Auto User Guide

2015 Cadillac ELR Dashboard Warning Lights Guide

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2015 Cadillac ELR Dashboard Warning Lights Guide

The quiet communicators in your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s elegant dashboard are a symphony of warning lights ready to enlighten the road ahead. Pay attention to them as you slip behind the wheel, ready to go on another adventure. Every flicker and every glow acts as a sentinel, an adventurous defender of your car’s health, prepared to deliver vital messages that go beyond the simple mechanical domain. Drive with the wisdom that comes from a symbiotic relationship between man and machine. These luminous icons, which range from the calm azure glow of the cruise control indicator to the fiery urgency of the check engine light, orchestrate a silent ballet of caution and awareness.

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Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.

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When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their safety 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 safety belt is already buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator.

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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 front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.

If the front 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 Safety Belt Reminder Light

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Second-row seating positions monitored for safety belt use are represented by a colored symbol on the instrument cluster indicating safety belt status.

When the vehicle is started, two safety belt symbols come on and stay on for several seconds to alert the driver that passengers may need to fasten their safety belts. After the passenger safety belt is buckled, the corresponding safety belt symbol in the instrument cluster turns green. If a safety belt is not initially buckled, the instrument in the cluster displays a grey safety belt symbol.

While the vehicle is moving if a second-row passenger who was previously buckled becomes unbuckled, the corresponding safety belt symbol will change to a flashing red for several seconds and a chime may sound.

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.

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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 passenger airbag status indicator is in the overhead console.

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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. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF or the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbags are allowed to inflate.

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger senses the system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee 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.

Charging System Light (12-Volt Battery)

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The charging system light comes on briefly when the vehicle is in ON/ RUN, as a check to show the light is working.

If the light stays on or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the 12‐volt battery.

If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle. It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to maintain a clean environment. The malfunction indicator lamp 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.

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If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on, while the engine is in ON/RUN, this indicates that the OBD II system has detected a problem and diagnosis and service might be required.

Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system also assists the dealer technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction

Caution
If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, the emission controls might not work as well, and the 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 the vehicle warranty

Caution
Modifications made to the engine, electric drive unit, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the vehicle or the replacement of the original tyres with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle 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

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.

The following can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:

  • Reduce vehicle speed.
  • Avoid hard accelerations.
  • Avoid steep uphill grades.

If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to stop and park the vehicle. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before driving the vehicle again. If the light begins to flash again, 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 control system malfunction:

  • Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. 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 or misfiring. 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 may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Depending on where you live, your vehicle may be required to participate in an emission control system inspection and maintenance program. For the inspection, the emission system test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).

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The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. See your dealer if assistance is needed.

The vehicle may not pass inspection if:

  • The malfunction indicator lamp is on while the vehicle is in ON/ RUN, 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 by the system. If this were to occur, then 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 driving. If this has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of an 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.

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This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.

If the light comes on and stays on, there is a base brake problem.

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

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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 or another 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

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If this light comes on and stays on, there is a problem with the 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

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

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This light comes on briefly when the 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 light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the vehicle. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light comes on steady.

If the ABS light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but the antilock brakes are not functioning.

If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights are on, the vehicle’s antilock brakes are not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light

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This light is green if LDW is on and ready to operate.

This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

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This indicator will display a green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.

Traction Off Light

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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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and it may not come on when the ignition is turned on.

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.

StabiliTrak® OFF Light

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This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.

This light comes on when the StabiliTrak system is turned off. If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.

If the StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak systems and the warning light turns off.

Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light

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This 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) are 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.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

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On some vehicles, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle.

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.

Tire Pressure Light

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For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tyre pressures and the TPMS.

When the Light Is On Steady This indicates that one or more of the tyres are significantly underinflated.

A Driver Information Center (DIC) tyre pressure message may also be displayed.  Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tyre 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 at every ignition cycle.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

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.

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This 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.

Low Fuel Warning Light

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This light is 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

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On some vehicles, 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. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the engine is started.

If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.

Vehicle Ready Light

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The vehicle ready light comes on whenever the vehicle is ready to be driven.

High-Beam On Light

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This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.

IntelliBeam® Light

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

Lamps On Reminder

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This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.

Cruise Control Light

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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

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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.

Door Ajar Light

2015 Cadillac ELR Dashboard Warning Lights Guide (28)This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched.

FAQs

What does the “Check Engine” light indicate in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Check Engine” light usually comes on when there’s a problem with the engine or emission control system. To find the precise problem, it is advisable to have your car diagnosed by a trained expert.

Why is the “Battery Charging System” light on in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Battery Charging System” light can be a sign that there is an issue with the battery charging system. This could be the result of problems with the battery, alternator, or other associated parts. A quick inspection is advised.

What does the “ABS Warning” light mean in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “ABS Warning” light indicates that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. This should be checked by a specialist because it may have an impact on how well the car brakes in specific situations.

Why is the “Oil Pressure” light coming on in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Oil Pressure” light is a warning sign of low oil pressure, which, if ignored, could cause major engine damage. Verify the oil pressure and level, and get help if necessary.

What should I do if the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” light is illuminated in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “TPMS” light indicates that there may be low tyre pressure in one or more of the tyres. Inflate the tyres to the required amounts after checking their pressure. Should the light continue, there may be a malfunctioning sensor or other problems that need to be fixed.

Why does the “Airbag” light stay on in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Airbag” light suggests that there might be an issue with the airbag system. This could imply that in the case of an accident, the airbags might not deploy as intended. For safety, a trained technician must inspect the area as soon as possible.

What does the “Low Fuel” warning light signify in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

When the fuel level in your 2015 Cadillac ELR drops, the “Low Fuel” warning light illuminates to let you know. Refuelling as soon as you can is advised to prevent unexpected gas shortages.

Why is the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” light blinking in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s blinking “ESC” light can be a sign that the electronic stability control system is actively attempting to preserve the stability of the car. If it flashes erratically or is on all the time, there may be a problem that has to be fixed.

What should I do if the “Security” light is flashing in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Security” light flashing indicates that there may be an issue with the security system. If you have a spare key, try using it. If not, get expert assistance for a more thorough diagnosis.

Why does the “Service Vehicle Soon” light appear in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Service Vehicle Soon” light means that there is a non-critical problem that needs to be fixed. Even if it might not be an emergency, getting your car inspected will help to avoid such issues getting worse.

What does it mean if the “Brake System” light illuminates in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Brake System” light suggests that there might be a braking system issue. From low brake fluid to more significant problems with the brakes themselves, this could occur. It is recommended to inspect very early to guarantee safe driving conditions.

Why is the “Cruise Control” light not turning on in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

There are several reasons why the “Cruise Control” light in your 2015 Cadillac ELR might not come on, including sensor problems or malfunctions in the cruise control system. To identify and fix the problem, having it examined by a technician is advised.

What should I do if the “Power Steering” light comes on in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Power Steering” light suggests a power steering system issue that could make steering more challenging. To solve any underlying problems, check the amount of the power steering fluid and get the system inspected.

Why does the “Service Battery Charging System” light illuminate in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Service Battery Charging System” light usually signals a problem with the charging system, most likely with the battery, alternator, or other associated parts. It is advised to get help right away to prevent possible battery failure.

What does it mean if the “Reduced Power” warning light appears in my 2015 Cadillac ELR?

Your 2015 Cadillac ELR’s “Reduced Power” warning light indicates that there may be an issue with the engine or powertrain system, putting the car in reduced power mode. To find and fix the underlying problem, it’s imperative to get the car inspected.

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