Dashboard Warning Indicators: 2013 Cadillac XTS Guide
On a 2013 Cadillac XTS, the dashboard warning signs are very important because they let drivers know when something might be wrong with their car. These lights are meant to improve safety and maintenance by letting you know about problems with different parts of the car before they get too bad. Drivers need to know what these warning lights mean so they can fix any problems quickly while they’re on the road. Like many new cars, the 2013 Cadillac XTS has several warning lights that show things like the health of the engine, the pressure of the tires, and other important functions. By correctly recognizing and understanding these dashboard signs, Cadillac XTS drivers can make sure that their cars run at their best and last as long as possible.
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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 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 3‑29.
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, 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 3‑22.
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 pages 5‑43.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑29 for important safety information. 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 on pages 5‑16 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. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on pages 5‑35. 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
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. See Ignition Positions on pages 9‑15.
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.
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, 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 on page 9‑57. 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 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 9‑56. 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 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 comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on and stays on, there is a base 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). See Brake System Messages on page 5‑35. 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, there is a problem with a 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 Electric Parking Brake on pages 9‑26. If a message is displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC), see Brake System Messages on pages 5‑35.
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 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. See Brake System Warning Light on page 5‑21 and Brake System Messages on page 5‑35.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
For some vehicles with the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this light briefly comes on amber 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. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle. 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. See Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on page 9‑53.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
For vehicles with the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) system, this light displays green when a vehicle is detected ahead. This light is located in the Driver Information Center (DIC) on vehicles with a base cluster. This light will display amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely. See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System on page 9‑47.
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. See Traction Control System (TCS) on pages 9‑28 and StabiliTrak® System on pages 9‑29.
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 the TCS is off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak systems and the warning light turns off. See Traction Control System (TCS) on pages 9‑28 and StabiliTrak® System on pages 9‑29.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
The StabiliTrak or Traction Control System (TCS) indicator/warning 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 message may be displayed. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) are no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working. See StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑29 and Traction Control System (TCS) on page 9‑28.
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.
Notice: 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. See Engine Overheating on page 10‑14. 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. See Engine Overheating on pages 10‑14.
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 5‑43. 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 10‑41.
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 10‑44.
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.
The oil pressure 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. See Immobilizer Operation on page 2‑17.
High-Beam
On Light This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 6‑3.
Automatic High-Beam Light
This light comes on when the automatic high-beam headlamps are in use. See Exterior Lamp Controls on page 6‑1.
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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and may not come on when the ignition is turned on. This light comes on solid when there is a problem with the AFL system. It flashes when the system is switching between lighting modes. See Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) on pages 6‑5.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use. See Exterior Lamp Controls on page 6‑1.
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. See Cruise Control on pages 9‑32.
Adaptive Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when the Adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped) is active. See Adaptive Cruise Control on page 9‑34.
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 on page 5‑36 for more information.
FAQs
Some common dashboard warning indicators on a 2013 Cadillac XTS include engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery charge, and tire pressure
The “Service Engine Soon” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS indicates that the vehicle needs to be serviced due to a malfunction or issue with the engine
The “Tire Pressure” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS illuminates when the tire pressure is too low or too high, indicating the need for adjustment
The “Battery Charge” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS indicates that the battery is not charging properly or is experiencing a discharge issue
The “Engine Oil Pressure” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS illuminates when the engine oil pressure is too low, indicating the need for an oil change or a leak
The “Coolant Temperature” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS illuminates when the coolant temperature is too high or too low, indicating a potential issue with the cooling system
The “Traction Control System” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS illuminates when the traction control system is activated due to slippery road conditions or a malfunction
The “ABS” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS illuminates when the anti-lock braking system is not functioning properly or has been deactivated
The “Vehicle Stability Assist” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS illuminates when the vehicle stability assist system is not functioning properly or has been deactivated
The “Service Side Detection” notification on a 2013 Cadillac XTS indicates that the vehicle needs to be serviced due to a malfunction or issue with the side detection system
The “Steering Wheel Controls Not Lighting Up” issue on a 2013 Cadillac XTS can affect the functionality of the controls, making it difficult for the driver to adjust settings or access certain features
The “Radio Cuts Out Every 10 Minutes” issue on a 2013 Cadillac XTS indicates a problem with the radio system’s functionality, which can be frustrating for the driver
The “Service Engine Soon” warning light on a 2013 Cadillac XTS indicates a specific issue with the engine, while the “Service Side Detection” notification alerts the driver to a problem with the side detection system
A driver should consult the owner’s manual for guidance on the specific warning indicator and take their vehicle to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair if necessary
A driver can ensure their 2013 Cadillac XTS is functioning properly by regularly checking the dashboard warning indicators, maintaining the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and addressing any issues promptly