2016 Cadillac SRX Dashboard Symbols | Warning Lights Guide
Sometimes navigating the complexities of contemporary automotive technology is like trying to decode an old-fashioned hieroglyphic script. This is particularly true when attempting to make sense of the several warning lights that are mounted on the dashboard of cars such as the 2016 Cadillac SRX. These glowing emblems act as the car’s silent translators, providing drivers with essential information about the condition and operation of the machine through a visual language of lights. Each symbol, which might range from the pleasant glow of a straightforward “buckle up” reminder to the frightening beacon of a possible mechanical issue, denotes a different component of the vehicle’s operation and, occasionally, conveys a sense of urgency. These warning lights are essential parts of the vehicle’s diagnostic system and are intended to notify drivers of various problems, from urgent maintenance requirements to potentially dangerous circumstances. The goal is to maximize performance, improve safety, and prolong the driving experience. But deciphering these coded communications necessitates more than a cursory knowledge of them; it requires a thorough comprehension of the meanings of the symbols and the proper reaction. We explore the mysterious world of dashboard symbols in this thorough book, explaining their meaning and equipping drivers with the information they need to drive with assurance and peace of mind.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument 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 the vehicle is moving. If the driver safety belt is 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. 
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 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 Belt Reminder Light 
Second-row seating positions monitored for safety belt use are represented by a coloured symbol in the Driver Information Center (DIC) indicating safety belt status. When the vehicle is started, three safety belt symbols come on and stay on for several seconds in the instrument cluster to alert the driver that passengers may need to fasten their safety belts. After the passenger safety belt is buckled, the corresponding safety belt the 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 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), 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, 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 either the on or off symbol to let Do you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal 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 is allowed to 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 front outboard passenger frontal 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 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. 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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, the 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 Only 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
Caution
Modifications to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tyres that do not meet the original tyre 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/ Maintenance test.
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:
- A loose or missing fuel cap may cause the light to come on. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
- 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/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:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the ignition is in Service Only Mode.
- Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle would 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
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. 
This light should come on briefly when the engine is started. 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.
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 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 
This light should come on briefly when starting the vehicle. 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, there is a problem with the Electric Parking A brake system or another 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 
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 light 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 
If equipped, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced. 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 
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.
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.
StabiliTrak® OFF Light 
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 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 
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) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system are 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.
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 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 tyres 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 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. 
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
Fuel Economy Light 
This light is in the Driver Information Center (DIC) display. For vehicles with 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.
Low Fuel Warning Light 
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 
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 is turned 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 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 AFL system. It flashes when the system is switching between lighting modes.
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.
Lamps On Reminder 
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.
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 in the Driver’s Information Center (DIC) comes on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is active.
FAQs
Usually, the check engine light denotes a problem with the engine or emissions system. It is advised that you have a qualified mechanic diagnose your car.
Low oil pressure is indicated by the oil pressure warning light. Stop the car right away, then check the oil level. Fill it up if it’s low. Consult a mechanic for assistance if the light continues to appear.
A problem with the charging system may be indicated by the battery warning light. A dead battery, a malfunctioning alternator, or other electrical issues could be the cause. As soon as possible, have a mechanic inspect it.
The anti lock braking system is having trouble, as shown by the ABS light. To maintain safe driving, it’s important to have the ABS tested even though your standard brakes should still function.
One or more tyres with low tyre pressure are indicated by the TPMS light. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated by checking their pressure. Should the light continue, there might be a systemic leak or malfunction.
A possible problem with the airbag system is indicated by the airbag light. To guarantee that the airbags deploy properly in the case of an accident, this must be fixed as soon as possible by a trained technician.
Traction control system trouble is indicated by the TCS light. To preserve the best possible traction and stability, it is advised to have the system inspected even if the car should still be able to be driven.
The fuel level is critically low, as shown by the low fuel light. Refuel your car as soon as you can to prevent unexpected gas shortages.
A problem with the power steering system is indicated by the power steering light. It is advised to avoid travelling at high speeds and to get help from a mechanic right away if this light appears.
The low fluid level is indicated by the windshield washer fluid light. To ensure that you can see well while driving, fill the reservoir holding the windshield washer fluid.
The engine is overheating, as shown by the temperature warning light. Without delay, stop the engine, let it cool, and move over. Before driving further, check the coolant levels and inspect the vehicle for leaks.
An issue with the electronic stability control system is indicated by the ESC light. It is necessary to have the system inspected to preserve excellent stability and control, even though the vehicle should still be able to be driven.
The fuel cap light suggests that there may be a problem with the fuel cap’s tightness or sealing. To avoid fuel evaporation and preserve emissions compliance, make sure the fuel cap is tightened.
The security system light on a car suggests that there might be a problem with the security system or that it may have been activated. Consult a qualified technician to have the system checked if the light remains on or flashes while you are driving.
The door-ajar light warns that one or more doors are not completely closed. Before you drive, make sure all the doors are securely closed to avoid mishaps and to safeguard the car.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2016 Cadillac SRX Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque