2016 Cadillac XTS Dashboard Warning Lights Guide
Enter the opulent world of the 2016 Cadillac XTS, where sophisticated design and state-of-the-art technology define every drive. Your trip starts as soon as you step inside the luxurious cabin and are welcomed by an eye-catching dashboard with a variety of warning lights that are there to keep you safe and informed. The Cadillac XTS boasts a finely designed dashboard that acts as a command center for the multitude of features inside, seamlessly combining elegance and functionality. Each dashboard warning light narrates a tale of innovation, elegance, and dedication to providing a driving experience that transcends simple transportation, whether it be through user-friendly driver assistance systems or cutting-edge connectivity options. This blog post takes you on a thorough tour of the 2016 Cadillac XTS dashboard warning lights, explaining the meaning behind each illuminated icon and exploring the cutting-edge technology that elevates this luxurious sedan to the highest level of automotive performance. Fasten your seatbelts and join us as we explore the Cadillac XTS dashboard, a visual masterpiece that seamlessly blends style and safety.
2023 cadillac xt6 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
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.
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 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 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.
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 The Center (DIC) also displays a message. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages 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, 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 Only Mode. See Ignition Positions.
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 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/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications.
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:
- For vehicles without the capless fuel system, 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.
- For vehicles with the capless fuel system, if fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank. 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/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 Emissions Inspection/Maintenance tests or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the vehicle is in Service Only Mode.
- 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
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one of the circuits 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
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
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 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
For some vehicles with the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system,
this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced.
For vehicles with the uplevel cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle.
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.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
This light is green if LKA is available to assist.
LKA may assist by gently turning the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking without using the turn signal in that direction. The LKA light will turn amber.
This light is amber and flashes as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
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. 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
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 is actively working.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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
For vehicles equipped with this light, it comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed. See Door Ajar Messages for more information.
FAQs
The yellow exclamation point light on your 2016 Cadillac XTS usually denotes a malfunction or system warning that has to be fixed.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) light on your 2016 Cadillac XTS indicates a problem; it is recommended that you have it inspected by a qualified technician.
The red battery light on your 2016 Cadillac XTS indicates that there might be an issue with the charging system, which calls for a battery and charging component inspection.
Your 2016 Cadillac XTS’s blue high beam indicator is a standard feature that indicates that your high beams are on, so there’s no need to be concerned.
The oil pressure light on your 2016 Cadillac XTS indicates low oil pressure, a serious problem that needs to be fixed right away to avoid engine damage.
The remote start system in your 2016 Cadillac XTS has been successfully activated, as indicated by the green light with an automobile symbol.
A flashing tire pressure warning light denotes a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which needs to be checked out right away.
The red seatbelt light in your 2016 Cadillac XTS signifies that a seatbelt is not correctly fastened. It is crucial to secure all occupants for safety.
When your 2016 Cadillac XTS engine is running and operating normally, the green engine symbol illuminates.
The orange traction control light indicates that the traction control system has been activated in your 2016 Cadillac XTS in reaction to slick road conditions.
It is recommended to have the airbag system in your 2016 Cadillac XTS inspected because the airbag warning light remaining on may indicate a possible problem with the system.
The green cruise control light on your 2016 Cadillac XTS signifies that the cruise control system is turned on and operational.
The red temperature warning light on your 2016 Cadillac XTS does, in fact, signal an overheating problem. To avoid engine damage, you must take quick action.
In your 2016 Cadillac XTS, the yellow check engine light indicates a possible problem with the engine or emissions system, and it is advised to have the car diagnosed.
A fast green turn signal indicator typically denotes a burned-out lightbulb or a malfunctioning flasher relay. It is recommended that you inspect and replace the impacted part in your 2016 Cadillac XTS.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2016 Cadillac XTS Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 cadillac xt6 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review