Dashboard Symbols Guide: Cadillac ATS 2014 Instrument cluster
Getting behind the wheel of a car, especially the elegant 2014 Cadillac ATS, is like learning to operate a high-tech cockpit. The instrument cluster, a complex collection of symbols and indicators that convey important information about the vehicle’s performance, is at the center of the driving experience. We explore the maze of gauges, lights, and icons in this Cadillac ATS 2014 Dashboard Symbols Guide, which is specifically made to help you understand the language of your car’s operation and health. This extensive guide aims to equip Cadillac ATS enthusiasts with a thorough understanding of their vehicle’s complex communication system, ensuring a seamless and informed driving experience through every turn and bend in the road, from warning lights that require immediate attention to informative symbols guiding you through various driving modes. Welcome to the insightful examination of the Cadillac ATS 2014 instrument cluster, where we will uncover the narrative behind each symbol to create a safer and smoother ride.
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Instrument Cluster
English Shown, Metric Similar
Cluster Application Displays
The cluster has three interactive display zones. Use the five-way control on the right steering wheel control to move between the different display zones and scroll through the different displays. The left and right zones display Driver Information Center (DIC) information. The center zone displays application information for navigation, audio, phone, or settings. A speedometer can also be displayed in this center zone.
Navigation
If there is no active route, a compass will be displayed. If there is an active route, press SEL to end route guidance or turn the voice prompts on or off.
Audio
While the Audio application page is displayed, press SEL to enter the Audio menu. In the Audio menu search for music, select from favorites, or change the audio source.
Phone
While the Phone application page is displayed, press SEL to enter the Phone menu. In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, select from favorites, or scroll through contacts. If there is an active call, mute the phone or switch to handset operation.
Settings
Press SEL while the Settings application page is displayed to enter the Settings menu.
Units: Press SEL while Units is highlighted to enter the Units menu. Choose English or metric units by pressing SEL while the desired item is highlighted. A checkmark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Info Pages: Press SEL while Info Pages are highlighted to select the items to be displayed in the DIC information displays.
Open Source Software: Press SEL while Open Source Software is highlighted to display open source software information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles. This vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If the vehicle needs a new cluster installed, the new odometer is set to the mileage of the old odometer. If this is not possible, it is set at zero and a label is put on the driver door to show the old mileage reading
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Caution
If the engine is operated with the rpm’s in the warning area at the high end of the tachometer, the vehicle could be damaged, and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the rpm’s in the warning area.
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about ut how much fuel is left in the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. When the indicator is empty, the low fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
- At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the 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 moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up.
- The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on, and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
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English
This gauge measures the temperature of the vehicle’s engine.
While driving under normal operating conditions, if the needle moves into the red area, the engine is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
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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Canada and Mexico
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. 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)
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
Service Only Mode, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while the engine is
running, this indicates that there is an OBD II 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.
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 Emissions. Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications. 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.
- 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, 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:
- Make sure the capless funnel adapter is removed, if fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter. 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 should turn off the light. - 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. 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 vehicle is placed in Service Only Mode and the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on. 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
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.
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 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. See the information for the Electric Parking Brake under the Parking Brake (Electric) or Parking Brake (Manual) message displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), see Brake System Messages.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. 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 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 briefly comes on while starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off.
This light comes on green when the system is on and ready to operate.
When the system determines that the vehicle is leaving its lane without using the turn signal, this light will change to amber and flash.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this light in the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays green when a vehicle is detected ahead. This light will display 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 is 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 the 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. 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 be displayed. 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.
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 turns 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.
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 (if equipped) is active.
FAQs
An exclamation point inside a triangle usually denotes a serious problem or defect with your 2014 Cadillac ATS.
The engine is overheating, as indicated by the temperature warning light. It’s important to stop, turn off the engine, and allow your 2014 Cadillac ATS to cool. If the problem continues, check the coolant levels and seek professional advice.
If lit, there may be a problem with the power steering system, so it’s best to have it looked at by a professional mechanic.
The ‘Check Engine’ light suggests that there is an issue with either the engine or the emissions system. It might include little problems or bigger worries. To identify the precise issue with your 2014 Cadillac ATS, a diagnostic scan is advised.
This light indicates low tire pressure in one or more tires on your 2014 Cadillac ATS.
An issue with the Anti Lock Braking System is indicated by the ‘ABS’ light. For maximum safety in your 2014 Cadillac ATS, it is recommended to have the ABS inspected by a professional even though the vehicle’s basic braking capabilities are still present.
A problem with the charging system is indicated by the “Battery” light. Inspect the alternator belt and battery connections on your 2014 Cadillac ATS. Seek additional inspection from a mechanic if the light continues to appear.
The ‘AWD’ light on your Cadillac ATS 2014 means that the All-Wheel Drive system is activated. It’s a typical indicator, particularly when there is little or no traction.
The fuel cap might not be properly sealed, according to the ‘Fuel Cap’ warning. Make sure it’s tightened securely to keep your 2014 Cadillac ATS emissions under control.
The Electronic Stability Control system is indicated by the ‘ESC’ light.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2014 Cadillac ATS Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac CT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review