Dashboard Symbols: 2013 Cadillac Escalade Instrument Cluster
The 2013 Cadillac Escalade dashboard symbols on an instrument cluster play a crucial role in conveying important information about the vehicle’s status and functions to the driver. These symbols are designed to alert the driver to various conditions such as engine issues, safety features, and maintenance requirements. Understanding these symbols is essential for safe and efficient driving, as they provide real-time feedback on the vehicle’s performance. The 2013 Cadillac Escalade’s instrument cluster is equipped with a range of symbols that illuminate to communicate different messages, ensuring that the driver remains informed and can take appropriate action when necessary. Familiarizing oneself with these symbols can enhance the overall driving experience and help maintain the vehicle in optimal condition.
2013 Escalade instrument cluster
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The vehicle’s odometer works together with the Driver Information Center (DIC). The Trip odometer can be set. See “Trip Odometer” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑23 for more information. To check the odometer mileage while the vehicle is not running, press the trip stem on the Escalade instrument panel cluster. If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed, the new one will be set to the correct mileage total of the old odometer.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero.
For more information see “Trip Odometer” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on pages 5‑23.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge shows how much fuel the vehicle has left in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
The gauge will first indicate empty before the vehicle is out of fuel, but the vehicle’s fuel tank should be filled soon.
Here are some situations owners may experience with the fuel gauge. None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gauge.
- At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
- The gauge goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the indicator on the gauge moves towards the shaded area on the thermostat, it means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating on pages 10‑18.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the 2013 Escalade instrument cluster.
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 buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑34.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their safety belts. 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 safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning 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 warning 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), passenger sensing system (if equipped), 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 3‑26.
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. See Airbag System Messages on page 5‑35.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
If the vehicle has the airbag status indicator pictured in the following illustration, then the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator is on the overhead console. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑34 for important safety information.
In addition, if the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, the label on the vehicle’s sun visors refers to “ADVANCED AIRBAGS.”
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbols 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 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 is enabled (may 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 right front passenger frontal airbag. If, after several seconds, both status Cadillac Escalade 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 5‑14 for more information, including important safety information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to START, but the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on pages 5‑29 for more information. This light could indicate that there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
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, helping to maintain a clean environment. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the vehicle is placed in ON/RUN, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions on pages 9‑22.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while the engine is running, 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 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 10‑3.
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, find a safe place to 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 control system malfunction:
- Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank on page 9‑54. 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 may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See Recommended Fuel on page 9‑51.
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
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).
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 with the engine running, or if the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN while the engine is off. 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
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light comes on when the parking brake is set. If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged, a chime sounds when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 km/h (3 mph).
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 and a chime sounds there could be a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected by your dealer. This light can also come on due to low brake fluid. See Brake Fluid on pages 10‑23 for more information.
This light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN. If it does not, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal could be harder to push or could go closer to the floor. It can take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle on pages 10‑87.
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.
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 it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light then goes off. If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn the ignition off. 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. 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 5‑19.
For vehicles with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), see Brake System Messages on pages 5‑29 for all brake‐related DIC messages. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑33.
StabiliTrak® 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 goes off. Press and release the Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button to turn off TCS, and a message displays in the DIC. Press and briefly hold the TCS/ StabiliTrak button to turn off the StabiliTrak system; the StabiliTrak Off light comes on and a message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the StabiliTrak/TCS system is off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the StabiliTrak/TCS system and the indicator light turns off. See StabiliTrak® System on pages 9‑37, and Ride Control System Messages on pages 5‑33 for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
The TCS/StabiliTrak light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on or stays on, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light comes on and stays on while driving, and a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. See Ride Control System Messages on pages 5‑33 for more information. If the light flashes while driving, this means that StabiliTrak or TCS is assisting in controlling the vehicle. See StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑37 for more information.
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 5‑35. 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 10‑47.
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 10‑50.
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.
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 goes off.
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 it might have some other system problem. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
This light is also used to indicate the status of the anti-theft alarm system when the ignition is turned off. The light will flash rapidly if the alarm system is arming and one or more of the monitored entry points is not closed. The light will stay on if the alarm is arming and all entry points are closed.
For information regarding this light and the vehicle’s security system, see Vehicle Alarm System on pages 2‑12.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on pages 6‑5 for more information.
Front Fog Lamp Light
The front fog lamp light comes on when the fog lamps are in use. The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off. See FogLamps on pages 6‑8 for more information.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on whenever the parking lamps are on. See Exterior Lamp Controls on pages 6‑1 for more information.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light comes on whenever the cruise control is set. The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control on pages 9‑41 for more information.
FAQs
The instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade includes various dashboard symbols such as those for engine temperature, oil pressure, battery charge, and fuel level, providing essential vehicle information to drivers
The 2013 Cadillac Escalade’s instrument cluster displays warning symbols for potential vehicle malfunctions such as those related to the engine, brakes, transmission, or tire pressure, alerting drivers to take appropriate action.
Yes, the instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade provides information about the vehicle’s speed and RPM (Revolution Per Minute) through dedicated gauges or digital displays, allowing drivers to monitor performance.
The 2013 Cadillac Escalade’s instrument cluster indicates the status of the airbag system through warning symbols that illuminate if there are any issues with the airbag deployment system, ensuring passenger safety.
Dashboard symbols in the 2013 Cadillac Escalade’s instrument cluster that signify potential electrical system problems include those related to the battery charge, alternator, or other electrical components, alerting drivers to address any issues promptly.
Yes, the instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade provides information about exterior lighting status through warning symbols that indicate malfunctioning headlights, taillights, or turn signals, ensuring visibility and safety.
The instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade includes a fuel gauge that displays the vehicle’s fuel level, allowing drivers to monitor fuel consumption and refuel as needed to avoid running out of gas.
Yes, drivers can customize the display settings of the instrument cluster in the 2013 Cadillac Escalade to adjust brightness levels, switch between different information displays, or personalize gauge layouts based on their preferences.
The instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade displays warning symbols if there are issues with tire pressure, indicating when tire inflation levels are low and prompting drivers to check and adjust tire pressure accordingly.
Yes, the instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade provides diagnostic information about the vehicle’s engine and emissions system through warning symbols that indicate potential issues requiring attention or maintenance.
The instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade includes a temperature gauge or warning symbol that indicates the coolant temperature, allowing drivers to monitor engine temperature and prevent overheating.
Dashboard symbols in the 2013 Cadillac Escalade’s instrument cluster that indicate potential brake system problems include those related to brake fluid level, brake pad wear, or brake system malfunctions, alerting drivers to address any issues promptly.
Yes, the instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade provides information about the vehicle’s mileage and trip data through dedicated displays or digital readouts, allowing drivers to track distance traveled and fuel efficiency.
The instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade displays vehicle speed prominently while also providing information about various vehicle systems such as fuel level, temperature, and warnings for potential issues, allowing drivers to monitor multiple aspects of vehicle performance simultaneously.
Yes, the instrument cluster of the 2013 Cadillac Escalade displays maintenance reminders and service interval notifications through warning symbols or messages, reminding drivers to schedule routine maintenance for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.
Useful Link:
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque
2013 Cadillac Escalade Setting Display | Information Messages