Cadillac XTS 2018 Dashboard Symbols | Warning Lights Guide
There are a lot of symbols and warning lights on the dashboard of the 2018 Cadillac XTS. They are an important way for the driver to communicate with the car and learn about its duties and possible problems. These symbols are very important for keeping the car safe and running well. They can be simple alerts like “remember to buckle up” or “low fuel” messages, or they can be more serious alerts like engine problems or uneven tire pressure. Understanding what these dashboard signs mean is very important because it gives drivers the power to quickly address any new concerns, lowering risks, making sure the vehicle runs at its best, and generally making driving safer.
2023 Cadillac XT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.
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.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a 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 belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat 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 seat 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. For more information on the airbag system,
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.
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 airbag are allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing 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. See
Airbag Readiness Light for more information, including important safety information.
Charging System Light
On some vehicles 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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the ignition is turned on.
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, 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 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.
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 carless fuel funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank 0 224. 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 drivability, 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. 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 ignition is in Service 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 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. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
On some vehicles the service electric parking brake light should come on briefly when the vehicle is started. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the vehicle is started.
If this light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to a dealer as soon as possible. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
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 up level 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 Keep Assist (LKA) Light
For some vehicles, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced.
For vehicles with the up-level cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle.
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
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. 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/Stabili Trak button.
This light and the Stabili Trak OFF light come on when Stabili Trak is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. Adjust driving accordingly
Stabili Trak 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 Stabili Trak system is turned off. If Stabili Trak is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.
If Stabili Trak and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the Stabili Trak systems, and the warning light turns off.
Traction Control System (TCS)/Stabili Trak 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 Stabili Trak system have been disabled. A Driver Information Center (DIC) 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 Stabili Trak 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 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 display. 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 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. (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and may not come on when the ignition is turned on.
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.
Intelli Beam Light
This light comes on when the Intelli Beam system, if equipped, is enabled.
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.
FAQs
An issue with the engine or emissions system is usually indicated by the “Check Engine” light.
One possible issue with the anti-lock braking system is indicated by the “ABS” light.
The vehicle’s charging system or battery may be having problems, as indicated by the “Battery Warning” light.
The “Traction Control” light that flashes signifies that the system is actively attempting to preserve stability through traction control. If it remains lit all the time, there may be a problem that needs to be fixed by the professionals.
A decline in oil pressure could be harmful to the engine’s health, as indicated by the “Oil Pressure” warning light.
Your car needs maintenance, as indicated by the “Service Vehicle Soon” light.
You should check your tire pressure when you get the “Low Tire Pressure” warning.
Improper tightening of the fuel cap is indicated by the “Fuel Cap” light. Make sure the cap is tightened all the way to stop fuel vapor leaks.
A potential problem with the airbag system is indicated by the “Airbag” warning light.
The engine is operating hotter than usual, as shown by the “Coolant Temperature” warning light. When you can safely stop, let the engine cool.
When a car inadvertently strays from its lane, the “Lane Departure Warning” light informs you.
The system is normally operational when the “Cruise Control” light blinks. When necessary, change your speed or turn off the cruise control.
The transmission may be overheating, according to the “Transmission Temperature” warning light. When you safely stop, let the car cool down.
The vehicle’s stability control system is actively attempting to preserve traction and stability when the “Stability Control” light appears.
When a car enters your blind area, you are alerted by the “Blind Spot Monitor” warning light.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2018 Cadillac XTS Owner’s Manual|Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac XT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)