Dashboard Symbols: 2017 Cadillac CT6 Indicators Guide
Dashboard symbols, which frequently have a complex language of their own, are the complex yet essential communication link between the driver and the car in the complex world of contemporary automotive technology. This link assumes a more complex shape inside the opulent 2017 Cadillac CT6, where each symbol conveys a precise message that provides information about the state and capabilities of the car. The CT6’s display configuration is full with symbols, from informational indications to warning lights, all of which are carefully crafted to effectively and intuitively communicate important information. We take a close look at these symbols in this blog article, elucidating their significance and meanings in relation to the larger fields of automotive engineering and user experience. Come along as we explore the world of Cadillac CT6 dashboard symbols and unravel the mysterious codes that enable smooth communication between the driver and the vehicle.
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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 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 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 passengers to fasten their safety 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 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. 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 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 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.
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.
Battery Cut-Off Light (Hybrid Only)
If this light comes on, the vehicle cannot actively charge and will not be propulsion capable. See your dealer for service.
Battery Failed Light (Hybrid Only)
This light indicates a failure with the high voltage battery. A DIC message may display. See your dealer for service.
Charge Cord Connected (Hybrid Only)
This light comes on when a charge cord is connected to the vehicle.
Battery Charging Light (Hybrid Only)
This light comes on when the high voltage battery is charging
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control on-board 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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Service Vehicle Soon Light (Hybrid Only)
This light comes on if a condition exists with the propulsion system.
If the light comes on, take the vehicle to your dealer for service as soon as possible.
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.
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 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 in ON/ RUN. 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 in ON/RUN.
If this light stays on, the vehicle should be taken to a dealer as soon as possible. If a message displays 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.
Sport Mode Light
This light comes on when Sport mode is selected.
Winter Driving Mode Light
This light comes on when Snow/Ice mode is selected.
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 uplevel 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.
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber when a nearby pedestrian is detected directly in front of the vehicle.
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 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 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.
Electric Engine Overheated Light (Hybrid Only)
This light indicates the electric motor is overheated. Propulsion power will be reduced. The DIC message PROPULSION POWER IS REDUCED may display. See your dealer for service.
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. 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.
Auto Stop Mode (Uplevel Cluster)
This light comes on when the engine is in an Auto Stop.
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 (Hybrid Only)
The vehicle ready light comes on whenever the vehicle is ready to be driven.
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.
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
This icon suggests that your car might be having maintenance problems.
Usually, this symbol denotes a problem with the car’s security system. It might have to do with the anti-theft mechanism or the key fob. For assistance, see the owner’s handbook or contact the dealership.
This symbol denotes a problem with one or more tires, such as low tire pressure or a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Verify the pressure on your tires and add air if required. Have a professional inspect your tires if the problem continues.
This icon suggests that there might be a problem with the battery or charging system of the car. To prevent future malfunctions, it is best to have the battery and charging system inspected by a licensed mechanic.
Usually, this symbol denotes a problem with the emissions control system or engine performance. To stop additional damage, the car must be evaluated by a mechanic as soon as possible.
This icon suggests that there is excessive engine heat. To avoid damage, it’s imperative to stop the engine safely and quickly. Before attempting to drive again, let the engine cool down and get the cooling system checked.
Usually, this symbol denotes a problem with the power steering system of the car. Low power steering fluid levels or a system fault could be the cause. To guarantee safe operation, have a specialist inspect the steering system.
The purpose of this emblem is to encourage passengers to buckle up. All passengers must correctly fasten their seatbelts during motor vehicle operation for their own safety.
Usually, this symbol means that the security system of the car is on. Make that the trunk and all other doors are securely closed and locked, and that the right key fob is being used to disable the system.
The presence of this icon means that the wipers are operating. Usually, it is accompanied by different intensities to indicate different wiper speed settings.
The fuel level of the vehicle is shown by this symbol. It may signify low fuel if the symbol is lighted, in which case you should refuel as soon as possible.
This symbol denotes a problem with either the headlight or taillight, or any of the external lights. Make sure all of the outside lights are operating properly by checking them, and replacing any burned-out bulbs.
Usually, this symbol denotes the activation of the stability or traction control systems. This symbol is expected to light up when making sudden braking movements or when the road is slick.
Usually, this sign denotes the time display. It might also mean that the clock on the car needs to be reset or altered .
The rearview camera system of the car, which is generally utilized for parking assistance and maneuverability in confined places, is indicated by this symbol.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2017 Cadillac CT6 Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2024 Cadillac CT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review