, it comes on when the lights are in use.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white whenever the cruise control is set, and turns green when the cruise control is active. The light turns off when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control on pages 9‑36.
FAQs
The warning indicator resembling a car with a padlock in the 2012 Cadillac SRX typically indicates a security system fault or an issue with the vehicle’s anti-theft system.
If the warning indicator depicting an exclamation mark within a circle illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it signifies a problem with the vehicle’s brake system, requiring immediate attention to ensure safe operation.
The warning indicator resembling a battery in the 2012 Cadillac SRX indicates a fault in the vehicle’s charging system, such as a malfunctioning alternator or battery, necessitating inspection and potential repair.
If the warning indicator resembling an engine illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it indicates a fault in the engine or emissions control system, requiring immediate attention to prevent potential damage or performance issues.
The warning indicator resembling an oil can in the 2012 Cadillac SRX typically indicates low engine oil pressure or an issue with the engine oil level, necessitating immediate inspection and potential oil replenishment or repair.
The warning indicator resembling a tire with an exclamation mark in the 2012 Cadillac SRX indicates a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) fault or low tire pressure, requiring prompt inflation or tire inspection.
If the warning indicator resembling a steering wheel with an exclamation mark illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it indicates a fault in the vehicle’s power steering system, necessitating immediate attention to ensure safe handling.
The warning indicator resembling a wrench in the 2012 Cadillac SRX typically indicates a fault in the vehicle’s service or maintenance system, signaling the need for scheduled maintenance or inspection.
If the warning indicator resembling a seatbelt illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it indicates that one or more occupants have not fastened their seatbelts, requiring immediate buckling for safety.
The warning indicator resembling a child in a seat in the 2012 Cadillac SRX indicates that the vehicle’s child safety restraint system may be active or deactivated, depending on the setting selected by the driver.
If the warning indicator resembling a temperature gauge illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it indicates that the engine is overheating, requiring immediate shutdown and inspection to prevent potential damage.
The warning indicator resembling a snowflake in the 2012 Cadillac SRX indicates that the external temperature is near freezing, warning drivers to exercise caution and potentially watch for icy road conditions.
If the warning indicator resembling a gas pump illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it indicates that the vehicle’s fuel level is low, prompting drivers to refuel as soon as possible to avoid running out of gas.
The warning indicator resembling a key in the 2012 Cadillac SRX typically indicates a fault in the vehicle’s key recognition or immobilizer system, requiring inspection or potential reprogramming of the key.
If the warning indicator resembling a lane departure illuminates in the 2012 Cadillac SRX, it indicates that the vehicle’s lane departure warning system is active, alerting drivers if they unintentionally drift out of their lane without signaling.
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